by Susan Quilty

Created on: May 17, 2009

Whether you are a ballerina or are just looking for a new updo, the ballerina bun is a timeless hairstyle to add to your repertoire.

The classic ballerina bun can be positioned high on the head, straight in the back, or at the base of the neck. Hair can even be divided and twisted in each side of the head a la Princess Leia.

Ballerina buns work best with long hair, but they can also be created for shorter, shoulder-length hair. The method for shorter hair is different than for long hair, but will still create a ballerina bun.

Before you begin, you will need the following supplies:

1. Hairbrush or comb

2. Elastic hair bands

3. Lots of bobby pins (large for long hair, small for short)

4. A thin hairnet in a color that matches the hair

5. Hairspray

For best results begin with slightly damp hair. It may help to wear the elastic bands around one wrist until they are ready to be used.

* Twist Ballerina Bun for Long Hair

This is the classic bun used by ballerinas to keep hair securely in place. It can be placed high or low, depending on hair length.

1. Brush or comb hair and gather into a ponytail, continuing to brush the hair smooth to the point where you are holding the hair.

2. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band.

3. Twist the ponytail into a long rope (either direction).

4. Wrap the twisted ponytail around its base, tucking the end underneath.

5. *Optional: Secure the bun with a second elastic around the base, being careful not to lose hold of the bun.

6. Cover the bun with the hairnet, twisting and rewrapping it until the hairnet fits over the bun.

7. *Optional: If the hairnet is loose, pull the loose part under the bun and secure with a bobby pin.

8. Use bobby pins to secure the edges of the bun by sliding each pin through the bun edge and into the underside of the base, catching some of the hair flat on your head as you pin.

9. Smooth back any stray hairs and secure with bobby pins as needed.

10. Spray all over with hairspray.

* Ballerina Bun for Short Hair

Depending on the length of the hair, this bun may need to be placed lower on the head. If hair is very fine, it may help to add mousse or a similar styling product to the hair before beginning.

1. Brush or comb hair and gather into a ponytail, continuing to brush the hair smooth to the point where you are holding the hair.

2. Secure the ponytail with an elastic band.

3. Divide the ponytail in half, top and bottom and temporarily secure bottom half with an elastic band to keep it separate.

4. Take one-third of the top ponytail and fold it around your fingers, curling it away from the center of the ponytail until it is in a roll against your head. Secure with a bobby pin.

5. Repeat with each of the remaining thirds of the top of the ponytail.

6. Remove the temporary elastic from the bottom half of the ponytail and secure three more rolls of hair as you did in the top section.

7. Cover the bun with the hairnet, twisting and rewrapping it until the hairnet fits over the bun. If necessary, pull any loose part of the hairnet under the bun and secure with a bobby pin.

8. Use bobby pins to secure the edges of the bun by sliding each pin through the bun edge and into the underside of the base, catching some of the hair flat on your head as you pin.

9. Smooth back any stray hairs and secure with bobby pins as needed.

10. Spray all over with hairspray.

Whether your hair is long or short, with a little practice you will be able to make a perfect ballerina bun.

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