Perhaps no hairstyle is more reliable than the back bun. This versatile style has been dubbed the internet's most popular style last year after celebrities and influencers rocked the look religiously on and off the red carpet (think Hailey Bieber Bieber went to a Pilates class) and this versatile style exploded.
Although TikTok popularized the hairstyle, slicked-back buns have been around in the beauty world for decades. "In the '90s, buns became more popular," texture expert Jessica Fitzpatrick, owner of Beyond Texture in Brooklyn, tells Bustle . For black and brown women in particular, "we're starting to see this era of looks that are very tight, refined, and fresh."
Fast forward to 2023, and the bun is still a classic. Fitzpatrick believes the style's long-standing acclaim is due to its practicality and versatility. "It's a very elegant look that can easily be paired with beautiful earrings and makeup, or worn casually to run errands."
When it comes to recreating this minimalist style, texture can’t be ignored. Most hair textures generally fall into four categories - Type 1 (straight), Type 2 (wavy), Type 3 (curly) and Type 4 (curly) - but there are some exceptions to these umbrella categories. "As a hairstylist, I often throw [these categories] out the window because there are so many different features beyond curl pattern," Fitzpatrick says. In addition to acknowledging that there can be many different hair types on a head, Fitzpatrick also pays close attention to hair density, or "how many hairs there are on the head, how thick or thin the hair is, and how fine or coarse it is." The strands themselves are. "
While it's important to know which products work best for each hair type, Fitzpatrick says the key to achieving the perfect slicked-back bun isn't texture, but technique. Next, find an expert-approved routine for each hairstyle designed to help you achieve the most stylish, slick-backed bun yet.
How to Create a Back Bun for Type 1 and Type 2 Hairstyles
When creating this supermodel-approved bun for styles 1 and 2, Ashly Daniela, curl expert and hairstylist at Rëzo Salon in New York City, tells Bustle that they essentially require the same technique due to the subtle differences in curl patterns. "Type 1 hair can be fine or thick, and depending on the thickness of the strands, it can also be very oily," says Daniela. "[This is] because oils are able to flow down the hair shaft more easily when the hair is straight rather than curly." Type 2 hair, on the other hand, has a loose "S" shape and is more varied in hair density change.
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When working with straight and wavy hair, it's best to start with dry (but damp) hair. First, choose where you want to part your hair. While Gen Z prefers a middle part, there's no shame in having an asymmetrical back part. "For loose texture, I like to use a bedside wax stick because you don't have to wait for it to dry," says Daniela. Apply product along hairline and on top of head. For a smooth finish, use a small bristle brush to pull your hair into a ponytail.
Once it's smooth enough to your liking, Daniela says, use a hair tie — especially an elastic one with a hook at the end — to secure your ponytail. "They tend to be easier [to use] than regular headbands because you avoid [the appearance] of any annoying bumps." Twist the ponytail into place, then wrap it tightly around the base of the ponytail to create a bun . Either secure it with a bobby pin that matches your hair color or use a second hair tie to hold it in place. Use an edge styler to lay down the remaining flash, then apply a coat of hairspray. Fitzpatrick recommends using Authentic Beauty Concept Work Hairspray to ensure you can easily style your hair all day long. “The way it holds is flexible, so it doesn’t feel heavy,” Fitzpatrick said. "[It will] sparkle."
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How to comb type 3 hair back
Daniela says type 3 is your curly girl. "Type 3 typically has bouncy 'S'-shaped curls that can be low, medium, or high density. [These curls often look a little wavy when wet, but spring back once completely dry." For the smoothest result , for people with type 3 and 4 hair, must use damp hair.
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"Curly hair is more malleable when it's wet," says Fitzpatrick. That being said, Daniella warns against styling wet hair. “Let’s say you washed your hair and now you want to put it into a bun,” says Daniela. "Try to dry the crown area as much as possible [before styling]. You don't want your [roots] to be wet all day, as that can lead to scalp fungus." That said, there's no harm in styling with a wet scalp once in a while ,she says.
First, apply silicone-free hairspray to damp hair (this is because silicone-based hairsprays can cause extra buildup, making the bun less smooth and crunchier). Use a wide bristle brush to work gelled hair into a ponytail, making sure to flatten any stubborn lumps before tying your hair into a pony.
When wearing a ponytail, be sure to actively pull your hair taut and do not allow your hair room to move throughout the day. Fitzpatrick stresses that this step is especially important for girls with curly hair, because curls tend to expand as they dry. Repeat the same steps, twisting your hair into place and then wrapping it around the base of the ponytail, making sure to secure it in place with a hair tie or bobby pins. Use Fortress Edge Styling Hair Oil to smooth down any flyaways and you're good to go.
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How to do a slicked-back bun on type 4 hair
As the curliest texture, type 4 hair typically consists of "tight 'S'-shaped curls, often with high density," says Daniella. "The strands appear curly whether wet or dry."
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To get the coil as flat as possible, slicing will be your best option. Part your hair horizontally on top of your head and cut off the top half, leaving only the bottom half. Since coils are easier to use when wet, keep a spray bottle on hand filled with a mixture of warm water and leave-in conditioner (this will keep your hair moisturized). Use hairspray to tie the bottom half of your hair into a low ponytail, combing your hair from roots to ends. “Australian frozen food has always been the first choice,” Fitzpatrick said. "Just know that you may need to use a clarifying shampoo a few times the next time you wash your hair."
Once you have your low ponytail in place, divide the hair at the top into two even halves so that the middle section is vertical. Take larger or smaller sections as needed, then dampen, moisturize, and comb smooth the hair in those sections at the top of the first ponytail. Throw away the old pony and make a new one, making sure to pull all the hair as tight as possible. Start wrapping your hair around the base of your ponytail and secure it in place with another hair tie, a bobby pin, or both. Go back and apply any necessary smoothing with a stiff-bristle brush, using additional water and gel if needed.
To seal the deal, tie a silk scarf tightly around your head and style your hair for as long as you like. When you're ready to go out, take the scarf off and voila.
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