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The Editors
Updated on January 25, 2021
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2. Criss-Crossing Braids and Messy Bun

braids and high messy bun

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For a completely modern hairstyle, try this braided bun combination here. It’s perfect on those long hot summer nights, when you want to keep the hair off your neck. Complete with a woven set of skinny braids, topped off with a sock bun – you will have everyone asking how to recreate your look!

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Is there a more easy way to freshen up than to make one of braided bun hairstyles? There are quick and casual buns you make in a matter of minutes when you are short on time, and there are stylish variations of braided buns for a romantic date, night out with friends, prom or even wedding. Do you want to look classy and elegant but maximally natural and spontaneous? Then do not look any further than a chic braided bun. We have 35 stellar examples to share.

Updated Versions of Braided Buns

Many elegant images come to mind when you think of a braided bun. So, allow us to give those images the desired modern twist. Get ready to pull out the bobby pins and embellishments because you’re going to want to play! Braided bun hairstyles are great for all seasons.

1. Birdcage Bun

braid around bun

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Symmetry wins with this braid around bun! The visually stunning braid interwoven with strands from the center gives you a topper reminiscent of Grecian ladies flowing in art. You have a way to keep all of your hair in one place but with an intricate lattice work that flows into a smooth swirl.

2. Criss-Crossing Braids and Messy Bun

For a completely modern hairstyle, try this braided bun combination here. It’s perfect on those long hot summer nights, when you want to keep the hair off your neck. Complete with a woven set of skinny braids, topped off with a sock bun – you will have everyone asking how to recreate your look!

braids and high messy bun

@Instagram

3. Untraditional Pinup Style Dutch Braid Updo

This fascinating look is based on a Dutch braid updo. The vibrant colors are shown off nicely with a thick grouping of chunky braids, creating a pompadour in the front that takes you back to the forties. Wear with a comfy dress or some tights and a loose blouse!

braided Mohawk updo

@Instagram

4. Cascading French Braid Swirled Bun

This visually moving French braid with a flower is a classy twist, fit for an evening at the symphony or a simple road trip. With a cascading thicker French braid that turns around into a spiraled bun at the bottom, this hairstyle creates the perfect place to clip a fresh bloom right in the center. This will automatically dress up your look for a romantic date!

French braid bun updo

@Instagram

5. Loose Bun With a Crown Braid

For longer hair, a braided bun featuring a braid around is a way to go. The idea is to create a loose bun, with twists of locks tucked in to finish the look off. A crown braid keeps all of the loose fly-aways in line, while finishing a sweeping updo that shows off your texture and lovely hair color.

beautiful textured bun with a braid around

@Instagram

6. Double Braided Racing Stripes

Two braids are better than one! This dual corded French braid set at a 45 degree angle will have everyone turning their heads to get a better look! The ends of the braids can be twisted, making a fluid U shape at the base of your neck. You will be ready for any invitation that comes your way!

two braids updo

@Instagram

7. Twisted High Crown Bun

A thick, high crown braid with a full, sock bun on top is a style fit for a Queen. Elegant, out of the way, and yet modern enough to wear to the club, this style gives you the height, both on top, and in the front. Wear with a sexy little black dress to make a strong impression on your adoring fans.

high sock bun with a side twist

@Instagram

8. Messy Braided Updo Bun

While some of us are more traditional, there are those who have wild hair or just want to look trendy. Something messy and unique can be found in this updo bun. A series of woven braids in a bun form an impressionist version of the styles of old – perfect for a creative soul!

lace braids updo

@Instagram

9. Blushing Bride’s Braided Updo

The colors of today’s salons are not your grandmother’s colors! We have reclaimed the pinks, purples, and blues of yesterday’s chairs. This messy updo consists of three loose French braids and a low bun, featuring a nest of adorable rosettes fit for a bride!

loose braided updo with rose buds

@Instagram

10. Box Braid Bun

A pile of box braids is no short commitment, but it’s well worth the time it takes to give you gorgeous looks in a variety of simple hairstyles. It’s a classic style that can be done with braids of varied thickness, so make sure you consult with your hairstylist to select a braid type which is suitable for your needs and facial features!

bun from box braids

@Instagram

11. Fishtail Spiral Bun For Longer Hair

Fishtail braids were all the rage in the 90’s, and they’re still a great style today. This braided bun is an intricate path of braids ending in the center. A comb, or veil, might rest atop the bun to accentuate the lines even further. Loose and beautiful – make sure you use lots of pins with this one!

low fishtail bun

@Instagram

12. Frosted Box Braid Twist

This variation of box braids shows a bit more of an artistic theme, narrowing to the point in the center of the hairline. The elegant twist of braids gathered into a bun gives volume, thickness, and class to your already eye-catching updo!

cornrows into bun hairstyle

@Instagram

13. Pretty ‘Bow’ Peep

Two braids can also be joined into a bow style at the base of your neck. Your hair creates a simple illusion while holding everything in place. With a small lift at the roots in the front and a split bun at the bottom, two textured French braids ride over the crown of your head, giving you a style ready for fun!

braids and bow updo

@Instagram

14. Lazy Elegant French Braid Updo

Rows of messy braids take the eye to the back of this updo, where a simple, loose french braid bun gathers in an easy style that is ready for the beach or a road trip with the ladies. Wear anywhere hair is essential, especially when you are hitting the beach or rolling down the windows. Get ready for adventure!

casual messy braids into bun updo

@Instagram

15. Sculptured Updo with Braids

The snaking black braids are sculpted into an intricate maze of twists and turns, while the smooth line of the part enhances the volume of the top in this elegant and sophisticated work of art. The smooth sides give a greater impression of the braided details. Wear if you dare!

black braided updo

@Instagram

16. Cornrows into a Statement Bun

Cornrows have always been a traditional way to tame locks that have a mind of their own. Keeping the strands close to the head gives you control, while the braid of the contrasting color draws attention to the bun. Ready for work or play, this style is classic and can be worn any time in any setting.

cornrows and bun for black women

@Instagram

17. Messy Bun with a Twist

This messy look is great when you are relaxing by the pool or spending time in nature, because the thicker twist in the front keeps you hair off your face and works as an interesting detail. The messy loops give a cool effortless-looking texture for your cute French braid bun.

French braid messy bun

@Instagram

18. Side Braided Low Bun

The sweeping side bun reminds us of times gone by and is reinvented here in this low braided updo. While the rest of the hair is straight, the loose curves of the braid give a new definition to this style. Being sure you look elegant and classy, you can wear this with your most formal gown or a sleek office blazer.

loose low braided bun

@Instagram

19. Rope Braid Bun

Another low bun option is the rope braid bun. Twisted strands braided together create a swirl that looks great when embellished with a flower! Grab your favorite A-Line dress, and go looking fabulous!

twisted bun with a flower

@Instagram

20. Vintage Rope Braid Updo

For those ladies who want to keep tradition alive, the rope braid updo is a way to go. A network of thicker braids weaves together into a lower bun, resulting in one of the best braided bun hairsyles for longer hair. It can be worn for casual or dress up time. The loose curls in the front and intricate twists in the back give you a timeless look everyone will remember!

braided bun for thick hair

@Instagram

21. Romantic Braided Bun Hairstyle For Brunettes

Olga Kurylenko is wearing a low voluminous bun for wavy hair. Thin side braids are incorporated into the cute knot that looks delicately messy thanks to the wavy texture and tiny flyaways. The feminine forehead-framing wave is used instead of side bangs.

braided bun hairstyle for long hair

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

22. Vertical Braided Roll

The means to experiment with buns are endless. You can not only try new textures and finishes, but also find new shapes. A vertical roll is an alternative to a common round bun. Joanne Froggatt achieves a very tender and feminine look, styling a braid with a simple tuck.

braided bun hairstyle for blondes

Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

23. Braids With Bun Hairstyle For Casual Looks

Many girls with long hair like the idea of a top bun as a simple and comfortable summer hairstyle. How to look not like everyone else? Jennifer Morrison adds skinny braids on the sides, and her bun instantly gains an extra playful quirk. Easy-breezy braided bun hairstyles like this one are very popular now!

casual braided bun hairstyle

DFree / Shutterstock.com

24. Chic Black Braided Bun

Lupita Nyong’o looked very cute with short natural hair, but stylish braided updos flatter her no less. Extensions are a great way to skip from short locks to long braids and classy hairstyles, like this crown bun. The combination of thin and thick braids seems very sophisticated.

African American braided bun hairstyle

HelgaEsteb / Shutterstock.com

25. Knotted Bun With Mohawk

Another way to express your creativity in hairstyles is to make a row of knots instead of one traditional bun. You can arrange them vertically in a sort of Mohawk updo. Nina Dobrev is here to show off her whimsical knotted fauxhawk. So chic!

messy braided bun hairstyle

HelgaEsteb / Shutterstock.com

26. Cute Braided Bun Hairstyle

One important condition of success with the chosen hairstyle is its appropriateness to the setting where you wear it. The compact bun of Rashida Jones is good for school or office. This compact bun looks neat, trendy and prevents your locks from getting into the way.

French braided bun hairstyle

HelgaEsteb / Shutterstock.com

27. Low Side Bun

Charlize Theron’s exquisite side bun features an intricate braided pattern. The inverted braid that starts at the right ear joins with the braid on the other side and then they are wrapped together into a side knot. Well, feels like a job for a professional, eh?

side braided bun hairstyle

DFree / Shutterstock.com

28. Cool French Braid Bun

Genevieve Hannelius has tried on a look of a beautiful young fairy for the 2014 Creative Emmy Awards. Her flowing floor-length gown was complemented by a cute braided hairstyle with an awesome heart-shaped silhouette.

cute braided bun hairstyle for girls

HelgaEsteb / Shutterstock.com

29. Sleek Braided Bun With A Jeweled Headband

Although most trendy buns of the current season are made on the base of tousled locks, you may always include an idea of a glamorous polished updo into your hairstyle variants for special occasions. Emmy Rossum’s sleek glossy bun looks so tender and delicate that we can easily imagine it as an elegant wedding updo.

formal braided bun hairstyle

HelgaEsteb / Shutterstock.com

30. Crown Bun With A Braided Trim

If you want to style a big bun, resort to bun makers which help to achieve bulky buns effortlessly. They hold shape and offer a cool crown-like silhouette. Shaun Robinson’s bun is tastefully adorned with a thin braid, wrapped around its base.

sleek braided bun hairstyle

HelgaEsteb / Shutterstock.com

31. Charming Braids And Bun Hairstyle

Jessica Lowndes chooses a classy updo with a centre part and two diverging French braids with their ends wrapped behind the left ear into a cute little bun. The right hairstyle to create an image of Lady Perfection!

crown braid and bun hairstyle

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

32. Sleek Braided Ballerina Bun

The ballerina bun, worn high on the top of your head is never out of fashion, even when we are so obsessed with the trend on messy hairstyles. Amanda Seyfried’s ballerina is adorned with a thick braid to support the gorgeous 3d appliqué of her dress.

sleek and tight braided bun hairstyle

JStone / Shutterstock.com

33. Side Bun From Skinny Dreadlocks For Natural Hair

Ava Du Vernay resorts to skinny dreadlocks to extend her natural hair. While bulky dreads are usually worn freely hanging or in simple hairstyles, such as low ponies, skinny dreadlocks work as box breads or thin twists. They look wonderful in all kinds of updos.

braided bun hairstyle for black hair

CarlaVanWagoner / Shutterstock.com

34. Boho Crown Braid

Not quite a bun, but a fancy braided hairstyle, reminiscent of braided buns is presented by Anna Paquin. A very loose braid is styled in a circle in a sort of a crown.

Boho braided bun hairstyle

s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

35. Braided Bun On The Crown For A Round Face

A braided bun, sitting high on the crown is a great updo solution for a round face. Hong Chau is rocking a cute compact braided bun, made on the base of a high slick pony. Leave the tail of your braid sticking out of the bun for the added playful note in your hairstyle.

sleek braided bun hairstyle for girls

Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Braided bun hairstyles always look very feminine, and buns are a comfortable way to wear your medium and long locks. Braids make simple buns more sophisticated, even if it’s a casual hairstyle. Save the ideas you like and don’t be afraid to try new styling solutions!

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