How To Keep a Middle Part for Your Slicked Back Bun

Olga Markuse

Olga is a professional wedding hairstylist based in the UK. She specializes in modern, effortless, relaxed looks, which emphasize her client’s best features. Olga's hairstyles have been featured in print magazines such as Salonfocus and Weddings & Honeymoons. The stylist is sharing her knowledge and love for hair by training and mentoring other hairdressers.

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updated on December 6, 2024

Why does the middle part of your hair always disappear when you try to make a high bun? You see celebrities and influencers slaying that glossy slick bun with a middle part and keep thinking about how on earth they make it work. If you try brushing your hair back off the bat, your middle part will never (never!) stay in place, no matter the amount of gel that you use. We found this video by @jamievanslooten, an Instagram influencer, who shares an easy step-by-step guide on how to make your bun look like Nicole Richie’s.

Take a 3–4-inch hair section at the front of your head and clip it at the front. Then make a high ponytail at the point where you would like your bun to sit. Use some gel to make it uber smooth.
Release the front part of your hair and make a middle parting. Use a tail comb for a perfect line. Next, apply some gel, brush each side away from your face, and place them exactly where you want.

Jamie, the author of this tutorial uses snap clips, however, if you have metal sectioning clips on hand, those will be best for a seamless outcome.

Now, take another hair band and make a new ponytail on top of the first one. This will keep the side strands in line with the rest of the hair.
Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the band to form the shape of a bun. Use a few bobby pins or another hair band to keep it in place. We love how Jamie left the ends out.

Use some get throughout the length of your ponytail to make the bun smooth and neat.

Take out the clips that kept your side strands in place and finish your updo with some strong hold hairspray.

One of Jamie’s followers wonders: “Does it make it greasy / do you feel like you need to wash your hair the day after?”

Possibly using hair gel will require scheduling a hair wash the next day or the day after. Yet, a sleek bun is a great way to disguise your second-day hair while looking elegant and put together.

“It does look good on her, but I can only imagine myself with my extremely round face.” This is another comment we saw on this video.

While a slicked back look is not everyone’s cup of tea, you can wear the same hairstyle with some face-framing strands. If you have bangs or face-framing layers, you can leave those down and use some serum to make them smooth to suit the sleekness of the bun.

We hope you found this tutorial useful and will try it when it is the right time for you. If you’re wondering whether a middle part or a side part would better complement your face shape, consider exploring the pros and cons of each parting to find your ideal match.