The side bun is one of those hairstyles that flatter almost anyone. It’s a fun, flirty, and versatile updo, allowing you to feel pulled together without looking fussy. It will always be in demand for formal events, but today the hairstyling dress codes are less strict, and you can wear messy styles even to the biggest galas, because lightness and spontaneity are in fashion. Here’s a gallery of different types of bun hairstyles where you can find an updo to suit your taste, outfit, and occasion.
You can twist your bun under, but you can twist it up as well. A cute, single braid accentuates the bun that is brought to the side and then twisted up towards the ear. The crown has a bit of height, which makes the front view of this updo even more attractive.
@modernsalon
A soft-textured bun is a way to incorporate a bit of intricate yet unforced design into an otherwise understated look. The hair is formed into twists that begin at the sides and feed into the bun. Several large pieces of hair are pulled out to linger at the nape of the neck.
@laurenghairmakeup
A rich hair color and wavy texture coming together will definitely give your updo a style boost. Once the bun is in place, pull out a few strands with your fingers or the end of a rat-tail comb for a more relaxed look.
@modernsalon
Curly off-center buns are good for shorter locks. You can combine them with a braided element of your choice, such as a crown braid or braided bangs, for instance. A bouffant is also a plus for most loose updos.
@modernsalon
These tousled locks look weightless and spontaneous thanks to the messy texture and several stray pieces escaping the bun. A lovely, embellished hair piece is placed right at the base of the bun for a touch of sparkle.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
When it comes to proms, weddings, or black tie events, buns are staples (and look great in images). Ensure yours stands out by incorporating a thick, twisting French braid that runs across your head and around the bun from one side to the other, as seen here.
@braidsbyjordan
This chic bun thrives on contrasts: a super-dark base color is accentuated with caramel ends, while loose curls are juxtaposed against the sleek upper strands. It’s a wonderful option if you’re currently sporting ombre or balayage.
@braidstudio
Ideal for ladies with coarser, naturally curly hair, this twisted low messy updo can certainly let you get away with having unstyled (or even second-day) hair at an elegant event. Just be sure to secure your hair with plenty of bobby pins and hairspray.
@rootedhairstudiolq
This delicate loose bun with sweet hanging tendrils is the epitome of a chic messy updo. We suggest garnishing fully styled hair with a piece of costume jewelry you already have to bring in some extra sparkle, in addition to running a curling iron through sections before securing everything with pins.
@tonyastylist
Side updos like this one were meant for Instagram. Although you don’t necessarily have to be a Grecian goddess to rock this incredibly elegant multi-fishtail braid, you will probably end up looking like one once the style is complete. Be sure to leave a few loose, hanging tendrils in the front to achieve a messy touch.
@nadigerber
Most suitable for a rustic wedding or a similar countryside ceremony, this low, messy bun with French braids embodies the essence of country chic. To set off a messier updo, try pairing the style with an elegant red lip for a touch of class.
@annette_updo_artist
More often than not, buns pulled to the side are most attractive (and doable) when worn near the nape of the neck. Not always so, as this style for long hair shows. Ensure your hair is properly teased at the top and through the length to provide that envious sky-high elevation.
@n.starck
Able to move seamlessly from a day at the office to a night out on the town with girlfriends, this updo is elegant and minimalistic. The trick is to make strands as sleek as possible, using pomade or serum to smooth out frizz.
@salonxvi
This low, messy updo with balayage coloring and a massive fishtail braid is unapologetically authentic. Delicate tendrils that frame the model’s face balance out the slight unruliness in the back, while providing amplification and volume throughout. Keep makeup and jewelry simple.
@tonyastylist
Although this braided, side-positioned bun looks like one of those styles you see when scrolling through Instagram, being absolutely convinced you can’t pull it off, this look is easily achievable. Start with a side part and weave a French braid along the hairline, wrapping it around a tight braided bun.
@anniesforgetmeknots
Picture-perfect for the bride, bridesmaids, or even the mother of the bride, this off-center bun with a thick, face-framing braid will make you the belle of the ball. Although the style looks best when hair is sleek and in place, you can leave a few light strands hanging in the front.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Fit for a natural-looking bride, this ultra cute Dutch braid into bun style is ideal for a bohemian wedding or even just a night out with friends. The best part? The look is incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only a curling iron, some mid-level braiding skills, and a handful of pins.
@rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty
If your hair color is drastically different on the ends, this super standout style is perfect for you. Even more striking are the varying types of braids, as this model sports a Dutch, French, and traditional braid – all in one harmonious twist.
@annette_updo_artist
Side hairstyles are ever-elegant, with their popularity dating back decades, even centuries. This classic bun is updated with braids and a dark burgundy and cherry color mix.
@sadiejcre8s
Buns that are styled asymmetrically are absolutely perfect for sporting embellishments on special occasions, like this delicate pink flower arrangement. When placing flowers or jewelry into your updo, just be sure to keep the rest of your hair sleek and plainly styled to draw the most attention to the bouquet or clip.
@duyenhuynh
This stunning, wedding-ready loose bun has two big factors going for it. The first is undoubtedly the multi-component braids that weave large chunks of hair seamlessly and elegantly. The second is the gorgeous balayage coloring that helps to accentuate each and every unique strand.
@hairicome_
Not all bun hairstyles suggest intricate, creative weaving techniques and fancy dye applications. Rather, as this picture exemplifies, some of the most beautiful buns are some of the simplest hairstyles, requiring only a quick pullback of the hair, minor braiding, and plenty of hairspray to bring everything together.
@kellgrace
The chunky highlights help to dramatize the drastic color difference in this trendy low, one-sided updo. Although the model pictured here has noticeably thicker locks, women with thinner hair can certainly achieve the look with a volumizing mousse and hairspray.
@goldplaited_
If you’re headed to a wedding (or are the bride!), a curled updo pulled to the side is a worthy hairstyle option. Not only do the soft curls provide tremendous volume, but the low bun is visible from the front, making it especially beautiful in photographs.
@swellbeauty
With off-center upstyles, there are so many mesmerizing looks to choose from. But when paired with a sleek, halo-esque headband, you’re bound to create a memorable look. We suggest one with sparkles or jewels to truly make an entrance when you arrive at your special event.
@kellgrace
Simplistic and sleek in its design, but still beautiful from every angle, this updo is ideal for formal occasions such as a wedding, prom, or a black-tie gala. The blonde locks are formed into a smooth knot with not a hair out of place. The finishing touch is the large floral hair accessory that instantly brings elegance to the look.
@modernsalon
The low knot with all hair neatly tucked in creates a streamlined silhouette with soft and sluggish lines. A single visible bobby pin seems to hold the updo from falling apart. It gives you a very supple and, therefore, feminine feel.
@pravana
A classy updo like this can last through a hectic day at the office and also a hot night out on the town. The hair is fashioned into a sleek, polished bun shifted to one side. There is also a side part and a twisted section that works like bangs and flows into the bun.
@dream_reflection_makeup_hair
Sheer elegance is what’s presented with this side bun that proves less is more when it comes to an updo. The hair is parted in the middle, combed to the side for a sleek appearance, gathered into a compact bun, and finished with a beautiful light pink flower placed right at the base of the bun.
@dionnesmithhair
Styles with braids are very versatile; you can wear them as a half-up or a full updo. This messy Dutch braid across the nape of the neck is finished with a bun, but you could also leave a freely hanging pony along the side of your neck.
@modernsalon
If your locks are fine, you need to find creative ways to make your hair look thicker and more voluminous. It’s not as easy to achieve with a bun, but it’s possible. A pompadour will offer a nice lift at the front. Tease the roots and make loose twists all over the head. Bring the ends of your locks to the side, backcomb, and shape a messy bun with air inside.
@modernsalon
In this intricate and creative style, the locks are loosely braided and draped to be gathered into a relaxed, voluminous knot. The height at the crown provides a welcome balance to the overall look.
@modernsalon
This cute creation features a teased crown, a side bang with a deep side part, and a bun that is swirled and pinned aptly into a lovely roll. This could be both a wedding hairstyle and your casual, classy updo.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
This twisted bun is easy, even if it looks intricate at first sight. For a messy finish, style it with no previous combing or with a light teasing. Start making a side rope braid close to the scalp, and once you reach the nape, make a simple twist out of the freely hanging locks. Roll it into a loose bun and pin it in place.
@modernsalon
Low buns to the side can look just as charming when they are intentionally messy as they do when they are sculpted and sleek. This is a perfect example of a casual updo that is elevated to the rank of a classy hairstyle thanks to the bouffant and a thin braided headband.
@hairdaywithpey
This updo has the same idea of combining a crown braid, bouffant, off-center bun, and fringe, but it looks a bit different on brown locks with highlights. Don’t be afraid to copy a hairstyle you like – you will never look exactly like someone else. Every detail in your updo – the color of your hair, its length, and texture – matters, and the final result always comes out different.
@erinstuartstyles
Normally, when you decide to tuck your bun near your ear, your hair color takes a backseat, making way for the texture. However, in this example, the coloring lends the hair a nice amount of depth and dimension.
@modernsalon
The hairstyle looks perfectly neat and girly. A simple side braid and a twisted bun can be styled even by a beginner, while it’s a lovely and comfortable casual hairstyle for school or work.
@christophertakahashi
Wearing bangs is always a nice touch to a bun updo. These bangs are swept up and off to the side carelessly, and the same careless mood is supported by the messily rolled bun.
@camilanunes_makecabelos
Adding texture to side bun hairstyles is a smart move because texture always means some extra volume and depth. For this updo, loosely braided and twisted curly locks create an intricate and inspiring design.
@thebeautycase
Whether you prefer messy and carefree or more polished and sleek hairdos, there are so many pretty side bun hairstyles to choose from. Ideal for everyday casual occasions or more formal outings, these styles are here to stay.
