20 Braided Bun Hairstyles, Plus How to Do One

A braided bun combines two of the most practical hairstyles in one. It keeps hair off your face and neck, looks polished in minutes, and works on natural hair, box braids and feed-in braids alike.

Here’s how to do a simple braided bun, plus 20 braided bun ideas to try.

How to Do a Braided Bun

Gather your hair into a ponytail where you want the bun to sit, high or low.
Braid the ponytail and secure the end with a small elastic.
Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail and tuck the end underneath.
Pin it in place with bobby pins, then gently loosen the braid for a fuller bun.

If you already have braids or locs, simply gather them into a ponytail and wrap them into a bun. Don’t pull too tight at the edges.

Braided Bun Ideas

1. Beaded Braided Bun

High braided bun decorated with beads — Source: @fancy_claws

Two braids at the back lead into a high bun, with a beaded braid hanging loose at the edge.

2. Blonde Braided Bun

High bun made with blonde braids — Source: @pearlthestylist_

Blonde braids make a high bun stand out. It’s an easy way to try a lighter color without dyeing.

3. Braids with Curls

Braided updo with loose curls — Source: @fancy_claws

Braids swept up with a few loose curls left out. A glam choice for special events.

4. Box Braids Bun

High bun made from box braids — Source: @nikkifagbemi

Gather box braids into a high bun for an easy, polished style.

5. Center Braid into a Bun

Sleek hair with a center braid leading to a high bun — Source: @fancy_claws

Sleek, swept-back hair with a single braid down the middle, finished in a high bun.

6. Shaved Sides with a Braided Bun

Shaved side design with a braided bun — Source: @dreamcutsbarberlounge

Shaved sides with a pattern, and the rest braided into a bun. A bold, edgy statement.

7. Big Bun with Blue Braids

Large braided bun with dark blue braids — Source: @nneunfiltered

A large, high bun with some braids in dark blue for a subtle pop of color.

8. Cornrows into a Sky-High Bun

Cornrows leading into a high bun with curls — Source: @erica_letstalkhair

Patterned cornrows lead up into a sky-high bun with loose curls.

9. Zigzag Pattern Bun

Zigzag braid pattern into a bun — Source: @braidedbeautiesbds

Braids in a zigzag pattern add interest before they’re gathered into a bun.

10. Classic High Braided Bun

A tall, neat braided bun with no extra pattern or color. Simple and regal.

11. Wave Pattern Updo

Wave-pattern braids in a high bun — Source: @tasha_worldofstyles

Braids in a wave pattern lead into a high bun.

12. Silver-Gray Braided Bun

High bun with jumbo and silver-gray braids — Source: @erica_letstalkhair

A jumbo braid bun with loose side braids, some in silvery gray.

13. Wide Braided Bun

High, wide braided bun — Source: @fancy_claws

A clean braid pattern finished in a high, wide bun.

14. Sleek Bun with Bangs

Sleek twisted bun with bangs and back braids — Source: @fancy_claws

Sleek hair and bangs at the front, braids at the back and a delicate twisted bun.

15. Bun with Loose Side Braids

High braided bun with two loose side braids — Source: @pearlthestylist

A high braided bun with two braids left down at the sides to frame the face.

16. Multi-Tone Braided Bun

Multi-tone feed-in braids in a bun — Source: @naturalhairflows_

Multi-tone feed-in braids make a simple bun pop.

17. Triangle-Part Braided Bun

Triangle-part braids in a high bun — Source: @pearlthestylist_

Triangle parts give braids a unique, geometric look before they go up into a high bun.

18. Double Braided Buns

Two high braided buns instead of one. Fun for summer, holidays and festivals.

19. Black and Blonde Braided Bun

Thin black braids into a blonde bun — Source: @fancy_claws

Thin black braids at the scalp lead into a blonde bun for a two-tone look.

20. Heart Braid Low Bun

Low braided bun with a heart-shaped braid — Source: @transformedbyo

A low bun at the nape with a heart-shaped braid design. Sweet for Valentine’s Day.

FAQs

Do braided buns damage your hair?

Not if they’re done loosely. Heavy braids pulled into a tight, high bun every day can strain your edges, so switch between high and low buns and give your scalp a break.

How long does a braided bun last?

A bun on your natural hair lasts a day or two. If it’s made with braided extensions, the braids usually last four to six weeks, and you can restyle the bun anytime.

How do you sleep with a braided bun?

Take the bun down or loosen it, then cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to reduce frizz and protect your edges.

Final Thoughts

Whether you go sleek and simple or bold with color and patterns, a braided bun always looks put together. For more ideas, see our braided ponytail hairstyles and crown braids.