17 Subtle Changes That Make Your curly bun Look Brand New
Let’s be real: the curly bun is a lifesaver. It’s our go-to style for second-day hair, hectic mornings, and those days when we just can’t be bothered. It’s a classic, a staple, a trusty friend in our hairstyling arsenal. But sometimes, even our most reliable friends can feel a little… predictable. If your bun has started to feel more like a uniform than an expression of style, you’ve come to the right place.
The good news is that you don’t need to learn a complicated new braiding technique or spend an hour with a head full of pins to refresh your look. Often, the smallest, most subtle tweaks can make the biggest impact. We’re talking about changes so simple you can do them in minutes, yet so effective they’ll have people asking, “Is that a new hairstyle?” Ready to fall in love with your curly bun all over again? Let’s dive into these 17 transformative tips.
1. Change Your Part
It’s incredible how such a simple shift can alter your entire look. If you always wear a middle part, try a deep side part. It instantly adds volume at the crown and creates a more dramatic, sculptural frame for your face. Conversely, if you’re a dedicated side-parter, a middle part can give a sleek, modern, and balanced appearance. Don’t be afraid to play with zig-zag or curved parts for an extra touch of uniqueness before you sweep your hair up.
2. Master the “Pancake” Fluff
This is the number one secret for a bun that looks full and intentional, rather than small and tired. Once your bun is secured, gently pull apart the curls in different sections to widen and flatten them slightly—like you’re making a pancake. Start from the outer layers and work your way in, being careful not to pull the bun completely out. This technique maximizes the visual volume of your curls, making your bun look bigger, bolder, and beautifully defined.
3. Introduce a Textured Element with a Braid
You don’t need to braid your entire head of hair. Instead, incorporate a small, subtle braid as an accent. Try a braided crown that wraps into the bun, or simply braid the section of hair around your face before combining it with the rest for the bun. A Dutch braid or a simple three-strand plait adds a beautiful textural contrast to your free-formed curls and makes the style look meticulously crafted.
4. Vary the Height and Position
Where you place your bun completely changes your vibe. A high bun at the crown of your head is playful, elegant, and perfect for showing off your neck and features. A low bun at the nape of your neck is chic, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool. A messy bun positioned at the back of your head is casual and relaxed. Simply changing the altitude of your bun can make it feel like a whole new style.
5. Leave Out Strategic Face-Framing Pieces
Instead of pulling every strand back, leave out a few tendrils. But be strategic about it! Pull out two or three tiny curls around your hairline, or leave out a slightly longer, chunkier piece to frame your jawline. You can even twist these pieces lightly for a more polished look. These face-framing wisps soften your features and prevent the bun from looking too severe or “done.”
6. Switch Up Your Hair Tie
The tool you use to secure your bun matters more than you think. Ditch the standard elastic once in a while. A large, spiral hair tie is fantastic for reducing creases and maintaining curl definition. A velvet scrunchie adds a pop of color and texture while being gentle on your hair. For a truly invisible hold, use bobby pins or a hair fork to secure a twist instead of a tie. Each tool gives a different base shape and finish.
7. Create Volume at the Crown
A flat crown can make even the most voluminous bun look deflated. Before gathering your hair, create some lift at the roots. Gently backcomb the hair at the crown with a comb, or simply flip your head over, tease the roots with your fingers, and spray with a light-hold texturizing spray before gathering it into your bun. This base volume gives your style a lift that feels modern and glamorous.
8. Play with the Bun’s Center
Not all buns need to be a solid mass of curls. Create a “donut” bun by pulling the bun slightly away from your head, creating a central space. You can also make a small hole right above the base of your ponytail and “tunnel” the tail through it for a simple, twisted look. This negative space adds architectural interest and makes the style feel lighter and more deliberate.
9. Twist Before You Coil
This is a game-changer for texture and hold. Instead of just wrapping your ponytail around itself, twist the length of your hair before you coil it into a bun. This creates a rope-like effect that looks elegant and intricate. It also helps to control frizz and gives the bun a more unified, structured shape that still showcases your curl pattern.
10. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
Accessories are the fastest way to signal a new look. We’re not just talking about a basic hair elastic. Think bigger. Wrap a delicate chain around your bun. Slide in a statement hair clip or a few decorative pins at the base. Tie a silk scarf around the bun or use it to tie the bun itself. A single, stunning accessory can become the focal point and make your entire style feel brand new.
11. Define Your Edges and Baby Hairs
This small detail has a huge impact on a polished finish. Using a small brush and a bit of edge control or gel, style your baby hairs and hairline. You can go for soft waves, swoops, or tiny curls. This frames your face perfectly, makes your hairstyle look complete, and shows that you paid attention to the details.
12. Experiment with Wet vs. Dry Styling
The state of your hair when you create the bun dictates the final result. A bun made on soaking wet hair with gel will dry into a solidified, cast-like shape with intense definition and a sleek look. A bun made on dry, day-two or three hair will be much softer, frizzier, and more romantic. Try both to see which look you prefer for different occasions.
13. Make it a “Half-Up” Bun
Why commit all your hair? A half-up, half-down style is a fantastic way to enjoy the bun while still showing off the length and volume of your curls. Gather only the top section of your hair into a small, often higher, bun. This keeps hair out of your face while letting the rest of your curls cascade down your back, offering the best of both worlds.
14. Change the Direction of Your Twist
Most of us have a default direction we twist our hair. If you always twist clockwise, try counter-clockwise. This simple change alters the way the hair falls around your face and the direction the bun itself spirals. It seems insignificant, but it can make your features look different and break you out of your styling autopilot.
15. Use a Texture Spray
If your curls are feeling a little limp or too uniform, a texture or sea salt spray can be your best friend. Lightly spritz it on your hair before you make the bun. It will enhance your natural wave pattern, add grit and hold, and give you that perfectly imperfect, beachy texture that makes a messy bun look incredibly stylish.
16. Try a “Double Bun” or Space Buns
For a seriously playful and eye-catching look, split your hair down the middle and create two buns. You can place them high on your head for a fun, retro space-bun vibe, or lower for a more sophisticated double low bun. This style distributes the volume in a unique way and is guaranteed to feel fresh and new.
17. The “Pull-Through” Ponytail Bun
This technique creates a bun with incredible volume and a fascinating, woven texture. You make a ponytail but don’t pull the hair all the way through the final loop of the hair tie, creating a loop. Then, you split the loop in half and pull the remaining tail of hair through the center. Fluff it out, and you have an instant, voluminous bun with no pins needed. It’s a different construction method that yields a uniquely full result.
Your Curly Bun, Reimagined
See? You don’t need a dramatic chop or a complicated style to feel like you have a brand-new look. Your beloved curly bun is a canvas waiting for your creativity. By playing with its position, texture, and accessories, you can create a seemingly endless variety of styles that suit any mood or occasion.
The next time you reach for that hair tie, challenge yourself to try just one of these subtle changes. Twist instead of wrap. Add a clip. Pancake that bun. These small shifts are what transform a simple hairstyle into a signature look. So go ahead, give your curly bun the refresh it deserves, and get ready to turn heads with your “new” favorite hairstyle.
