5 Easy Steps to Perfect the Military Bun

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A military bun is a hairstyle that is both stylish and practical. It is perfect for women who want to keep their hair out of their face while they are working or exercising. The military bun is also a versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down.

In this article, you will learn how to do a military bun. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect bun. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

To do a military bun, you will need the following supplies:

A hairbrush
A hair tie
A bobby pin (optional)

Once you have gathered your supplies, you can follow these steps to create a military bun:

Brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
Pull your hair into a high ponytail.
Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
Wrap the ponytail around the base of the ponytail holder.
Secure the bun with a bobby pin (optional).
Spray the bun with hairspray (optional).

And there you have it! With a few simple steps, you can create a military bun that is both stylish and practical.

The Basics of Military Buns

Military buns are a classic hairstyle that has been worn by soldiers for centuries, particularly within the United States armed forces. Distinct from the regula bun style, it is characterized by its sharp, clean lines and compact form. The military bun is both practical and stylish, and it can be worn in a variety of settings.

Creating a Military Bun

To create a military bun, you will need the following:

A brush or comb
Bobby pins
Hairspray (optional)

Brush your hair: Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Then, gather your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie.
Divide the ponytail: Divide the ponytail into two equal sections. Then, twist each section tightly in the same direction.
Wrap the twists: Take one twist and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. Secure the twist with a bobby pin. Repeat with the other twist.
Pin the bun: Once both twists are wrapped around the base of the ponytail, pin them together with bobby pins. Make sure the pins are secure and that the bun is tight.
Smooth the hair: Use a brush or comb to smooth the hair on the surface of the bun. You can also use hairspray to help keep the bun in place.

Choosing the Right Hair Type

Long, straight, and medium-thick to thick hair is most suitable for creating a military bun. The proper texture and length allow for secure and tidy styling with the use of hairpins or bungee cords. On the other hand, shorter hair and hair that is very fine or curly may be more challenging to work with, but not impossible.

The following table provides a quick summary of hair types and their suitability for military buns:

Hair Type	Suitability
Long, straight, medium-thick to thick	Ideal
Medium-length, straight, fine to medium-thick	Suitable with some effort
Short, straight, fine to medium-thick	May require additional hair products or accessories
Long, curly, fine to medium-thick	Challenging, but possible with proper preparation
Short, curly, fine to medium-thick	Not recommended

Preparing Your Hair

Brush and Detangle Your Hair

Before beginning, brush your hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. This will make the bun-making process smoother and help to prevent breakage.

Use a Hair Spray or Mousse (Optional)

To achieve a firmer hold and prevent flyaways, you may consider applying a small amount of hairspray or mousse to your hair before creating the bun. Focus on the top and sides of your hair where the bun will be secured.

Section Your Hair

To make it easier to create the bun, section your hair into three parts: the top, the sides, and the back. Secure the top and side sections with hair ties or clips to keep them out of the way while you work on the back section.

Creating the Back Base

Gather the hair from the back section and twist it into a tight rope. Wrap the rope around the base of your ponytail, securing it with bobby pins.

Adding the Side Sections

Release the side sections and gently brush them to remove any tangles. Take one side section and wrap it around the back base, securing it with bobby pins. Repeat with the second side section.

Finishing the Bun

Use bobby pins to secure any loose ends and smooth out the surface of the bun. Tuck the ends of the side sections under the bun to create a clean finish. If desired, you can spray the bun with hairspray to enhance its hold.

Creating the Base Braid

The base braid is the foundation of a military bun. It’s a simple three-strand braid that starts at the nape of the neck and ends at the crown of the head. To create it, follow these steps:

Brush your hair. This will remove any tangles or knots that could make braiding difficult.
Gather your hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail.
Divide the ponytail into three equal sections. You can use your fingers or a comb to do this.
Begin braiding the three sections together. Cross the left section over the middle section, then cross the right section over the new middle section. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the ponytail.
Secure the braid with a hair tie. You can use a clear or black hair tie, depending on your preference.
Loosen up the braid slightly by pulling on the outer loops. This will give the braid a fuller, more voluminous look.
Pin the braid to the crown of your head. Use bobby pins to secure the braid in place.

If you want to make a more decorative base braid, you can add beads, ribbons, or other embellishments to the braid.

Rolling and Securing the Coil

1. **Brush and gather your hair into a high ponytail:** Secure it tightly with an elastic band.

2. **Create three sections of hair:** Divide your ponytail into three equal sections. Braid or twist each section loosely.

3. **Roll the braids together:** Take the three braided sections and begin rolling them together tightly towards the tips.

4. **Secure the coil with a hair tie:** Once the coil is tight, secure the tips with an elastic band or bobby pins.

5. **Flatten and smooth the coil:** Gently flatten the coil by pressing down on it with your fingers. Use a brush or comb to smooth out any uneven sections.

Tips for a Secure and Professional-Looking Coil
– Use a strong elastic band for the ponytail.
– Braid or twist the hair sections tightly to prevent them from coming loose.
– Roll the coil in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction consistently.
– Use bobby pins or hairspray to reinforce the coil and prevent it from falling apart.
– Practice regularly to improve your technique and achieve the desired tightness and shape.

Finishing Touches

6. Use Hairspray or Gel

To help keep your bun in place all day, apply a small amount of hairspray or gel to the bun. Focus on the edges and any loose strands. You can also use bobby pins to secure the bun further.

Additional Tips:

For a tighter hold, use a strong-hold hairspray or gel.
If using bobby pins, insert them perpendicular to the hair to prevent slippage.
Consider using a hairnet to cover and protect the bun.
For a sleek finish, use a brush or comb to smooth out any flyaways.

Hair Type	Hairspray or Gel Recommendations
Fine hair	Lightweight hairspray or gel
Thick hair	Strong-hold hairspray or gel
Oily hair	Alcohol-based hairspray or gel
Dry hair	Moisturizing hairspray or gel

Variations on the Military Bun

There are several variations on the military bun, each with its own unique style and purpose.

The High Bun

The high bun is the most commonly seen variation of the military bun. It is created by pulling the hair up into a high ponytail and then wrapping it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. The high bun is a popular choice for both men and women, as it is easy to style and maintain and it keeps the hair out of the way during physical activity.

The Low Bun

The low bun is a variation of the military bun that is created by pulling the hair up into a low ponytail and then wrapping it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. The low bun is a more casual style than the high bun, and it is often seen on women with longer hair.

The Side Bun

The side bun is a variation of the military bun that is created by pulling the hair up into a side ponytail and then wrapping it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. The side bun is a popular choice for women with shorter hair, as it can help to create the illusion of length.

The French Braid Bun

The French braid bun is a variation of the military bun that is created by braiding the hair into a French braid and then wrapping it around the head to form a bun. The French braid bun is a more elaborate style than the traditional military bun, and it is often seen on women with long hair.

The Ponytail Bun

The ponytail bun is variation of the military bun that is created by pulling the hair up into a ponytail and then wrapping the ponytail around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. The ponytail bun is a quick and easy style that is perfect for everyday wear.

The Messy Bun

The messy bun is a variation of the military bun that is created by pulling the hair up into a loose bun and then leaving some of the hair loose around the face. The messy bun is a popular choice for women with curly or wavy hair, as it can help to create a more relaxed and casual look.

The Half-Up Bun

The half-up bun is a variation of the military bun that involves putting only a portion of hair up into a bun, leaving the remaining hair loose. The half-up bun is composed by putting the top half of the hair into a bun, often with the help of a hair elastic or other hair accessory. This bun is versatile and can be worn casually or formally, depending on the occasion and personal preference.

Tips for a Neat and Tight Bun

Achieving a military-grade bun requires precision and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure a sharp and polished look:

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather a hairbrush, hair elastics, bobby pins, and hairspray (optional).

Prepare Your Hair

Brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. If you have thick or coarse hair, consider using a detangling spray.

Create a High Ponytail

Tie your hair into a high ponytail as close to the crown of your head as possible. Secure it tightly with a hair elastic.

Section Off the Hair

Divide the ponytail into three equal sections.

Smooth and Roll the First Section

Take the first section and smooth it out. Starting at the ends, roll it tightly towards your scalp, creating a small and even coil.

Secure the First Coil

Wrap the coiled section around the base of the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins.

Smooth and Roll the Remaining Sections

Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the remaining two sections, keeping the coils tight and evenly spaced.

Wrap the Coils Around the Base

Take the three coils and wrap them around the base of the ponytail in a neat and overlapping pattern. Secure them with bobby pins.

Smooth and Tuck the Hair

Use a brush to smooth any loose hairs or flyaways. Gently tuck them into the bun to create a clean and polished appearance.

Secure the Bun

Insert additional bobby pins around the perimeter of the bun to ensure it stays secure all day long.

Optional: Use Hairspray

If desired, lightly mist hairspray over the bun to keep it in place and prevent frizz.

Troubleshooting Common Hair Bun Problems

Problem: Hair Bun is Loose or Falling Out

Solutions:
– Use more hairspray or bobby pins to secure the bun.
– Divide hair into smaller sections before pinning them up.
– Create a tighter base by securing the ponytail with a hair tie.
– Backcomb hair spray to add volume and hold.

Problem: Hair Bun is Too Small or Large

Solutions:
– Adjust the amount of hair included in the bun.
– Use a larger or smaller hair doughnut bun maker.
– Add or remove bobby pins to adjust the size.

Problem: Hair Bun is Not Round or Even

Solutions:
– Use a round brush to smooth out hair before creating the bun.
– Evenly distribute hair around the bun maker.
– Use multiple bobby pins to secure the bun in place.

Problem: Hair Bun is Not Staying Smooth

Solutions:
– Apply a smoothing cream or hairspray to manage flyaways.
– Use a boar bristle brush to distribute natural oils.
– Cover hair bun with a hairnet to hold it in place.

Problem: Hair Bun is Too High or Low

Solutions:
– Adjust the position of the ponytail before creating the bun.
– Use a hair comb to gently lift or lower the bun.

Advanced Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting Technique-Specific Problems

Problem: Messy or Frizzy Bun with Sock Method

Solutions:
– Use a clean cotton sock without holes or loose threads.
– Roll hair tightly onto the sock to avoid creating a loose bun.
– Secure the bun with hairspray or bobby pins and cover with a hairnet.

Problem: Asymmetrical or Misaligned Bun with Donut Bun Maker

Solutions:
– Center the donut bun maker on the ponytail.
– Evenly distribute hair around the donut and secure with bobby pins.
– Use a mirror to check the alignment and make adjustments as needed.

Hair Donut Bun Troubleshooting
Problem: Hair Bun is Too Big or Small
Solution: Use a different-sized hair donut bun maker.
Problem: Hair Bun is Not Holding Up
Solution: Use more bobby pins to secure the bun or apply hairspray.
Problem: Hair Bun is Not Smooth
Solution: Use a smoothing cream or spray to tame flyaways and frizz.

Styling with Military Buns

Bun Placement and Size

The placement and size of the military bun can vary based on personal preference. It can be positioned high on the crown for a more traditional look or lower on the nape of the neck for a more modern style. The size of the bun can also be adjusted, with smaller buns providing a more subtle touch and larger buns creating a bolder statement.

Hair Texture and Bun Volume

The texture of your hair can affect the volume of the bun. For example, thick, coarse hair will naturally create a fuller bun, while fine, thin hair may require additional products or techniques to achieve the desired fullness.

Bun Shape and Braiding Techniques

Military buns can be styled in various shapes, including classic round buns, messy buns, and braided buns. Braiding techniques, such as French braids or fishtail braids, can add intricate details and texture to the bun.

Accessories and Embellishments

Accessories and embellishments can elevate the military bun to create a unique or formal look. Hair clips, bobby pins, hair ties, and decorative accessories can be added according to your personal style.

Military Bun with Bangs and Fringes

Military buns can be paired with bangs and fringes to create a versatile hairstyle that can be adapted to different face shapes and hair textures. Bangs and fringes can frame the face, adding a touch of softness to the overall look.

Bun Maintenance and Longevity

To maintain the integrity and longevity of the military bun, it’s essential to use a strong hold hairspray and secure the bun with bobby pins. Regular touch-ups may be necessary throughout the day to keep the bun in place.

Military Bun with Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can be incorporated into the military bun to add length, volume, or color. Extensions can be sewn in, glued in, or clipped in, depending on the desired result.

Military Bun for Different Hair Types

The military bun can be styled on various hair types, including straight, curly, wavy, and coily hair. With appropriate hair care and styling techniques, anyone can achieve a stylish military bun.

Table: Military Bun Variations

Variation	Description
Classic Round Bun	A traditional, tightly rolled bun positioned on the crown
Messy Bun	A loosely twisted and secured bun with a relaxed, undone appearance
Braided Bun	A bun created by incorporating braids into the styling process
Half Up Bun	A bun where only the top half of the hair is styled into a bun, with the remaining hair left down
French Twist Bun	A bun created by twisting strands of hair around each other and pinning them into a knot

How To Do Military Bun

The military bun is a classic hairstyle that is both stylish and practical. It is perfect for active women who want a look that will stay in place all day long. To do a military bun, you will need:

A hairbrush
A hair tie
Bobby pins

Instructions:

Brush your hair to remove any tangles.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
Divide the ponytail into two equal sections.
Cross the right section over the left section and secure it with a bobby pin.
Cross the left section over the right section and secure it with a bobby pin.
Continue crossing the sections over each other and securing them with bobby pins until you reach the end of the ponytail.
Tuck the end of the ponytail under the bun and secure it with a bobby pin.
Spray the bun with hairspray to hold it in place.