Doing a Ballet Bun
A step-by-step guide to getting the perfect ballet bun for class, exams and shows.
What you'll need
Hair Gel or Mousse (Firm / Strong Hold)
Lacquer (Firm / Strong Hold)
Bobbles (to hold the hair in a ponytail)
A good comb and a brush
Bun or Hair Nets (sleeping nets, the same colour as the child's hair)
Hair pins and hair grips
Scrunchie (optional)
Please do not use crocheted bun nets or a bun "donut".
1
Brush the hair so it is tangle free.
2
Using the hair gel/mousse, make sure a generous amount is rubbed into all the hair. Especially around the fringe (go right up to the roots) — the hair should be almost wet with mousse.
3
Using the brush or comb, comb the hair from the fringe to the back of the head and gather in one hand to form a ponytail.
4
Using the bobble, twist it round the ponytail to secure in place. The ponytail needs to be tight to the head, where you want the centre of the bun to be.
5
Comb the ponytail to smooth it.
6
Twist the ponytail round (like wringing out washing). When the hair is sufficiently twisted, it will start to want to coil round on itself — at this point, start to coil it around the base of the ponytail.
7
Using the hair pins, secure the twisted strand in place until the bun is formed. Don't worry if there are still bits of hair poking out!
8
Using the bun/hair net, place it over the bun, and twist and cover the bun as many times as necessary to use the whole hair net.
9
Any stray hair can be gripped into place using the hair grips.
10
Spray hair lacquer over the whole head and leave to set.
11
Place the scrunchie over the bun (if being used) to hide the grips and hold those last little bits of stray hair in place. Well done — after your 6th attempt, you'll be an expert!