The ballerina bun is one of the most recognised looks in dance. For new ballet mums, getting it right the first time can feel tricky. This guide answers the most common questions and walks you through how to tie the perfect ballerina bun, step by step.
Why Does Your Dancer Need a Ballerina Bun?
It is not just about looking the part. A neat bun keeps hair out of your dancer's face so she can focus on her technique and her teacher. It also helps the teacher see the student's neck and shoulder alignment clearly, which matters for corrections.
Many studios require a bun as part of the dress code. Arriving with a polished, secure bun shows respect for the class and helps your dancer feel confident and ready to work. Our full guide to achieving a flawless ballet bun goes into even more detail if you want extra tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ballerina Buns
What hair type works best for a bun?
Most hair types can work. Fine hair benefits from a little texturising spray to give bobby pins something to grip. Thick or curly hair may need extra pins and a stronger hair net. Slightly dirty hair actually holds a bun better than freshly washed hair, so do not stress if wash day was yesterday.
How do I stop the bun from falling apart mid-class?
Use enough bobby pins and cross them over each other as you secure the bun. A hair net matched to your dancer's hair colour holds loose strands in place. Finish with a light-hold hairspray. Avoid heavy products that make hair slippery.
My daughter has short hair. Can she still do a bun?
Yes. A sock bun former helps short or thin hair create a full, round bun shape. Wrap the hair around the former and pin everything firmly. For very short layers, small clear pins and a fine hair net will keep flyaways tamed.
Where should the bun sit on the head?
The bun should sit at the centre back of the head, level with the top of the ears or slightly higher. A bun placed too low slides during movement. Too high and it can look unbalanced. When in doubt, check your studio's specific requirements as styles vary between schools.
How to Tie the Perfect Ballerina Bun: Step by Step
What you will need
- A fine-tooth comb or a soft brush
- A hair elastic that matches your dancer's hair colour
- Bobby pins, at least eight to ten
- A hair net in a matching colour
- Light-hold hairspray
- Optional: a sock bun former for fine or short hair
The steps
- Brush all hair back smoothly and gather it into a high ponytail at the centre back of the head. Use a comb to smooth out any bumps at the sides and top.
- Secure the ponytail firmly with the hair elastic. If the elastic is loose, wrap it an extra time.
- Twist the ponytail tightly in one direction until it begins to coil around itself naturally.
- Wrap the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail to form a round bun shape. Tuck the end underneath.
- Pin the bun in place by pushing bobby pins through the bun and into the base, crossing pins as you go for extra hold.
- Place the hair net over the entire bun and stretch it to cover all loose strands. Tuck the edges under and secure with a few extra pins.
- Smooth any flyaways with a light mist of hairspray and a soft toothbrush or edge brush.
What to Keep in Your Dance Bag
A small bun kit in your dance bag saves a lot of stress on class days. Pack a spare elastic, a few extra bobby pins, a hair net and a travel-size hairspray. These are easy to grab from our dancewear accessories range so everything is in one place.
Staying organised with the right kit also means you are not hunting through the car before class. If you are building out your dancer's full kit, take a look at everything a ballet dancer needs in her wardrobe for a practical checklist from leotard to accessories.
Making the Bun Last All Class
A bun that holds through a full class comes down to prep and the right products. Avoid slippery conditioners on the lengths if class is that day. A light gel or pomade at the roots helps anchor the ponytail. Once the bun is pinned and netted, press your palm gently over the entire bun and give it a light spray to set the shape.
Taking care of hair and tights together is part of good dancewear habits. For practical advice on protecting your dancer's kit, our tips on keeping dance tights in great condition are worth a read alongside this guide.
With a little practice, the ballerina bun becomes quick and easy. Most dance mums find that after a few weeks it takes under five minutes from start to finish.
