Have you ever admired those perfect, bouncy buns you see in magazines or on your favorite style icons and thought they were impossible to achieve? Many of us struggle to get enough volume or a smooth shape when trying to style our hair up. The secret to that flawless look is often a simple tool hiding in many stylists’ kits: the hair donut.
Also known as a bun maker, this humble foam ring is a game-changer for creating elegant, polished updos in minutes. It provides the structure and support your hair needs to look full and professional, even if you’re doing it yourself at home. Let’s look at how you can use one to perfect your look.
Gathering Your Tools and Prepping Your Hair
To begin, you’ll need a hair donut that matches your hair color as closely as possible and a few basic tools: a hairbrush, a few elastic bands, and some bobby pins. For the best results, your hair should be brushed thoroughly to remove any tangles. While a donut bun can work on straight, wavy, or curly hair, it often holds best on second-day hair or hair that has been lightly textured with a texturizing spray for a bit of extra grip.
The Simple Steps to a Perfect Donut Bun
Start by pulling your hair into a high or low ponytail, depending on where you want your bun to sit. Secure it firmly with an elastic. Slide the donut over the ponytail, letting it rest at the base. Next, gently separate the hair of your ponytail and spread it evenly over the foam ring, completely covering it. You can use a tail comb to help distribute the hair smoothly.
Once the donut is covered, take the ends of your hair and tuck them underneath the ring, using your fingers to wrap the hair around the base. The goal is to create a smooth, circular shape. Now, take a second elastic and carefully secure the wrapped hair around the base of the bun. For extra security and to tame any flyaways, use bobby pins inserted horizontally around the base of the bun, hidden from view.
Tips for a Flawless Finish
If you have finer or shorter hair, don’t worry. You can still achieve this style. Teasing the hair in your ponytail slightly before you slide the donut on can add crucial volume and help your hair grip the foam. If you find any sections are looking a bit thin or you can see the donut through your hair, gently pull on small, outer sections of the bun to loosen and fluff it. This creates a fuller, more effortless appearance.
For a truly seamless look, you can take a small section of hair from underneath the bun, wrap it around the base to conceal the elastic, and secure it with a discreet bobby pin.
Your Go-To Style for Any Occasion
With a little practice, using a hair donut becomes a quick and reliable way to create a beautiful, put-together updo. It’s perfect for a busy morning, a day at the office, or a special event. This simple tool takes the guesswork out of styling, giving you a gorgeous, consistent bun every single time.