To achieve a trendy and stylish perfect round bun, you can use socks or purchase a donut bun tool. Additionally, you can create a natural, loose bun by using two hair ties. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a donut-shaped bun that complements your everyday fashion or pairs well with evening outfits.
Steps
Use socks or a donut bun tool

Purchase a donut bun tool or find a clean sock. Donut bun tools are available at hair accessory stores, but you can also make one using a sock. Choose a large, stretchy sock for easy rolling. Use an old sock since you’ll need to cut off the toe part.
- It’s best to pick a sock that matches your hair color, but a different color will also work.
- If using a donut bun tool, proceed to step 4.

Cut the toe of the sock. Now you have a sock that is open at both ends.
Roll the sock down. Hold the top edge of the sock and roll it down to the bottom edge. The sock should now resemble a donut shape. Ensure the sock is rolled tightly and evenly.
Tie your hair into a ponytail. You can opt for a high or low ponytail depending on your preference. For a fuller bun, lightly tease the ponytail to add texture, then smooth the surface with a paddle brush. For a sleek look, brush the ponytail straight.
- A donut bun holds better on hair washed 2-3 days prior, as it’s less slippery. Use dry shampoo if your roots are oily.
- For freshly washed hair, apply a light layer of styling product to add texture and help the bun hold its shape. Use a non-aerosol spray to avoid stickiness.
Pull your hair through the hole of the donut-shaped sock. Ensure all your hair is pulled through. Slide the sock a few centimeters down your hair, leaving the ends outside the hole.
Spread the hair evenly around the sock or donut bun tool. Tuck the ends of your hair to form a donut shape, fully covering the sock or bun tool.
- This step takes the most time, as you need to ensure the hair covers the entire sock or tool. Spread the hair evenly to avoid gaps.
- If your hair isn’t thick enough to cover the sock or tool, use a smaller tool or tease your hair, then smooth the surface and try again. You can also apply dry shampoo to the ponytail for added thickness.
Roll your hair into the sock or donut bun tool. Roll the hair downward toward the base of the ponytail to gradually form a donut-shaped bun. Ensure your hair is neatly tucked into the bun. Continue rolling until the bun sits snugly against your head.
- What if your hair is too short to roll? No problem! Simply wrap the hair around the donut bun tool or sock to create the donut shape. Use small hair ties to secure the ends or crisscross bobby pins around the bun.
- For extra hold, use bobby pins to secure the ends of the hair.

Check the bun to ensure the sock or donut bun tool is completely hidden. Use two mirrors to get a clear view of the back of your head. Your hair should fully cover the sock or tool so it’s not visible from the outside.
Use bobby pins and hairspray to secure the bun. If the bun feels loose, use bobby pins to anchor it closer to your head. Apply a strong-hold hairspray to prevent frizz.
Use two hair ties

Tie your hair into a ponytail. Gather your hair and secure it tightly with a hair tie. A high or low ponytail works equally well.
Tease your hair. Use a round brush with a flat surface and natural bristles to backcomb your hair. Start a few centimeters away from the ponytail base, gently push the hair toward your head, then return the brush to its original position and repeat to create volume. Next, use the flat side of the brush to gently smooth the surface. This method makes the hair easier to manage and gives the bun a fuller appearance.
Shape the hair into a donut bun. Find the midpoint of the ponytail and spread the hair evenly around the hair tie to form a donut shape. You may need to adjust a few times to ensure the hair is evenly distributed.
Secure the ends with a second hair tie and/or bobby pins. Hold the donut bun with one hand and use a second hair tie to secure the ends around the base. Wrap it multiple times to ensure the bun stays in place. Use bobby pins in an “x” shape around the bun to secure any loose strands.
- At this stage, use a mirror to check the bun. Ensure the hair is evenly spread into a donut shape.
Pin the bun close to your head. In addition to securing small sections, use 2-3 more bobby pins to anchor the bun closer to your head. This prevents the bun from slipping out.

Finish with a strong-hold hairspray. This ensures the bun stays intact throughout the day.
Tips
- Avoid making the bun too tight, as it can cause discomfort or even a headache over time.
- Use a larger bun tool if you have long hair.
- For a sleek look, opt for wide or patterned hair ties to hide any frizz around the bun.
- Donut bun tools made of mesh allow bobby pins to pass through, unlike socks.
- Ensure the ponytail is tightly secured before proceeding to the next steps, as the bun needs to be firm.
- Use excess hair to create a braid wrapped around the bun.
- Leave two small sections of hair loose before starting the bun. Once done, braid them and wrap them around your head to your ears. Secure the braids for a bun with a braided crown effect!
- Create a wet bun to achieve curls when you undo it after a few hours. Best done before bed after washing your hair. Wake up to beautiful curls in the morning.
- Let a few strands fall loose for a natural, slightly messy look.
- If using a sock, choose one that matches your hair color.
- If loose hair is too long to wrap around the bun, hide it with a wide hair tie.
- Ensure your hair is smooth and tangle-free before creating the bun.
- Donut bun tools, available at hair accessory or beauty stores, are convenient as they mimic natural hair color and texture.
What You'll Need
- Round brush
- Sock or donut bun tool
- 2 hair ties
- Bobby pins
- Mirror
- Hairspray