How to Do a Curly Bun with Natural Hair 2024

Natural hair is a gift. It’s beautiful, unique, and full of personality. One of the most popular hairstyles for those with curly hair is the curly bun. It’s easy to do, looks chic, and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a formal event or a casual outing, the curly bun works for you.

In 2024, natural hair is being embraced more than ever. The focus is on showcasing your unique texture and taking care of your curls. If you’re wondering how to do a curly bun with natural hair, this guide is here to help. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create a curly bun that lasts, looks great, and protects your hair.

What is Curly Bun?

A curly bun is a type of hairstyle where curly or textured hair is gathered and styled into a bun. The bun can be placed at different positions on the head—high, mid, or low—and it can vary in size and texture, depending on the volume of the curls and how tightly the hair is secured.

Curly buns are popular because they embrace the natural texture of curly hair while offering a chic, polished, or casual look, depending on how it’s styled. Unlike sleek buns, which aim for smoothness, a curly bun celebrates the fullness, volume, and pattern of curly or coily hair, adding a touch of individuality and flair.

It’s a versatile and protective hairstyle, making it suitable for any occasion, whether formal or laid-back. Curly buns also help prevent damage by tucking in the ends of the hair, making them a healthy styling option.

Why a Curly Bun Is a Great Choice?

Before jumping into the “how-to,” let’s talk about why the curly bun remains such a popular choice.

• Low-maintenance: The curly bun is easy to create and doesn’t require constant upkeep.
• Versatile: Whether you’re going for a casual or formal look, the curly bun fits any setting.
• Protective: Wearing your hair in a bun keeps your ends tucked away, which helps protect against breakage and dryness.
• Stylish: The bun is a classic look, but with your natural curls, it becomes modern, trendy, and unique.

In 2024, it’s all about embracing your natural hair texture and making it work for you. The curly bun helps you show off your beautiful curls while keeping them healthy.

What You’ll Need

Gather all the necessary tools before you begin styling your curly bun to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a list of things you’ll need:

• Wide-tooth comb or detangling brush
• Hair gel or cream (optional for sleek edges)
• Hair tie or scrunchie
• Bobby pins (for securing the bun)
• Water spray bottle (to keep hair damp)
• Edge brush or toothbrush (for detailing baby hairs)
• Leave-in conditioner (to keep curls moisturized)
• Hair oil (to add shine and prevent dryness)

Having these tools handy will make the process easier and ensure your bun looks flawless.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do a Curly Bun

Follow these simple steps to create a curly bun that looks amazing and lasts all day.

1. Start with Clean, Moisturized Hair

The key to a great curly bun is starting with clean hair. Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and follow up with a hydrating conditioner. Curly hair needs moisture, so make sure to use a conditioner that deeply nourishes your curls. After rinsing, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and soft.

If you don’t want to wash your hair, you can co-wash (wash with conditioner only) or start on second or third-day hair. Ensure your hair is properly moisturized before starting the styling process.

2. Detangle Gently

Curly hair can tangle easily, so it’s important to detangle it before styling. Carefully work through tangles using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Begin at the tips of your hair and slowly move upward to prevent breakage. If your hair is dry, spray it with water to make detangling easier.

3. Apply Leave-In Conditioner or Styling Cream

Once your hair is detangled, apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream. This will help to keep your curls moisturized throughout the day. Make sure to distribute the product evenly through your hair, focusing on the ends, as they tend to be drier.

4. Decide on Your Part

“Decide on the placement of your part before gathering your hair into a bun. You can choose a middle part, side part, or go without a part for a sleek, all-back look. Use a comb to make a clean, straight part, or let it be more natural if you prefer a relaxed style.

5. Gather Your Hair into a Ponytail

After preparing and parting your hair, pull it together into a ponytail. The position of your ponytail will determine where your bun sits. For a high bun, pull your hair to the crown of your head. Position your ponytail at the base of your neck for a low bun. If you’re going for a mid-level bun, position the ponytail in the center of your head.

Use a hair tie or scrunchie to secure the ponytail. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold your hair but not so tight that it causes discomfort or breakage.

6. Fluff and Define Your Curls

Before shaping your bun, fluff your curls to create volume. Use your fingers to gently separate and define the curls in your ponytail. This will add texture and make the bun look fuller. If your curls are looking flat, you can spray them with water or a curl refresher to bring them back to life.

7. Create the Bun

Now it’s time to form your bun. You have two main options:

• Twist and Pin: Lightly twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base. Secure the bun with bobby pins. This method creates a more defined, polished bun.
• Fluff and Pin: For a more voluminous, less structured bun, skip the twisting. Simply fluff your curls and pin them in place as they are. This creates a messy, effortless look.

Use as many bobby pins as you need to secure the bun. Make sure to tuck in the ends to keep them protected.

8. Smooth the Edges (Optional)

If you prefer a sleeker look, you can smooth down your edges using hair gel or edge control. Apply a small amount of product to your hairline and use a toothbrush or edge brush to style your baby hairs. You can create swoops, waves, or keep it simple—it’s up to you!

Extra Tips to Make Your Curly Bun Last

The curly bun is a quick and easy style, but with the right care, you can make it last for days. Here are some tips to keep your bun looking fresh:

• Wrap your hair at night: Use a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to protect your bun while you sleep. This prevents frizz and keeps your curls in place.
• Refresh in the morning: In the morning, spritz your curls with water or a curl refresher spray. Scrunch the curls to revive them and bring back definition.
• Moisturize daily: Curly hair tends to dry out quickly, so keep your curls hydrated by misting them with water or applying a light leave-in conditioner.
• Avoid over-manipulation: Once your bun is set, try not to touch it too much. Over-manipulating your curls can cause frizz and mess up the shape of the bun.

Styling Variations for 2024

The curly bun is a classic look, but there are many ways to customize it for 2024. Here are some styling variations to try:

1. Accessorize Your Bun

Accessories are a big trend in 2024. Add a scarf, headband, or decorative pins to your bun for a fun and fashionable look. You can match your accessories to your outfit or go for a bold, contrasting color. Hair accessories add personality to your bun and make it stand out.

2. Half-Up, Half-Down Curly Bun

The half-up, half-down style is a playful twist on the traditional bun. Gather the top section of your hair into a bun, leaving the rest of your curls loose. This style shows off the length and texture of your hair while keeping it out of your face. It’s perfect for casual outings or when you want a more relaxed look.

3. Messy Bun

In 2024, the messy bun is still a favorite. To nail this look, don’t twist your hair too tightly. Let some curls fall naturally and embrace the volume and texture of your hair. It’s an ideal style for those laid-back days when you want to look effortlessly chic.

4. Sleek Curly Bun

For a more polished look, try the sleek curly bun. Apply gel or a smoothing cream to your hair before gathering it into a bun. This creates a smooth, sleek look with the curls tucked neatly into the bun. The sleek curly bun is ideal for formal events, work settings, or nights out when you want to look sophisticated.

The Benefits of Wearing a Curly Bun

Wearing a curly bun offers several benefits, making it one of the best styles for natural hair.

• Protective: Keeping your curls tucked away in a bun helps protect them from environmental damage, such as wind and sun exposure. It helps to avoid breakage and split ends by minimizing friction.
• Time-saving: Once you master the technique, creating a curly bun takes only a few minutes. It’s a great go-to style when you’re in a hurry but still want to look put together.
• Versatile: The curly bun can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re headed to work, the gym, or a fancy dinner, the curly bun is a reliable choice.
• Frizz control: Tucking your curls away in a bun helps reduce frizz and keeps your hair looking neat and tidy.
• Stylish: The curly bun is always in style. It’s a classic look that flatters all face shapes and complements any outfit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the curly bun is a simple style, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Tying your hair too tightly: This can lead to breakage, especially around the hairline. Always make sure your hair tie is secure but not too tight.
• Skipping moisture: Dry hair is more prone to frizz and breakage, so make sure your curls are properly moisturized before styling.
• Using too much product: Applying too much gel or cream can weigh down your curls and make the bun look greasy. Use products sparingly for a natural, lightweight hold.
• Not protecting your hair at night: Failing to wrap your bun in a satin scarf or bonnet can cause frizz and dry out your curls.

Conclusion

The curly bun is a timeless hairstyle that works for natural hair in 2024. It’s simple to style, versatile, and helps protect your hair from damage. Whether you’re going for a sleek, polished look or a fun, messy vibe, the curly bun is a great option.

By following the steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to create a curly bun that not only looks fantastic but lasts for days. Embrace your natural curls, have fun with accessories, and make the style your own. The curly bun isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s a celebration of your natural beauty and confidence.

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FAQ About of Curly Bun