Proof That Braided Buns Are the Elevated Twist on a Classic

A hair bun is one of the easiest go-to hairstyles for a lazy day. Don't feel like blow drying? Throw it up in a bun. A few days past wash day? Dry shampoo and a high bun have your back. If the prospect of doing your hair for yet another Zoom call or in-person meeting feels too overwhelming, a bun is the plain-white tee of hairstyles.

Not only that, but its versatility also means it works across all textures and preferences, depending on what you're looking for. From messy buns for off-duty days to formal styles drenched in hairspray for a special occasion, you can customize it for any event you need. The best way to spruce up your everyday go-to, however, is to add braids.

Braided bun hair can deliver both an elevated and trendier take on the traditional bun hairstyle. Always adaptable, buns with braids can be worn at weddings just as readily as it can be worn on vacation, and because it's still the low-maintenance style that you know and love, a lot of braided buns only look better the longer they're worn.

Because we know how convenient it is to have a few go-to looks up your sleeve, we've rounded up some of the best braided bun hairstyles out there for when you need some quick inspiration.

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Double-Dutch Braided Bun

This braided bun hair features two dutch braids on each side of the head that are tied into an elegant low bun. Loose enough to be more relaxed but intricate enough to be worn at a formal event, this style is the perfect one-and-done look that can last a few days.

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Half-Braided Bun

Featuring two larger braids at the top of the head that are tied back into a low ponytail, this look is a cute, protective style. Even better, the wear time can be extended once the braids are taken out for a braid-out bang and low-bun hairstyle.

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Braided-Ponytail Bun

For a style so easy you'll wonder what took you so long to try it, this braided bun is subtle yet fun. Just split the ends of your ponytail into two parts and braid each section before wrapping them into a bun.

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Braided Bun Hair With Designer Cornrows

Two trends collide to create this look: braided buns and designer cornrows. In this tutorial, the top of the head is braided into cornrows, and beads are added to the front two braids. The cornrows are braided down to the ends, and additional extensions are added to get the curly buns. To make this look even more intricate, add a few braiding designs like hearts or zigzags to take part in the "designer cornrows" trend.

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Upside-Down French-Twist Braided Bun

The classic french twist is added to this braided bun hairstyle to create a simple but very elegant detail that would be perfect for formal occasions. To get the look, section the hair horizontally, with the bottom half being used for the braid. Once you braid it from bottom to top, tie the hair into a bun for an upside-down illusion.

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Low Braided Bun Hair

Although this braided bun hair looks complicated, trust us, it's easy to do. Leave a few pieces of hair out to frame the face, then do a simple three-strand braid on one side of the face and secure it with a small bobby pin. After repeating the same steps on the opposite side, bring the two braids together at the back of the head and secure them with a small elastic. Next, divide the hair into two halves and secure each half in a ponytail. Then, braid each of the ponytails, secure them with an elastic, and twist the braided ponytail through the top braids. Simple to do, but the end result is perfection.

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Space Bun Braided Hair

If you want to take your space buns to the next level, why not add a dutch braid underneath each of them? The look only requires two ponytails, although if you aren't well-versed in braiding, you might want to enlist a second pair of hands to help you out.

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Slick-Back Low Braided Bun Tutorial

The slicked-back bun has been everywhere over the last few years, but why not elevate the look by adding a simple braid? To get the look, simply pull your hair back into a low, slicked-back ponytail and then braid your hair. From there, wrap the hair around the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins. It is one of the easiest braided bun hair looks to achieve, and it looks stunning.