How to Create a Sock Bun

Long gone are the days of redoing your bun again and again in order to finally get the perfect shape and height—not to mention using bobby pin after bobby pin to secure those stray strands. Thanks to the sock bun, creating a perfect ballerina bun has never been easier! Wondering how to use this DIY hairstyling tool for yourself? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

HOW TO MAKE A SOCK BUN

First things first—it’s time to make your sock bun. A sock bun, if you don’t already know, is similar to those donut bun hairstyling accessories you’ve likely seen in stores—only it’s made out of a sock. Yes, a sock! Creating your own sock bun is not only super easy, but also a great way to customize your bun maker to match your hair color to a T. Plus, we bet you have at least one sock you can spare for a worthy cause. Follow the steps below to make your own sock bun.

What you’ll need:

A knee-high sock that matches your hair color

Scissors

STEP #1: CUT YOUR SOCK

The first step is to grab your knee-high sock—preferably one that has a bit of elastic give—and cut off the toe area so that you have an opening at each end of your sock.

STEP #2: ROLL IT UP

Turn your sock inside out and get ready to roll! Starting at the end you just cut, begin to roll your sock over itself all the way to the opposite end, forming a donut. That’s it!

HOW TO USE A SOCK BUN

Now that you’ve created your sock bun, it’s time to put it to use! Say hello to the perfect bun.

What you’ll need:

Hair elastic

Sock bun

Bobby pins

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Get the look:

STEP #1: PUT YOUR HAIR INTO A PONYTAIL

Smooth your hair into a ponytail, making sure there aren’t any bumps or knots. The height of your ponytail will determine the placement of your bun. Wherever the base of your ponytail is, that’s where the center of your bun will be. Secure your ponytail with a hair elastic.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR BUN

Pull your ponytail through the center of your sock bun, bringing it down to the base of your ponytail to ensure all of your strands are within the bun. Then, bring the sock bun back up to the ends of your ponytail and begin to tuck the ends of your hair around the sock bun. Next, with your fingers inside the sock bun, flip it inside out and roll the bun down the ponytail. As you continue to roll, you’ll notice your hair will start to spread out over the sock bun, concealing the sock all together! If it isn’t perfectly covered, don’t fret. We’ll get to that later.

STEP #3: SECURE ANY LOOSE STRANDS

Some strands may have fallen out of your bun in the process, especially if you have shorter layers. Tuck these into your sock bun and pin them into place to perfect your bun. You can also bobby pin the bun itself to help secure it.

STEP #4: GRAB SOME HAIRSPRAY

Once your bun is ready to go, spritz your ‘do with some hairspray to keep your style in place all day and night!

HOW TO GET SOCK BUN CURLS

You can also use a sock bun for overnight, heat-free curls. Sign us up!

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray

Hair elastic

Sock bun

Bobby pins

Get the look:

STEP #1: CREATE A PONYTAIL

Start by creating a ponytail, making sure to smooth out any bumps or knots.

STEP #2: USE A WAVE SPRAY

Spritz a wave spray onto the length of your ponytail to dampen it. Don’t have a wave spray on hand? You can spritz your hair with a little water or leave-in conditioner in a pinch!

STEP #3: GRAB YOUR SOCK BUN

Once your ponytail is damp, pull it through your sock bun so that about an inch of length is sticking out. Then, take the ends of your hair and begin to wrap and tuck them around your sock bun. Once your ends are wrapped once, roll and tuck the sock bun just as we described earlier.

STEP #4: PIN IT INTO PLACE

Grab some bobby pins and secure your bun into place. This time, you won’t be wearing your sock bun out and about, so you don’t have to worry about pinning your bun to perfection—you just don’t want it to come undone while you sleep. Once you think you’ll be able to sleep soundly, it’s time to catch some Z’s!

STEP #5: UNVEIL YOUR CURLS

When you wake up, remove your pins and bun to reveal loose, voluminous waves. So pretty!

Next: Braid Meets Bun: How to Get a Brun Hairstyle