23 High Bun Hairstyles Ideas That Will Instantly Elevate Your Look

When you’re running late, your hair is frizzy, and you just don’t feel like dealing with it, what’s your go-to move? Yep, the high bun.

It’s that one hairstyle that works whether you’re heading to a wedding, the gym, or just making a coffee run in sweats.

High buns are timeless, easy, and somehow always look chic (even if you only spent 2 minutes throwing it together).

I’ll be honest—I used to think high buns were boring. But then I started experimenting with different styles, and wow, they’re actually one of the most versatile hairstyles out there.

From messy-chic vibes to sleek red-carpet looks, there’s a bun for every mood. So, let’s go through 23 high bun hairstyle ideas that will give you inspiration next time you’re staring in the mirror wondering what to do with your hair.

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1. The Classic Sleek High Bun

When in doubt, go sleek. This is the bun you’ve seen on models, ballerinas, and basically every girl who wants that “I have my life together” vibe. Just smooth your hair up with gel or mousse, twist it tight, and pin it down. Pro tip: Use a fine-tooth comb for that ultra-smooth finish.

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2. Messy High Bun

Some days, sleek feels like too much work. That’s where the messy high bun saves the day. Tease your hair a bit, don’t worry about perfection, and let a few strands fall around your face. Honestly, messy buns look like you tried harder than you did—sneaky, right?

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3. Braided High Bun

Take your bun up a notch with braids. You can braid your whole ponytail before twisting it into a bun, or braid smaller sections and wrap them around. Either way, it adds texture and detail without being complicated.

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4. Twisted High Bun

This one is as simple as twisting your ponytail tightly and wrapping it around itself. It’s sleek but with a little bit of movement. If you’re new to styling buns, this one’s foolproof.

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5. Sock Bun (a.k.a. the Perfectly Round Bun)

Ever wonder how people get that perfectly round ballerina bun? They’re probably using a sock or bun maker. It gives you that polished, symmetrical look. Perfect for formal events, or honestly, just a day you want to look extra put-together.

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6. Curly High Bun

If you’ve got natural curls, please don’t hide them! Scoop your curls into a bun but let the texture shine through. You’ll end up with this gorgeous, voluminous look that feels effortless.

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7. Half-Up High Bun

Not ready to commit to a full bun? Go half-up. This is such a cute style for casual days and works with both straight and wavy hair. It’s giving cool-girl energy without trying too hard.

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8. High Bun with Bangs

Pairing a high bun with bangs changes everything. Curtain bangs or blunt bangs, both look incredible with a bun. It frames your face while keeping the rest of your hair out of the way.

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9. High Bun with a Scarf

Accessories instantly level up a bun. Wrap a scarf around your bun or tie it into a bow—it adds color and personality to your look. IMO, this is one of the easiest ways to make your bun feel “styled.”

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10. High Bun with Scrunchie

Scrunchies are back, and they’re not going anywhere. Pop one around your bun and it instantly feels fun and retro. Bonus: it’s gentler on your hair than a regular elastic.

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11. Braided Crown into High Bun

Okay, this one looks fancy but is actually pretty easy. Just braid the front of your hair into a crown and gather it all into a high bun. It’s perfect for festivals, weddings, or when you want to look like you put in effort.

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12. High Bun with Loose Strands

Letting a few strands fall around your face softens the look and gives you that effortless, romantic vibe. It’s flattering for literally everyone.

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13. Double High Buns (Space Buns)

Want something playful? Go for two buns instead of one. Space buns are fun, trendy, and perfect for concerts or casual outings. You’ll probably get compliments, FYI.

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14. High Bun with Hair Jewelry

Adding hairpins, jewels, or decorative clips instantly transforms a plain bun into something special. This works great for bridesmaids or formal events.

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15. Voluminous High Bun

If you’ve got thick hair, show it off! Tease your hair before twisting it into a bun for extra volume. The bigger, the better.

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16. Sleek High Bun with Middle Part

This look screams “fashion week ready.” Create a clean middle part before pulling your hair up into a sleek bun. It’s polished, edgy, and totally Instagram-worthy.

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17. Knotted High Bun

Instead of twisting, knot your hair sections together before forming the bun. It creates a unique, textured style that looks way more complicated than it actually is.

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18. High Bun with Side Bangs

If you’ve got side-swept bangs, pair them with a bun. It frames your face beautifully and softens the overall style.

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19. High Bun with Braided Base

Braid the base of your ponytail before wrapping it into a bun. It’s a subtle detail but adds a lot of charm.

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20. Low-Key High Bun for the Gym

Yes, there’s such a thing as a “gym bun.” Keep it secure with a strong elastic and maybe a headband. It keeps your hair in place while you work out and still looks decent afterward.

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21. High Bun with Extensions

Want that extra volume but don’t have enough hair? No shame—clip in some extensions and create a fuller bun. Honestly, no one will know unless you tell them.

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22. High Bun with Waves

Curl your hair lightly before pulling it into a bun. The waves add texture, and when pieces fall out, they look stylish instead of messy.

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23. High Bun with Bold Makeup

Sometimes, the hairstyle itself doesn’t need to do all the work. Pair a simple high bun with bold eyeliner, a strong lip, or dramatic eyeshadow. The bun acts like a blank canvas, letting your makeup take center stage.

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Tips for Perfecting Your High Bun

Now that you’ve got 23 ideas, here are a few quick pro tips to make sure your bun game stays strong:

• Use the right tools: A good brush, strong elastic, and bobby pins are essential.
• Don’t fight flyaways: Sometimes a little frizz adds character. If you want sleek, hairspray is your friend.
• Experiment with height: Play around with placing your bun higher or slightly lower to see what flatters your face shape best.
• Protect your hair: Don’t tie your bun too tight all the time—it can stress your roots.

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Final Thoughts

High buns are honestly the MVP of hairstyles. They’re versatile, practical, and can swing from casual to elegant without much effort. Whether you’re into the sleek ballerina look, a messy “I woke up like this” vibe, or something in between, there’s a bun style that works for you.

Next time you’re tempted to just throw your hair up and call it a day, remember—you’ve got 23 ways to make that bun anything but boring. So grab your elastics, maybe a scarf or scrunchie, and get creative. Who knew buns could be this fun, right?