A secure, neat ballet bun requires more than a hair tie. The four main bun accessories — nets, pins, bun covers and donut formers (bun builders) — each do a different job. Using the right combination for the dancer’s hair type and the occasion (class vs. examination) makes a significant difference in how long the bun lasts and how tidy it looks.
Hair Nets
A hair net is placed over the finished bun to flatten stray hairs and give the bun a smooth, contained appearance. For ballet, use a small circular “bun net” rather than the large full-head catering nets. They come in black, brown, blonde and auburn — choose the closest match to the dancer’s hair colour. A slightly smaller net grips better than one that is too large. See our full guide: hair nets for ballet buns.
U-Shaped Bun Pins
U-shaped pins (also called hairpins or bun pins) are the primary anchor for the bun. They are longer than standard kirby grips and are inserted through the bun at an angle into the ponytail base to hold the whole structure to the head. Use at least four to six pins spaced evenly around the bun. The pin should go through the hair, not just over the surface, to grip properly.
Kirby Grips / Bobby Pins
Shorter than bun pins, kirby grips are used around the edge of the bun and to pin flyaways flat. They are also used to secure the hair net once it is in place. Buy them in quantity — they disappear constantly. Wavy-edged grips grip more than smooth-edged ones.
Bun Covers
A bun cover is a small fabric disc that fastens over the top of the finished bun with an elastic loop at the back. It completely covers the bun and gives a uniform, smooth appearance — more polished than a net alone. Bun covers are most commonly used for RAD examinations and performances where appearance is formally assessed. They come in colours matched to hair: black, brown, blonde, auburn and sometimes white for performances. The cover sits directly over the net, not in place of it.
Donut Former (Bun Former / Bun Builder)
A donut former is a foam or mesh ring placed at the base of the ponytail to create and maintain a round bun shape. The ponytail is pulled through the hole in the donut, fanned out over the surface, and pinned underneath. Without a former, creating a round, even bun is difficult — the hair tends to flatten or shift during class. Formers come in small (for young children and fine hair), medium and large sizes. Choose a size appropriate to the dancer’s hair volume.
For Examinations: What Level of Finish Is Expected?
For everyday class: net + pins is the standard minimum. For examinations: net + pins + bun cover is the expected finish at most RAD schools. For performances: consider gel or edge spray to smooth the hairline, in addition to the full net and cover combination.
For a complete list of bun kit items, see our ballet bun kit guide.