The ballet bun is as much a part of the ballet uniform as the leotard and the pink tights. But for parents of young students — and for adults beginning ballet for the first time — achieving a bun that stays in place through an entire class can feel like a significant challenge. This guide covers exactly how to create a regulation ballet bun, what products and accessories you need, and how to adapt the technique for different hair types.
Why Does Ballet Require a Bun?
The ballet bun is not purely aesthetic — it serves several practical purposes. First, hair pulled away from the face allows the teacher and examiner to see the student’s head position, neck alignment, and port de bras (arm movements) clearly. Second, a secure bun prevents loose hair from obscuring the dancer’s vision during turns (pirouettes, fouettés) and jumping work. Third, it prevents hair from catching on a partner’s hands or a costume during partnering. In examinations under the RAD and ISTD, a neat bun is considered part of the professional presentation expected from all candidates.
What You Need: Hair Accessories for a Ballet Bun
- Fine-tooth comb or paddle brush — for smoothing the hair before pulling into a ponytail
- Hair elastic — fabric-covered, not metal-core; use one appropriate for the hair thickness. A thick, strong elastic for dense hair; a lighter elastic for fine hair
- U-pins or large bobby pins — for securing the bun against the head; U-pins (also called bun pins or hairpins) give the most secure hold for a completed bun. Need approximately 6–10 per bun depending on hair thickness
- Small bobby pins — for pinning flyaways and smoothing the hairline
- Ballet hair net — a fine mesh net in a colour matching the hair; essential for keeping fine hair in the bun and for a neat examination finish. Comes in blonde/light brown, mid-brown, and black/dark brown
- Hair spray (optional) — a light or medium hold spray helps manage flyaways, especially in humid conditions; a non-sticky formula dries cleanly without stiffening the hair
- Hair donut or bun form (optional) — a sponge ring that provides a structured base for a fuller, rounder bun; useful for dancers with fine or shorter hair who want a more voluminous result
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Ballet Bun
Step 1: Start with the Right Texture
Contrary to what might seem intuitive, a ballet bun is easier to make on hair that is not freshly washed. Day-old or two-day-old hair has more natural texture and grip, which helps the bun stay in place. If hair has just been washed and is very smooth, a light hold mousse applied to damp hair before drying helps add texture.
Step 2: Smooth and Gather into a Ponytail
Use a comb or brush to smooth all hair back from the face and temples. The ponytail base can be positioned at the top of the head (a high bun, most common for ballet) or at the nape of the neck (a low bun, also used and preferred by some teachers for its clean neck line). Gather all hair firmly and secure with the hair elastic. The base should be flat against the head with no loops or lumps under the elastic.
Step 3: Form the Bun
For a simple rolled bun: take the ponytail, twist it clockwise into a tight rope-like length, then wrap it around the elastic base, tucking the end underneath. If using a bun donut: slide the donut over the ponytail, spread the hair over it evenly, then roll downward until the donut meets the elastic base.
Step 4: Secure with U-pins
Push U-pins or large bobby pins into the bun at multiple angles — into the bun and through the hair to the scalp — to anchor it against the head. Use at least 6 pins, placed symmetrically around the bun. The bun should not move when the head is shaken gently. For very thick hair, use additional pins until it is completely secure.
Step 5: Apply the Hair Net
Take a ballet hair net in a matching colour, loop it over the bun and pull it down to cover the entire bun, including the underside where the hair meets the head. Tuck any excess net under the bun and secure with a few additional bobby pins. The net will contain any fine hairs that work loose during class and maintain a neat appearance throughout.
Step 6: Smooth Flyaways
Use small bobby pins to pin any flyaway hairs at the hairline — temples, nape, and top of the forehead. A light mist of hairspray over the whole head (held at arm’s length) helps tame any remaining frizz without making the hair stiff or sticky.
Ballet Bun for Different Hair Types
Fine or Slippery Hair
Fine hair tends to slip out of elastics and buns easily. Use a slightly rough-textured elastic (fabric-covered with grip), apply a light mousse before drying, and use more pins than you think necessary — at least 8–10 for a fine-hair bun. A bun donut is particularly helpful for fine hair as it provides a stable form to wrap the hair around.
Thick or Dense Hair
Thick hair creates a large, heavy bun that can pull away from the head during active movement. Use a strong elastic — doubled if needed — and apply plenty of U-pins pointing inward toward the scalp, not just horizontally around the bun’s circumference. A smooth, tight base is more important for thick hair than for fine hair.
Curly or Textured Hair
Curly hair requires a different approach. Apply a generous amount of a curl-smoothing cream or gel to damp hair and allow to dry before attempting the bun. Do not brush dry curly hair — this creates frizz. Finger-detangle instead, and use a wide-tooth comb from the ends upward. A bun on natural curly hair often has a beautiful, full appearance that sits well under a hair net. Respect the hair’s natural texture and focus on securing it smoothly rather than forcing it straight.
Short Hair
Hair that is too short for a full bun (chin length and above) can be gathered into a small knot at the crown or nape, pinned flat, and covered with a hair net for a neat appearance. Very short hair can be swept back flat against the head and pinned into a flat bun shape, though a fuller bun may not be achievable until the hair is longer. Some exam bodies accept a small knot or braided arrangement for students with short hair — check with your teacher.
RAD and ISTD Examination Hair Requirements
Both the RAD and ISTD require that hair is worn off the face and secured neatly for examinations. A bun at the top or back of the head is the standard. Loose hair, ponytails, plaits, and half-up styles are not permitted in examinations. Very young children (Pre-Primary) may have more flexibility, but the expectation from Primary level onward is a properly secured bun. Check the current examination guidance from your teacher or the examining body for the most up-to-date requirements.
Browse our ballet hair accessories — including hair nets, U-pins, and elastic bands — designed specifically for the dance studio. For a complete studio look, see our leotards and tights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a high bun and a low bun for ballet?
A high bun sits at the crown or top of the head, a low bun sits at the nape of the neck. Most classical ballet styles use a high bun — it elongates the neck, clarifies the head position, and is the standard for most RAD and ISTD examinations. A low bun is a more contemporary aesthetic, preferred by some teachers and companies, and creates a slightly different visual line. Both are legitimate; follow your school’s or teacher’s preference.
How do I stop a ballet bun from falling out?
The three most common causes of a bun that falls during class are: too few pins, pins inserted at a shallow angle (horizontal only, rather than through the bun to the scalp), and a base ponytail that was not tight enough before the bun was formed. To fix: start with a very tight, flat ponytail; insert U-pins at an angle that goes into the bun then curves downward to grip the scalp; and use a hair net, which is the single most effective way to hold a bun in place throughout a full class.
How long does hair need to be for a ballet bun?
Hair that can be gathered into a ponytail — roughly shoulder length or longer — can be formed into a bun. Mid-neck length hair can usually make a small but functional bun with the help of a bun donut. Hair that is chin length or shorter typically cannot be made into a full bun, but can be arranged into a flat pinned-back style and covered with a hair net for examinations. If a child is growing their hair specifically for a bun, allow 12–18 months from a short cut to achieve enough length for a reliable bun.
Do I need a hair donut for ballet?
A hair donut (bun form) is not required — many dancers make perfectly neat buns without one. However, it is particularly helpful for: dancers with fine hair who want a fuller, rounder-looking bun; children whose parents are learning to do ballet buns for the first time; and anyone whose natural hair does not hold enough volume for a satisfying result. Donuts come in a small range of colours (match to the hair colour as closely as possible) and in child and adult sizes.