It’s true that side buns are not new to Spring 2009. But, they’ve become much more prolific as of late and are now a style being worn by more than just Fergie! Inspired by celebrities who have worn the side bun so well, regular ladies will be wearing the look this Spring. And, unlike Fergie, us regular gals don’t have the luxury of a stylist. So, we need to know how to create the look ourselves. Read more for celebrity inspiration, how to put your hair in a side bun and when to wear a side bun.

Celebrities Wearing Side Buns

Fergie’s side bun is equal parts mess and glam. She effortlessly creates a romantic, soft look with loose waves and hair bling.
(Image from Glamour.com)


Scarlett Johansson’s hair is softly tame, but the bun itself is quite messy.
(Image from Hairstyles & Haircuts)


Isla Fisher rocked the side bun at the Golden Globes. I really like the way it complements her asymmetrical gown.
(Image from About.com)

When To Wear a Side Bun

Ummm…that’s pretty easy. Anytime!
Since side buns can be messy or sleek, glamorous or casual, you can adapt the side bun to fit pretty much any situation and outfit.
As you can see from the celebrity pictures above, even a messy side bun can look glamorous. It’s all about how you wear it.


But, just because it looks messy doesn’t mean it didn’t take time and effort. Fergie’s updo definitely took some time and product. Her hair was curled into loose waves before pinning it up into the bun, the pieces around her face were worked with to make sure they had the right amount of volume and the right direction of curl and her hair was worked with product to give the curls lasting power and make sure the bun stayed put.


If you’re heading out to run errands, pulling your hair into a quick side bun can take less time and glam up your weekend duds.
Though side buns are not age specific, you probably won’t spot many women over 50 wearing side buns when they’re just out and about. Formal events are another story, however. At a wedding I recently attended, I spotted a woman in her 60’s wearing a very tasteful, very glam side bun. It’s all about confidence!


Casual side buns are great for pretty much any situation that doesn’t require something too fancy.
And, the glamorous side buns are great for pretty much any situation that requires something fancy.
It’s definitely a style worth trying!

How to Wear a Side Bun

1. Start with dirty hair. If your hair is not dirty, section it and spray it with a flexible hold hairspray before styling. This will help your hair hold better and will make it easier to manage. If you want your bun to look messy, curl your hair first by wrapping sections around a small curling iron.
2. Part your hair on the side you normally wear it.
3. Decide which side to make the bun. Either side is fine. Some people prefer the side opposite the part because that seems to balance the look. But, the same side can work, too. Just hold your hair in a crude bun on each side to decide which side will work for you.
4. Sweep the hair down and over to the nape of your neck. Secure with a clear pony tail holder in a side pony tail.
5. If you’re going for a messy look, loosely gather your hair into a bun and pin it up. Don’t wrap or twist your hair. Let it be loose and unruly. You might need to pin it and then go back to pin individual pieces of hair.
If you’re going for a sleeker, tamer look, section your hair into two pieces and twist the pieces around each other. This will give your bun a woven look and help you pin it down easier. Wrap the twisted hair around the pony tail holder, keeping it somewhat loose. Pin the hair securely.
6. Decide what to do with your bangs. If you want pieces to hang out of the bun, let them hang freely. Otherwise, sweep the bangs over and secure with a bobby pin behind your ear.

Your Thoughts?

Do you like the side bun look? Do you like to wear it for casual or formal events? Share your thoughts in the comments…