This is a simple and easy style that I discovered on Youtube and modified by adding synthetic hair. If your hair is long and/or thick enough to do this without the added hair, go for yours=)!  It takes about 10-15 minutes to create this bun.  It just looks like a lot of steps because I wanted to make certain I was as descriptive as possible since I’m not able to provide a video tutorial.  The first two steps are just the minimal “supplies.”

Supplies:

One (1) bag of braiding hair sectioned into two even pieces. I used the cheap Kanelekon that was $1.99 for one bag, 3 for $5. I also sprayed it with some Infusium 23 on the premise that it would reduce the friction of the synthetic hair against my hair. Hey, what the heck? You can use any hair, synthetic or natural, in a texture and color that  closely matches your own. Just make sure it’s long.

Hair stick(s) of your choice. I purchased several when I discovered this style. However, the one in my hair is very old and from a trip to St. Maarten or something.

Directions:

1. Part clean, moisturized and sealed hair to the side of your choice. (Note: My hair is actually 2nd day hair … that’s still pretty clean to me. I did a twist out to stretch hair on wash day. I used the Kimmaytube leave-in and Jamaican Black Castor Oil [JBCO] to seal my ends with the original set and again on just my ends before doing this style.)

2. Gently smooth hair behind your ears towards nape of neck. Split hair into two sections to form two braids. Pull a little hair from one section to the other side to eliminate an obvious part. Clip one section out of the way.

3. Take one half of the braiding hair and grasp it in the middle. Grasp one section of your hair and hold it in a ponytail a little higher than the nape of your neck. Place the middle of the “folded” synthetic hair under your section of hair to create three sections. Your hair is the middle section of the braid and the synthetic hair creates the two sections on either side.

4. Braid the whole length of the synthetic hair, coaxing your hair as smoothly in the braid as possible. The braid does NOT needs to be tight to your scalp nor perfectly braided. When you form the bun, it tightens the hair and conceals any imperfections in the braid. Do NOT burn the ends of the hair as it can be re-used. Repeat the braiding process for the other back section of hair.

5. Take your hair stick and gently thread it slightly above the base of the braids. How high you place the stick determines how high your bun will rest.

6. Now, here’s the complicated part=). Take one braid in each hand and cross each braid under the stick and to the opposite side. Then, continue to wrap the braids over and around the hair stick until you reach the ends, thus forming a bun.

7. Tuck the ends under the bun. I don’t need to use any pins to secure the ends. The hair holds itself in place very securely.

8. I don’t need a perfectly slick style, but I like to smooth my edges somewhat. So, I mixed a little homemade Shealoe with a little Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel and tied a satin scarp around my edges and under the bun. At night, I will usually tie the scarf, but take the bun down and let the braids hang loose. Then, I  just re-set the bun in the morning, usually with a different hair stick choice!

Just some final notes for those of you who might be interested. In these pics, I sectioned out a small area of hair near my face, braided it “folded” it back across my crown and then tucked it into opposite side of the bun. In regard to hair sticks, I purchased a few metal hair sticks from longhairgirl.com. The wood sticks with the silver inlay (I don’t know if it’s visible) were purchased from ZukiImports.com. The brown and black plastic sticks at the end came in a “two set pack” from Sally’s. All of the sticks are under $20. You can place a second stick in this style if you have a set and like to wear two in your bun. Just place the second stick in the position of your choice after your bun is complete (I usually place it at a 45 degree angle above the first stick.

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