Source: pinterest

How to master the Hailey Bieber ballet bun

What do Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Hailey Bieber and Zoë Kravitz have in common? They’re all fans of this timeless balletic (and face-lifting) hairstyle

Source: Pinterest / Hailey Bieber at the Met Gala 

There are few hairstyles more chic than a ballerina bun, and, as a particularly elegant choice for brides, there’s no surprise that it has dominated for decades. Whether you’re going classic or modern with your bridal look, a sleek ballet bun will never look out of place, highlighting your cheekbones and showing off your neckline in a minimalist, fuss-free way.

 

Planning to master it yourself? It’s easier than you think. Hair stylist Chris Sweeney, who’s worked with brands including Dior, Chanel and Prada, is an expert in perfecting this classic style. Here, he shares how to nail it yourself.

The prep

First, Sweeney suggests dampening your hair and blow-drying it with a volumising product. “You can either use mousse or a styling spray - something that gives your hair a bit of guts and a bit of body. This will make it easier to pull back,” he says “If you prefer to style without a parting, blow-dry it back, directing the hair away from the face.”

The placement

Next, work out where you want your bun to be. “Look at yourself sideways in the mirror to find a 45 degree angle from your cheekbone upwards,” says Sweeney. “Divide your hair in two and brush the top half of your hair back as if you're pulling it into a ponytail. Then, tilt your head slightly backwards and brush the bottom half up, including any hair around the nape of your neck.

 

“Spray hairspray onto your brush and comb into the hair, starting at the root, to help work hair back into a clean ponytail.”

The ponytail

When it comes to equipment, keep it simple. “A bungee works well - it’s a piece of elastic with hooks on either side, and you can hook it in at the top of the hair and then bring it round and round to create your bun,” says Chris. “Regular hair ties also work.”

 

“Once you've secured the ponytail, tame flyaways by spraying hairspray onto a big blusher brush and running it along the nape. It gives it a really nice polish. I really like Sam McKnight’s Modern Hairspray as it’s light. Then, when you're happy with how it looks, you can always go over it with a stronger hairspray.”

Source: @zoeisabellakravitz

The twist

Ponytail done, it’s time to twist and roll. “If you have fine hair and you're aiming for a slick ballerina bun, gently back brush your ponytail before smoothing it out,” says Sweeney. “This does two things: it pads the bun out slightly, and gives the pins something easier to grip into.”

 

“Next, twist and roll the hair around itself. Once you're happy with the placement, use larger U-pins to mark the shape, and then secure it properly with grips.” 

The grips

“I prefer matte hair grips - Sibel’s are my favourite,” says Sweeney. “Work them into the bun, being careful not to disturb the shape, and make sure to adjust your hair around the bun to cover any visible pins and grips.” 

If you have thicker hair: 

With thicker hair or curly hair, Chris suggests using a relaxing cream and a tiny bit of fixative or styling product. You can also get away with a stronger hairspray for hold.

 

“Divide your hair - from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear - in half. Work the back section first; the same rules apply as with fine hair. Then, brush all the hair from the top section into place onto the ponytail and secure it with another elastic.”