A sock bun uses a rolled-up sock with the toe cut off, or a foam donut, as a base for wrapping the hair. The ring makes even fine or shoulder-length hair look like a thick, round bun, which is why it is a go-to trick for anyone short on volume. This gallery shows twenty ways to use it, from sleek ballerina buns and a formal bun with a hair wrap to a giant top knot balanced by pompadour bangs.
Plenty of looks combine the bun with braids: a fishtail leading into a side bun, a sixties high bun wrapped with a plait, waterfall and reverse-crown braids, cornrows feeding into a rocker updo and two braids framing a unicorn-coloured donut. Others lean messy, with tousled low buns, curly buns and flyaways left out on purpose.
Sleek versions suit straight or smoothed hair and formal occasions such as weddings and proms; textured, curly or second-day hair is easier to work into a relaxed, undone bun. Match the size of the donut to your hair length and colour, and choose a foam ring close to your shade so it stays hidden if any gaps appear.
1. Side Braid into Puffy Bun
Mixing braids and buns can be tricky with short, fine hair, but a sock gives limp lengths instant volume and texture. Here a fishtail runs into a puffy side bun. Do not aim for perfection; a slightly messy finish looks better and hides any gaps.
Inspiration: @anniesforgetmeknots
2. Giant Top Knot with Pompadour Bangs
Sock buns often have a recognisable donut shape. If you like yours extra large, offset the volume with pompadour bangs loosely twisted back and tucked into the bun. The front lift keeps the giant top knot looking balanced.
Inspiration: @art4studio
3. Simple Angelic Donut Bun
Many people now use foam twisters instead of socks to create the classic donut shape. They are widely available and especially helpful for thin hair. For this low blonde bun, tease the crown slightly first to add volume across the top.
Inspiration: @sunkissedandmadeup
4. Low Messy Bun with an Accent
Flyaways and a tousled texture turn an otherwise formal low bun into something softer and more romantic. A delicate hair accessory, perhaps even a DIY piece, ties the whole look together as a pretty finishing accent.
Inspiration: @theprettyparlour
5. Formal Bun with a Wrap
Even full, formal buns are easier to make than they look, making this a great option for weddings and black-tie events. A sleek finish, draping side sections, a small bouffant and a hair wrap create a refined, flawless updo for prom.
Inspiration: @ellasbridalhair
6. Rocker Updo Hairstyle with Braids
Donut buns do not have to be pulled back tightly into a neat shape. Some of the most creative updos combine dramatic colour contrasts and rows of cornrows leading into the bun, for a rock-inspired result.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
7. Unicorn Donut Bun with Two Braids
Rainbow unicorn hair looks fantastic in a high bun, since the shape shows off every shade. Two braids leading into the donut add detail and frame the colours. It is a fun, eye-catching style for festivals or parties.
Inspiration: @chitabeseau
8. Sixties Top Bun with Wrapping Braid
This sixties-inspired high bun is simple to recreate. Make a ponytail just above the crown, leaving a section aside. Wrap the rest around a foam donut or sock, then braid the reserved section and wind it around the bun’s base.
Inspiration: @hair_by_pelerossi
9. Sleek and Smooth Ballerina Bun
Polished sock buns are perfect for galas, proms, school dances and weddings, whether you are the bride or a bridesmaid. A sleek ballerina shape with a wrap looks timeless, and a smoothing serum tames flyaways for a glossy finish.
Inspiration: @hairicome_
10. Gothic Updo
A smaller bun can still look dramatic. This reverse-crown braid style with two-tone hair and a messy finish has plenty of gothic edge. The braids lead upward into a high bun for a striking silhouette.
Inspiration: @hairbyjaxx
11. Whimsical Messy Top Knot
Neat braiding and loose flyaways, chocolate brown and platinum blonde: this enchanting style plays with opposites. A braid leads into a chunky top knot framed by bangs, and a sock bun is all you need to achieve it.
Inspiration: @nettespaghettiii
12. Curly Bun with Highlights
Big sock buns can take practice, but curly hair makes it much easier thanks to its built-in texture. Highlights add dimension, and a few flyaways give the bun a relaxed charm rather than detracting from it.
Inspiration: @sunkissedandmadeup
13. Zebra-Stripe Bun Updo with Braids
Multi-tonal hair colour looks fantastic in updos. A high-contrast root fade works especially well in this braid-into-bun style, where the stripes of light and dark take a familiar updo to a chic new level. Loosen the braids slightly to show more of each tone.
Inspiration: @detkostarenflaskavin
14. Elegant and Messy Updo
This elegant low bun is a textured, dimensional take on the classic sock bun and works well on shorter hair. Before gathering, curl from crown to ends, brush through and finish with hairspray for plenty of volume.
Inspiration: @theprettyparlour
15. Casual Updo with Braid
Donut buns often look polished enough for formal events, but they work casually too. Paired with a braid, this one is a neater alternative to the usual just-woke-up messy bun for class, errands or the office.
Inspiration: @jodieblowdrycafe
16. 60’s-Style Wrapping Bun
A teased, wrapped sixties bouffant is surprisingly easy to recreate with a sock. Combine it with a French twist effect for a done-up, vintage silhouette, and use plenty of hairspray to hold everything in place.
Inspiration: @detkostarenflaskavin
17. Low Sock Updo with a Messy Touch
A sock bun is also a heatless way to get loose curls on long hair. Wear a messy low bun one day, then take it down for bouncy waves the next. It is a practical, two-in-one styling trick.
Inspiration: @annette_updo_artist
18. Ballet Bun with a Twist
Classic ballet buns feel prim and polished, a nice change from messy buns. For a slightly edgier take, tease the crown lightly and add bangs, which soften the sleek shape and frame the face. A smoothing balm keeps the sides glossy.
Inspiration: @braids_in_action
19. Extra-Large Bun With a Braid Around
With a sock or foam bun maker, buns can go as big as you like. Go dramatic for prom or a party and wrap a braid around the base for a custom finish. The extra height makes a confident, glamorous statement.
Inspiration: @hairbykatieanne_
20. Waterfall Braid and Bun
A waterfall braid and bun are woven together into one creative updo. It is pretty enough for a formal event yet relaxed enough for a beach holiday, and it is guaranteed to attract compliments. Pin the braid ends under the bun to hide them.
Inspiration: @ginger__roots
Making a sock bun from scratch
- Cut the toe off a clean sock close in colour to your hair and roll it into a doughnut.
- Pull your hair into a ponytail where you want the bun, thread the end through the ring and spread the hair evenly around it.
- Roll the sock down toward the base, tucking the ends inside as you go, or fan the hair over the ring and secure it with a second elastic.
- Pin any loose ends and finish with hairspray or smoothing serum, depending on whether you want messy or polished.
Tips for fine or short hair
Lightly tease the ponytail before wrapping so it covers the donut completely, and choose a smaller ring than you think you need. Dry shampoo or texture spray adds grip to slippery, freshly washed hair. If your hair is not long enough to cover the donut, wrap it around and hide the gap with a braid, a scarf or a decorative pin. For heatless curls, leave a damp sock bun in overnight and take it down in the morning.