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Make a doughnut bun

Use a small foam ring to give a bun its rounded shape. Choose a ring the hair can cover without stretching, and support the covering sections as you tuck and pin them.

Step by step

  1. A woman threads her low ponytail through a foam bun ring.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Thread the ponytail through the ring

    • Start with dry detangled loose hair. Check that the ring has no rough catches and the pins have smooth intact tips.
    • Tie a comfortable low ponytail, high enough to leave the bun clear of the moving nape. Pull the full tail through the ring’s center to its base.
  2. A woman spreads a section over the foam ring and tucks its ends beneath the rim.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Cover the foam and tuck the ends

    • Divide the tail into two or three sections. Fan one section over the curved foam and tuck its ends beneath the ring’s outer edge.
    • Hold that section with one hand. Slide a pin along the base to catch the tucked hair and the hair beneath, keeping the tips away from skin.
    • Repeat around the ring until it is covered. Use a smaller ring if coverage needs pulling; do not stretch the base tighter.
  3. A woman supports a doughnut bun while removing a pin before taking out the ring.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Check the hold and remove the insert

    • Lower your hands and move your head gently. Support the bun to adjust a slipping section; remove any pin that pokes or pinches.
    • For takedown, support the bun and remove every pin. Unwrap the hair from the foam before sliding the ring off the free tail.
    • Unwind the ponytail tie, separate any snags and put away the ring and pins.

One ring bun including setup, pinning and later removal. Detangling is separate.

Unmeasured editorial handling estimate for the stated scope. Familiarity, access and the item or hair being handled change the time.

You’re done when…

The covered ring holds without wobbling or root pulling, with no pin tip pressing against skin.