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Roll a braid into a low bun

Use a reachable side braid as the structure for a compact updo. Rolling a finished plait keeps the lengths together while you position and pin the bun.

Step by step

  1. An adult holds a completed loose side braid with a soft tie at its end before rolling it up.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Make a loose side braid

    • Bring dry detangled hair to one side and divide it into three sections. Cross an outer section under the center, then the opposite outer section under the new center.
    • Repeat with comfortable roots, stopping before the ends get difficult to hold. Secure the end with a soft tie.
  2. An adult cups a partly rolled braid while turning its tied end inward toward the braid base.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Roll the tied end upward and pin

    • Tuck the tied end inward and roll the plait upward onto itself toward its starting point. Cup the growing roll with one hand; keep the roots slack.
    • Hold the roll against the side of the nape. Slide a pin through a small edge of the roll and into hair at its base, keeping the tips flat along the head.
    • Add supporting pins where needed, without pushing into the scalp. Ease your supporting hand away; redo the roll if it shifts or pulls.
  3. An adult checks loose lengths after removing the pins and tie and undoing the rolled braid.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Unpin, unroll and release

    • After wear, support the bun while removing every pin into a tray. Let the braid unroll slowly rather than pulling it down.
    • Remove the end tie and undo the braid from the bottom upward. Gently separate any caught hairs with your fingers.

One reachable style, including setup and takedown; practice can take longer.

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 roll stays supported without scalp pulling, and can be unpinned, unrolled and unbraided in that order.