This Back-to-Work Curly Hairstyle is a must-have in your lookbook to save a messy hair day, a failed wash day, transitioning hair days, and more! It’s a Low, Pancaked Donut Bun, on the Side, to go with your morning coffee. How’s that for a name?! Or, just a Low Side Bun works fine too.
And yes, today, was one of those messy curl days for me. While testing some new styling products, my hair unfortunately, was just not happy. I usually test out products for at least a month to figure them out before making a final decision. This is already the second week and it’s just not working out. But more on that in a later post.
Still, I have things to do, a whole day ahead of me, and no time to rewash my hair. So… that makes this a perfect day to show you one of the hairstyles I wore very often in the early months of my curly hair journey. It’s an easy style to take your curls to work and feel pretty and put together all at the same time.
The Back to Work Curly Hairstyle | Low Side Bun
Recommended Accessories: Basic ponytail holder + A handful of bobby pins + Hairspray
This low side bun hairstyle can be worn for so many occasions and stays in place all day long. It’s a perfect updo for healthcare professionals, educators, corporate boss ladies and elegant fashionistas alike. Here are the styling tips to master this Low Side Bun Hairstyle!
.01 Finding the Balance
First, begin by parting your hair to one side, allowing your bangs or face framing layers to fall forward.
Then, gather a low ponytail on the opposite side of your bangs, just behind your ear.
Once your low ponytail is set, tighten it by gently pulling apart the ponytail close to the ponytail holder. If you have thick hair, and are concerned about a sagging ponytail, I’ll link my favorite strong ponytail holders that work exceptionally well.
Style Tip: The bangs on one side and the low bun on the opposite side give this look a beautiful design balance to frame your face.
.02 Securing the Donut Bun
To start the simple donut bun, begin by twisting the ponytail and wrapping it around the ponytail holder.
But before adding the bobby pins, pancake the bun to soften this look. To do this, hold the bun with one hand, and with the other, gently tug the edges of the bun outwards to widen it. This loosening will give your hair texture more room to flourish.
To insert the bobby pins, don’t open them. Instead, just poke them straight into your bun, horizontally, then turn them up to tuck into the bun. Insert at least 4 bobby pins all around the bun. All the bobby pins should be aiming towards the center of the bun. Think of them like the hands on a clock with the inserted bobby pins at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions.
Style Tip: If you have French bobby pins, this would be a great use for them too!
I will put together a video on those soon too.
.03 Styling Face Framing Layers
Shorter bangs and face framing layers look beautiful with any updo. You can refresh them individually or tuck them back if you’d like. Especially if your face framing layers are longer than your chin, loosely pin them back for a more polished look. Try the hook and tuck technique to secure each curl into place. Just hook your loose curls with the bobby pin first, then tuck them into the rest of your hair.
Style Tip: Try to not open the bobby pin for the best holding power.
If your hair doesn’t fit into the bobby pin without opening it, take a smaller amount of hair.
The Finishing Details Make all the Difference
When your styling is complete, just add some hairspray for longevity. My favorite hairspray for dry hair is the Kenra 25 Flexible Hold Hairspray. However, when I need to wet my hair a little to smooth down some flyaways, I like to use the Innersense Organic Beauty I Create Finish. I also like to keep a travel size bottle of one of these sprays in my purse for quick touch-ups too.
Now, wasn’t that easy? I hope this looks gives you more confidence in knowing you don’t need perfect curls to have a great hair day! Let me know your questions in the comments below!
~ Click HERE to Watch the Video Tutorial on YouTube too! ~
Just remember, the next time you are thinking of a Back to Work Curly Hairstyle to try, that you can still enjoy that relaxing cup of coffee with a pancaked donut bun on the side to go with it…
For more curly hairstyle inspiration check out these posts too!
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