How to Make a Sock a Bun

January 18, 2022 Post a Comment

After a number of requests for a sock bun tutorial, I finally got one together. From what I can tell, you don't have to have long hair or thick hair to have an amazing sock bun. Because my hair is so thick, however, this is the only sock bun method that works for me with the result I want!

The finesse of making a good sock bun is to practice with your fingers and know that it will come together. The combination of bobby pins, strong hairspray and a headband also help a lot.

Sock Bun Tutorial

This hairstyle is called a sock bun because you can use a sock as your 'bun maker.' Many stores sell pre-formed options, however.

I hope these pictures and my tips help you to make your own sock bun – some of the steps were a) difficult to photograph, b) difficult to explain, and (most often) c) difficult to photograph and explain. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions!

What You Need for a Sock Bun

brush, fine tooth comb, hair tie, bobby pins*, bun maker*, headband (the style doesn't matter), hairspray, molding wax, handheld mirror.

*It's very important that your bun maker and your bobby pins match the color of your hair (roughly). Blondes should use a white or nude color bun maker/sock with gold pins. If you have darker hair, use a black or brown bun maker and pins.

I made my own bun maker with two thin trouser socks. Place one sock inside the other. Cut out the toes. Carefully roll the socks together until no extra material remains. Voila!

1. Brush hair to remove all tangles. Hair doesn't need to be heat-styled straight for this to work. I put my headband around my neck, so that I'm not stretching it around my bun later.

2. Brush hair into a high ponytail. Use a fine tooth comb to remove all bumps on your head.

3. Use molding wax and hair spray to remove as many flyaways as possible. For hairspray, aim nozzle at hair and spray. Use fingertips and your palm to smooth hair back. Then spray ponytail with hairspray from top to bottom with an extra spritz at the tip.

4. Place bun maker at root of ponytail.

Rolling Sock Bun down Hair - Sock Bun Tutorial Photos

5. Gather ponytail in your hand and pull hair up and away from your head (roughly 45 degrees down from straight up). Carefully slide bun maker to 1-2 inches from tip of hair. Wrap remaining inches of hair around bun maker.

6. Slowly, work your way down your ponytail, toward your scalp, rolling the bun maker from the middle out with your fingers. Much of your hair will fold around the sock nicely. Gather and tuck remaining hair as you work your way down. Don't worry too much about getting your hair all the way around the sock.