The Ballet Bun - Get your children practising!

One of the most important part of your uniform is your hair! I am very lucky as a teacher that I only have to remind a few of my students about making sure thier hair is in a bun but for the lower grades of Ballet and parents who have difficulty in atempting the Bun. Here's a four step guide on the traditional Ballet Bun.

Step 1: I like to start by spraying my hair with Hair Spray. This helps your fluffy or sliky smooth hair to give it some hold and make it easier to style better. For Exams or Performances I always use Gel!

Step 2: Use a comb or brush to pull hair into a ponytail. The perfect height is at the crown of the head. You should be able to see the top of the bun when you’re facing the mirror straight on. This creates a swoop diagonally upwards giving the illusion of a longer neck. Secure with an elastic band. For thicker hair use two if needed.

Step 3: Twist the ponytail (either way is fine) into a rope. Swirl around the elastic and begin pinning around until you reach the end of your ponytail. To get a true ballerina bun, u-shaped pins (the strong ones) are the way to go. They hold more hair and are easier to use than traditional bobby pins. Tuck loose ends under the bun and use a pin to secure.

For those who have very thick hair, I’d suggest the two-piece bun method so you don't end up with the dreaded door knob. To do this, divide the ponytail into two sections. Start the twisting and pinning process with one section and leave the other section hanging down. Once you twist and pin half way around the elastic, start the process with the other section, continuing the twisting and pinning pattern until loose ends have been tucked under and secured. Very cinnamon bun-like and looks pretty with highlighted hair.

Step 4: Finish off with a light- to medium-hold hairspray (If needed) and a Hair Net. I find Ballet Bun's break to easily and doesn't always fit around a big Bun!