Like yoga pants and Ugg boots, mom buns can sometimes get a bad rap, but when you’re chasing young kids, the last thing you want is a hairdo that gets in your way. Just remember—even if you go with something practical, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. We’ve rounded up some easy hairstyles that make the mom bun look totally stylish.
You can't go wrong with a basic messy bun to give you the clean, practical look of an updo without being too formal. Pull your hair into a loose ponytail, either high or low will work. Twist the hair, and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, continuing to wrap below the bun. Secure your hair with an elastic tie and bobby pins. You can pull out a few strands from the bun or around your face to make it a little messier.
For a variation on the messy bun, try a half-up style. Gather just half your hair at the top and then follow the same steps to making a messy bun, leaving the rest of your locks flowing free.
A top knot bun is an easy, protective style for natural hair. With hair stretched, smooth it up into a ponytail and then form into a bun, securing in place with a second hair tie or pins.
This is an easy hairstyle that’s meant to look a little messy, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time perfecting those wayward strands if you have hair that’s hard to tame. Create a side part, and gather all your hair to the side in a low ponytail. Wrap your hair tie around and twist it while twisting your hair at the same time, and loop the band around one more time to create a bun. Use bobby pins to tuck in loose ends and give the bun more shape.
A variation on the messy bun is the octopus—the latest trend in bun hairstyles that also happens to be one of the easiest. Simply sweep your hair up into a high ponytail, then wrap the length of your hair around the base of your ponytail. When there’s just a small amount of hair left, tuck the ends under the band, leaving them sticking out.
Tame your curly tresses with a sleek, but simple chignon. As Girl With Curves' Tanesha Awasthi describes, simply gather your hair to the side like you're making a side ponytail then pull it halfway through an elastic hair tie and twist the tie back over to form a messy bun. Check out the full tutorial here.
Practically effortless, this braided bun from hair guru Abby Smith at Twist Me Pretty is going to be your new fave style. A low ponytail and a simple braid is the basis for this chic look. Abby isn't kidding when she says it only takes two minutes to pull off this 'do! Head to her YouTube channel to see the quick tutorial.
If your hair is too short for high buns, you can still get a similar look with a half-up version. Gather half your hair at the top, split into two sides and form buns.
