How to Do a Bun Without a Donut: A Ballet-Ready Guide

You can create a neat, performance-ready ballet bun without a donut bun maker using just a ponytail, bobby pins, and hair spray. The secret lies in sectioning, twisting, and proper placement.

There is something special to say about the clean look of a ballet bun among ballerinas. The perfectly placed hair pins, neat hair, and twist of the bun bring the ballet aesthetic all together. Whether on stage, in class, or at an audition, a well-done ballet bun reflects the dedication and artistry that define ballet itself.

• But why do we do a bun in ballet? 
• What is the importance of it? 
• How do we do the perfect ballet bun?  

We are here to answer all these questions for you! 

Why Dancers Wear a Bun (Even Without a Donut)

A ballet bun is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a fundamental part of ballet dance and culture. We get it; slicking your hair back and making sure no wispies are seen may make us feel like a bald eagle, but there is more to the why than just showing off the forehead: 

Uniformity:

Matching hairstyles create a cohesive look for the class or performance.

Part of the discipline of ballet is creating uniformity. When everyone is dressed the same, it takes away the division of status and sets an even playing field for all.

Habit Breaking:

Keeping hair off the face prevents distracting habits like brushing it aside.

Muscle memory is our friend and our enemy. When our hair is in our face, we have the habit of brushing it aside or blowing it out of the way. This simple action becomes a habit that, if not broken, translates into our performance. Ballet is so focused on body placement that any other movement draws the attention away from the specificity and detail in the placement. 

Centering the Body:

A bun placed in the right spot can help a dancer feel centered and aligned.

When a bun is perfectly placed on the head, it actually helps a dancer to balance and find their center. All dancers know that feeling of being off-center, and that sometimes is due to the placement of the bun. It is so important to a ballerina’s success in class and performance to place the bun in the correct spot. 

How to make the perfect bun? 

What You Need:

◉ Hairbrush
◉ Hair tie
◉ Spray bottle with water
◉ Hairspray or gel
◉ Bobby pins
◉ Hairnet (optional)
◉ Hair accessories (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Dampen the Hair

Lightly mist hair with water to smooth flyaways. Spritz hair with water to brush away and maintain wispies. If you have extra fizzy hair, you may need to spray with hairspray and/or gel. 

2. Make a Tight Ponytail

Brush hair into a ponytail placed just above the ears. It should feel snug and clean.
A secure ponytail = a secure bun. Brush hair back into a tight ponytail right above the ears. 

3. Divide and Twist

Split the ponytail into 2 even sections. Twist one section (it doesn’t matter which direction you twist), then start circling around the ponytail, bobby pinning as you go. 

4. Repeat With the Second Section

Twist the other section and wrap it over the first. Secure with more bobby pins (follow step 3).

5. Tidy Up

Use bobby pins, gel, and a hairnet if needed to secure any loose strands. Secure any wispies with bobby pins, gel, hairnet, or hairspray.

Accessories! Flowers, jeweled bobby pins, scrunchy – as long as it is not dangling or getting in the way. 

We hope these tips help you succeed at making the perfect bun! View our other technique tip blogs:

⇛ Pre-Pointe Exercises for Stronger Feet and Ankles
⇛ 3 Exercises to Help Strengthen & Maintain Turnout
⇛ Summer Weekly Fitness Routine by Cavod Theatre’s Artistic Director Monica DePaul

Ballet Classes at Cavod Performing Arts

Nailing the perfect ballet bun is just one part of the bigger picture—ballet is all about precision, discipline, and expression. If you love the art of dance and want to grow your skills in a fun and supportive environment, Cavod Performing Arts has the perfect class for you!

With local ballet classes for all levels at our New Holland and Manheim locations, we focus on technique, strength, and artistry while keeping the joy of dance alive. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, our classes are designed to help you feel confident and strong in every movement.

Check out our class schedule and find the right fit for you!

To learn more about ballet at Cavod, visit our ballet classes page >>