How to Make a Figure-Eight Ballet Bun

Ballet 5:8 Company Artist Elizabeth Marlin

Ever get tired of the same-old high ballet bun? Ballet 5:8 Company Artist Elizabeth Marlin shares a beautiful variation on the standard ballet bun, originally posted on the Ballet 5:8 NOW blog.

Elizabeth:

This is one of my favorite hairstyles to wear for class, rehearsals, and even performances! It’s a “twist” on a regular bun and is similar to a Balanchine bun, which adds extra loops for a more elongated and elegant look.

Here's How to Do It:

Start with a ponytail at whatever height you want.

Divide the hair into two sections and loop one section around the ponytail once as if you are making a regular bun.

Repeat this with the other section, pinning this second loop to the outside of the first.

Combine the two sections of hair and, continuing to twist the same way, loop and pin the strand as if it were its own separate bun below the larger one.

Continuing to twist the same way, make one more smaller loop on the other side (you will have to flip this loop so the strand of free hair comes out underneath).

You can repeat these steps if you have longer hair, or you can tuck in the end and secure with pins.