How to Use a Hair Bun Holder
A bun holder and pin, sometimes called a bun cage, will hold a bun all day without elastics or grips. Here's how to put one in, three easy styles to try, and how to choose the right size.
The pin does the work
The holder sits over your bun, but it's the pin that keeps everything in place. It slides in through one side of the holder, passes through the bun underneath, and comes out through the other side.
If the pin catches the bun and a little of the hair at its base, the bun stays put.
How to use a bun holder
1. Make your bun
Gather your hair into a ponytail where you want the bun, twist it, and coil it round on itself. Tuck the ends under and hold the bun in place with one hand.
2. Sit the holder over it
Place the holder over the bun so it covers it neatly, with the pin holes at each side. Press it down gently so it sits close to your head.
3. Push the pin through
Slide the pin in through one side of the holder, through the bun and a little of the hair at its base, and out the other side. Give your head a gentle shake. If the bun stays still, you're done.
Three easy ways to wear one
Low chignon
Make the bun at the nape of your neck. It's neat, sits comfortably against a chair back, and works for work or a smart occasion.
High bun
Make the bun on the crown of your head to keep hair off your neck. Good for exercise, warm days or busy jobs.
Messy bun
Twist your hair loosely and let a few strands fall free before adding the holder. The pin still holds it firmly, so it looks relaxed without coming loose.
Which bun holder is right for you?
Romaine
For medium to thick or long hair. Our largest, at 9 x 9cm with a 14cm pin. A classic design in Tortoiseshell, Light Tortoiseshell or Black.
Hepburn
For medium hair. A swirl design, 8cm wide with a 13cm pin, for anything from a messy bun to a neat updo. Tortoiseshell or Black.
Ninon
For fine hair or a smaller bun. Our smallest, 6cm wide with a 13.5cm pin, and only 11g. Tortoiseshell or Light Tortoiseshell.
Good to know
What's the best way to secure a bun?
Twist the hair firmly before you coil it, then let the pin do the holding: it should pass through the bun and catch a little of the hair at its base. A holder that fits your bun snugly will hold it far better than one that's too big.
Will it stay in fine hair?
Yes, if the bun is a good fit for the holder. Choose a smaller holder such as the Ninon, and make sure the pin catches a little of the hair at the base of the bun as well as the bun itself. That anchors it to your head.
Do I need an elastic?
No, the pin holds the bun on its own. If your hair is very slippery, a small elastic round the ponytail before you twist it can make the bun easier to shape.
My bun is too big for the holder. What can I do?
Twist the hair more tightly before you coil it, or choose the larger Romaine. A holder should sit over the bun without straining.
How do I take it out?
Hold the holder with one hand and slide the pin back out the way it went in. Then lift the holder off and let your hair down.
Can I use a bun holder with short hair?
You need enough hair to twist into a bun, roughly shoulder length or longer. If your bun is small, the Ninon is the best fit. For shorter hair, try a side comb or a barrette instead.
French bun holders, sold since 2003
Our bun holders are made in France from strong plastic with a gloss finish, and come with their own pin. The Romaine is one of our best-reviewed products.
