Fuss-Free Updo: Cotton Candy Bun Tutorial

I hardly ever wear my hair up—except on a few occasions. If it’s a rainy day, then chances are I’m reaching for hairspray. If I haven’t washed my hair in a few days, putting it in a messy ponytail is an easy option. And if I don’t have enough time to flat iron or curl my hair, I attempt to hide my kinks in a twisted top knot. But more often than not, my casual updos resemble a sad little door knob on the top of my head, rather than an effortless coif.

As someone who only allots 45 minutes to get ready before work (including “snooze” time), it’s important for me to establish easy hair and makeup shortcuts where I can still pull off a polished look for my 9 to 5. Which is why I’m obsessed with this cotton candy bun. It exceeds my casual updo expectations and yet it’s so easy to pull off at home. Grab your bobby pins, ladies!

I came across this ultra cute cotton candy bun on Pinterest and I wanted to recreate this look because I love the texture behind this. I’m no hair artist—which is why I asked for an extra set of hands for today’s post. I was excited to reunite with my wedding hairstylist (and my go-to gal for professional hair styling), Anna Fazio, to help me show me how to put together a pretty, voluminous cotton candy bun.

First, gather hair into a high ponytail, which sit close to the crown of your head. Secure with a small elastic. Use hairspray to smooth any fly aways and to help create texture.

Tease the ponytail by holding the end of the ponytail toward the sky and brushing down with a comb with the opposite hand.

Once you’ve created the texture you need, swirl the bun around in a clockwise motion. Tuck the ends into the base of the bun, hairspray and secure with bobby pins. And voila!

Like what you see? Stay tuned for a future post, featuring another fun and easy twist on the top knot!

Shop the products used for this look:

Photography by Brad Barnwell, Hair by Anna Fazio