How to Make a Military Bun

A military bun is a particularly tight and neat bun that is required for any long-haired woman in the military. However, the military bun doesn't just have to be for the ladies in camouflage! You can wear it to dress up your nighttime look or keep your hair under control on a windy day.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making a Military Bun

1
Make a ponytail in the middle of the back of your head. Secure it with a thick ponytail holder that you wrap at least 3-4 times around your hair. The ponytail should be very tight and close to your scalp.
2
Wrap a second ponytail holder around the ponytail. In case the first one breaks or loses its elasticity, you'll be prepared.^{[1]
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3
Lift up the ponytail as you begin to twist it. Hold it up as you twist the ponytail tightly.^{[2]
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4
Wrap the twisted ponytail around itself. Starting at the base of the ponytail, take the twisted ponytail and wrap it around itself as much as you need to until it is completely wrapped. Make sure there are no loose strands and that your hair is neatly wrapped without bumps.^{[3]
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5
Secure the bun with 3-4 large bobby pins. Start securing the hair at the top of the bun, pushing the pins down to secure the bun to the rest of your hair. Try moving your head around—if the bun doesn't feel completely secure, try using a few more bobby pins until you can move your head in all directions without the bun moving out of place.^{[4]
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6
Place a hairnet over the bun (optional). For an additional touch, you can place a hairnet over the bun, doubling it two or three times depending on the size of the bun.
7
Secure the hairnet in place. Use at least 2-3 small pins to secure the hairnet in place.^{[5]
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8
Spray the bun with hairspray. Smooth any flyaways with a little gel. Keep the hairspray with you throughout the day just in case you need to secure your look later.
9
Finished.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Preparing Your Hair In Advance

1
Brush your hair thoroughly. Spend a good few minutes running a brush through your hair until it feels smooth and completely tangle-free. Make sure that this is the first thing you do; if you brush your hair after you wash it, you'll be more likely to break and damage your hair.
2
Wet your hair. You can use shampoo and conditioner if you need it, but the main purpose of wetting the hair is to make it easier to work with.
3
Dry your hair until it's damp. Dry your hair with a towel and wring it out until it's nice and damp. If it's soaking wet, it will be hard to make a bun, but you won't be able to do it if your hair is completely dry, so don't blow dry it or wait to long before you make your bun.
4
Comb your hair gently to get all the bumps out. Put a dime-sized amount of hair gel onto the comb and run it through your hair.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I do this bun without a hairnet? Will it even work without one?

Community Answer

It will still work. The hairnet is only there to give some support and prevent strands of hair from coming loose.
Question

What if I don't have bobby pins?

Community Answer

Just put a hair elastic around it. Bobby or hair pins are a must-have for neatness though.
Question

What if my hair is too thick/layered to stay in place?

Community Answer

More bobby pins, hairspray, and gel will do the trick. Another alternative is to cut the hair to a bob or shorter and pin the front hairs back.