You love the neatness and simplicity of a sock bun but have a hard time doing it with your short hair? A few basic tricks will help you create a beautiful bun that fits firmly on your head. However, there are limits to what you can do with very short hair. The steps in this article work best if your hair reaches at least the middle of your neck. You should at least be able to make a short ponytail. If you can't, then a sock bun is impossible.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Socks
Click here if you already know how to make a sock into a hair tie.
Step 1. Take the sock you are willing to cut
This method requires you to cut the sock. Your socks won't work on your feet when you're done making them, so take the socks you've let go of. If you have lost a sock while washing, then it is perfect for this.
When you're looking for socks, you can also pick up a comb, scissors, some small bobby pins, and a hair tie (optional). You will need these tools for later
Step 2. Optionally, choose a sock that matches your hair color
If you want your socks to blend well into your hair, the color should be as close to your hair color as possible. In other words, if you have black hair, choose black socks (and so on). But this isn't important, and it's okay if you can't find socks that are the same color as your hair.
Step 3. Cut off the toes from the sock
Use scissors or a cloth knife to cut the toes of the sock about 2.5 cm from the end. The goal is to make a "tube" of elastic fabric.
Most keki socks are slightly bent at the heel. This is okay-it doesn't matter whether your "tube" is straight or not
Step 4. Roll your sock into a "doughnut
" Take the open end of the sock you just cut and roll the edges up. Continue rolling it until the sock is completely rolled up. It will look like the letter "O," like a donut, or like a hair tie in general
When you have your socks ready, you can start tying your bun. This whole process will only take a few minutes
Part 2 of 3: Making the Bun
Step 1. Pull your hair into a ponytail
You can use a comb to collect your hair if necessary. If you have enough hair to make a ponytail easily, you can tie it anywhere on your head. If your hair is very short and it's difficult to put it in a ponytail, tie it where you got the longest hair. Usually, this is near the top of the back of your head.
Use a hair tie to tie your hair up as you work
Step 2. Roll the sock around the end of your ponytail
Gently pull your ponytail to pull it straight. Tuck your hair into the center of the "O" made from your rolled-up sock. Let the socks hang over your hair at a distance of 2.5 cm from the ends of your hair.
The next few steps can get a little tricky, especially if this is your first time making a sock bun. You may have to repeat this step once or twice. Don't worry-with lots of practice, you'll succeed
Step 3. Tuck the end of your ponytail into the sock
Hold the remaining ends of the ponytail with one hand. Fold it over the sock, over the edges, then down. Use your other hand to open the small space inside the "O" and insert the ponytail inside. Remove the socks and let the elastic hold the hair in place.
If you can't keep your hair in your socks, your hair may be too short. Click here to learn how to make a messy sock bun, which looks similar but is easier to make on short hair
Step 4. Roll the sock up to your head
Keeping your hair in the sock, gently roll the sock up to the base of your ponytail. With each roll, the sock will pick up more hair. The longer your ponytail, the more hair you'll be able to grab when you roll it into your head and the tighter your bun will feel when you're done.
Step 5. Spread your hair into a donut shape
When you can't roll your sock any further, use your fingers to spread the ponytail down the sides of the bun. Try to arrange them so that they are evenly distributed in all directions. When you're done, you'll have a bun that looks like an "O" or a donut. The hair will cover the socks so they can't be seen. Congratulations-you've made a sock bun.
Be careful when styling your hair here. Pulling can cause hair to fall out, and require you to do it again
Part 3 of 3: Making the Bun Up
Step 1. Try a "messy" sock bun
If you can't make a normal sock bun with your short hair, try this method, it looks pretty much the same. You will need rubber bands as well as socks and a hair tie as above. To make a messy bun:
- Pull your hair into a ponytail and tuck the donut into your ponytail as usual.
- Tuck the sock all the way up to your head without curling your hair. Separate the ends of your ponytail into two parts. Bow your head forward and let your hair flow over the donut.
- Tuck an elastic band through loose hair to tie it in a ponytail under the sock.
- Tuck any loose pieces around the sock bun. The end result will be very similar to a normal sock bun.
Step 2. Buy donuts for the bun
Sometimes, the problem may be that the socks you are wearing are not very helpful. It may be made of a material that doesn't hold your hair tightly or it may have lost its elasticity. Using a specially sold donut bun can help in this case. It is a tight, stretchy material shaped like a doughnut designed to grip your hair. You can buy them at salons and department stores for a fairly low price.
Step 3. If you can, use dry, unwashed hair
If you can't get your sock bun to stay in place, try waiting a day or two without showering and trying again. "dirty" hair tends to stick to socks, donut buns, etc. better than clean hair. Using wet hair is the worst way to go - your hair will fall out of the bun as it dries.
Of course, you have to balance your need for daily hygiene with your desire for the perfect sock bun style. Don't put off showering just to get a good bun
Step 4. Insert all the loose hair with bobby pins
A small amount of hair falling out of the bun can eventually cause the bun to come off completely. Try to carry some hair clips in the bag you have this problem. When you notice that a few strands of hair have fallen out of the bun, pin them up to prevent them from loosening the entire bun. It can also give your bun a neater look, and a more "confident" appearance throughout the day.
Step 5. Apply hairspray if needed
Hairspray (as well as mousse and similar products) can help tidy up messy hair. When you've got the bun look you want, apply hairspray all over it. Allow it to dry, then continue your work. Hairspray will make your bun tighter and stronger, keeping it in place.
If you find that hairspray makes your hair shiny, you may need to apply it all over your hair to match your bun
Step 6. Try combing your hair
A technique called "sasak" can give your hair extra volume, helping it to curl more easily. To do this, you will need a fine comb, although you can also get good results with a regular comb. Pull your hair into a ponytail as usual and ponytail with a hair tie. Comb it upside down along the ponytail until it is near the base of the ponytail. You will notice that this section has additional thickness. It can also get a bit wrinkled.
Now, try rolling your sock bun again and you'll notice that the hair is now easier to attach
Tips
- Words and pictures can only tell you enough about what you should do to your hair. Videos can be more helpful in showing you exactly how to make a sock bun (or any bun). A good instructional video is available here.
- If you still can't make a sock bun, don't worry-there are many, many other hairstyles that are easier. Check out our selection of articles on buns for dozens of step-by-step instructions.
