How to Make a Military Bun

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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

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    In case the first one breaks or loses its elasticity, you'll be prepared. [1]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    Hold it up as you twist the ponytail tightly. [2]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    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]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    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]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    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. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    Use at least 2-3 small pins to secure the hairnet in place.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Military Bun
    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. Illianna Tagle

    Apr 23, 2020

    "This was amazing. I am thinking of joining the navy when I am 18, so thank y'all." more comments
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Preparing Your Hair In Advance

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  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.
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Brushing your hair is paramount. "Brushing hair is the easiest way to keep hair healthy. It increases blood circulation to the scalp, which helps to bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair stem. The act of brushing can help to remove product build-up, dry skin and other impurities found on the scalp and hair."

  2. 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 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. Put a dime-sized amount of hair gel onto the comb and run it through your hair.
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Comments

  • Karina Huxley

    Apr 2, 2023

    "Very nice tutorial. Im a teacher and this style has become my new favorite."
    Rated this article:

  • Chasity Rhodus

    Aug 12, 2016

    "Step by step tips and pictures of showing how helped."

  • Gray Bryson

    Jan 28, 2022

    "This really helped for JROTC inspections!"
    Rated this article:
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Community Q&A

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  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 51
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 40
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • If you don't succeed the first few tries, don't worry; it takes time to master the military bun.
        Thanks
        Helpful 18 Not Helpful 2
      • For a very formal, neat look, avoid using any colorful, girly, or bright accessories. This style doesn't go well with embellished clips, pins, or accessories either.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 5
      • Give yourself 10-20 minutes to complete the bun, depending on the length and thickness of your hair.
        Thanks
        Helpful 14 Not Helpful 3
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • "Check your division's specific regulations. For example, the US navy doesn't allow hairnets and other sections of the army only allow certain dimensions for the bun. " - Fabio G.
      • "Some parts of the military require all hair to be above the collar bone. Check with your division supervisor for exact regulations. " - Danielle A.
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      Things You'll Need

      • 2-3 large bobby pins (similar to your hair color)
      • 2-3 small bobby pins (similar to your hair color)
      • A hairnet (similar to your hair color)
      • 2 (metal-free is better) ponytail holders (similar to your hair color)
      • Hair gel (cheap is okay, or make your own )
      • Hair spray (again, it can be something inexpensive)


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pv3tn3VIJc
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pv3tn3VIJc
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6AvIStmGVo
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6AvIStmGVo
      5. Videos provided by TheOtherSideOfAlex

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a military bun, start by making a ponytail in the middle of the back of your head. Then, lift the ponytail up as you begin to twist the hair tightly, wrapping the hair around itself. Once all of the hair is nearly wrapped around the ponytail holder, secure the bun with 3-4 large bobby pins. Next, place a hairnet over the bun, secure it with a few more bobby pins, and use hairspray to help hold the hair in place. To learn how to prepare your hair for a military bun, keep reading!

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