When out of ideas and creative inspiration after a long week, I resort to lot’s and lot’s of small interwoven and pulled apart braids intermingled, piled, and pinned on the top of the head. For DIY hair Friday this week, I’m gonna demonstrate this hairstyle on longer and shorter hair.

This messy braid-y bun style is a great fall back ‘do for any occasion, so try it out and get creative! you can mix regular braids with fishtails and frenchies and dutchies and twists! let your mind and your hair and your fingers run wild:)

Have some braided hair bun fun!

Short hair fun bun

Here is how…….Secure the hair into a high ponytail. Leave the bangs or front section out, it will be braided at the end.

Split the ponytail into 3 sections. They can be different sizes. Braid each section and secure the ends.

Pull the braids apart to plump them up. Now begin with one braid. Wrap it very loosely around the base of the ponytail and pin the ends into the base. Repeat with the other 2 braids, creating as large and even a bun as you can. Pin from a couple of angles to make sure each braid is secure. Now gently pull bits of the bun out to plump it even more.

Make a small french braid in the front section, at an angle. Braid the free end and secure it. Pull it apart to plump it, and pin it back around the bun. Try to be discreet as you can with your bobbies!

Longer haired fun bun!

With longer hair, I suggest using a hair rat to add extra height and drama to the do.

For this hairstyle, you will put all the hair in a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into 5 sections of different sizes. Braid each section and secure the ends. Pull each braid apart to bulk them up. Pull the smallest braid a bit more to add some rough texture to the bun.

Now, bobby pin the hair rat directly to the head in front of the base of the ponytail.

Starting with the largest braid, wrap it gently around the hair rat. Pin the end in, then add another pin or two to secure it. Take the next biggest braid and wrap it the other direction. Continue with each smaller braid, covering the surface of the hair rat with flattened braids, building your bun.

Pin the smallest one last. Make sure all of the ends are hidden, and manipulate the braids and pin them to cover exposed areas of the hair rat so it is completely hidden.

Voila! Your weekend hairstyle from HTHG.

XO!