Not much of a fan of the ever-popular "sock bun" trend, when I joined the Air National Guard, I told myself, "I will never be caught DEAD wearing a sock bun!" You know, because it seems like every photo you ever see of anyone in the military shows them wearing a sock bun—and I was not going to do it!
Let me tell you what, after being at Basic Military Training for about two weeks with short hair that would just not stay up in any kind of bun and having an MTI come up to me and say, "Get it together, Rowe! Your hair looks like a hot mess!" it was then that I decided to embrace the dreaded sock bun. And I decided to call it the "donut bun" instead, because that just sounds better—I suppose. After about three successful buns created with my small, brown mesh donut, I was sold. I don't care what anyone has to say about the donut bun, it's quick, it's easy, it works for almost any hair length that can be put up, and it's the only way to put your hair up in less than a minute as Reveille is going off and 46 girls are scrambling around you to get their beds made.
So whether you're researching how best to wear your hair while at BMT or just wanting to try a new updo, here's my tutorial for the military version of the sock bun.
Basic Steps:
- Pull hair up into low ponytail (it has to be low enough to put your ABU cap on)
- String ponytail through mesh donut, bringing donut all the way up to base of hair tie
- Fan ponytail over mesh donut, making sure to evenly cover mesh with hair
- Wrap second hair tie around mesh donut
- Secure loose ends with bobby pins
- (Optional) Pull & tug hair around mesh donut to create a fuller, more voluminous bun
- Finish with a light (or heavy—if you're at BMT) mist of hairspray
My favorite step and trick to the whole process is Step 6, where you give your bun that added bit of volume. I know the slicked-down look is so popular in the military, but I think a nice, full bun (especially if your hair is fine like mine) looks so much better and really elevates the whole look.
Also, if your hair is longer—at Step 5, you can either braid or twist the loose ends (try making 3-4 small braids/twists) before pinning them to give your bun a really chic, polished look. Unfortunately, my hair is still far too short to attempt any of those neat tricks, but the other girls at Basic Training looked so nice when they added little braided accents to their buns.
Do you rock the donut bun? I know several women who wear it out and about and I think it looks really nice—especially when it's not totally slicked down!
Also, if your hair is longer—at Step 5, you can either braid or twist the loose ends (try making 3-4 small braids/twists) before pinning them to give your bun a really chic, polished look. Unfortunately, my hair is still far too short to attempt any of those neat tricks, but the other girls at Basic Training looked so nice when they added little braided accents to their buns.
Do you rock the donut bun? I know several women who wear it out and about and I think it looks really nice—especially when it's not totally slicked down!
The little details: Eyes: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes c/o my cousin & Younique Presenter Lindsay, Sterling Silver Wrap Ring: c/o The Vintage Pearl
14 comments:
I do wear it, a lot ;)
I've always kind of avoided it, but you make it look so polished--I might have to give it a go!
I totally rock the sock bun whenever I can. Doing my hair up any other kind of style never looks as polished - and it takes me all of two minutes in the morning. Brush. Roll sock. Tie up in elastics. Bobby-pin the bangs back. DONE!
As a personal trainer, a natural brunette who likes to be blonde, and a person who works out 6 days a week, my hair only gets washed 2-3 times a week.. there's just no point in washing it more than that because it's just half sweaty all the time, haha! I live by sock buns, or "donut buns", after day 2 of no wash. Believe or not, my husband thinks they're adorable, for whatever reason! Haha they're more functional than cute on me, or so I think, but I'm definitely for them!
Do you do it as slicked back as mine? I bet you rock it!
I haven't worn it in a non-military fashion quite yet, but I'm considering it now since it's so easy!
I know! At least someone knows what I'm talking about -- and not just from a military standpoint. It's SO EASY!!!
Oh you're lucky! I wish my husband liked them :) Haha, right after I take off my uniform, he's like, "OK! New hairdo time!" :) haha. But yes, I can totally see where from a personal training standpoint it makes a lot of sense. I need to get my booty in gear and try this after a workout. It would be so much easier than the time-consuming messy buns I attempt to do! PS > I'm with ya on the "brunette wanting to be blonde"... you can only wash your hair a few days a week or it gets too dry! :)
When I wear it up higher I slick it back, if I wear it lower then I wear it looser
OOH I love the up-high slicked-back. So cute. I bet it looks great on you!
Aren't you just the cutest! I love this look on you!
Aw Kelly, you're sweet!! Thanks!
Julie! I wore it yesterday as a low, loose bun. I LOVED it! Glad I took your recommendation to try it!
Do you get in trouble from your TI for bringing the donuts to basic? I know you're really only supposed to bring what's on the BMT list but I'd like to be able to bring them with. My hair will be out of control without then.
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