How to Do a Sock Bun

Reviewed by Jasmin Todd

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 Fact Checked

VIDEO

The “perfect bun” may seem elusive but with this simple solution, it'll cease to elude you. Using a clean sock to act as your guide, you'll be able to design a fashionable, yet functional, classic bun.

Steps

Download Article

1
Select a sock. It's best to use the odd sock that isn't useful anymore; avoid using a sock that's still in regular use. The sock should be ankle or mid-shin length; anything longer risks bunching up. Shorter socks tend to cradle your bun and hold it in place.
- Select a sock that won’t “shed” or create too many loose threads. You'll be cutting this sock, so if it tends to unravel with loose threads, find another or be prepared to darn the edges.
- Socks close in color to your hair color work best, as it will blend in more should it peek through your strands.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
Remove the toe-end of the sock using sharp, fabric scissors. Your goal is to create a tube out of the sock, so only cut off as much as is needed to do this. Follow the seam if possible when cutting. That way you will have a cleaner, straighter cut.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
Put your hair in a ponytail. Roll up the sock so that it is donut or ring shaped, and slip it over the ponytail. Pull it to the base of the ponytail so that all of the hair is gathered inside of it.^{[3]
X
Research source}
Once all the hair is gathered inside the sock, pull it as close to the ends as you can. Tuck the hair around the side and into the center of the bun.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Hold the ends of your hair at the center of the sock and roll the fabric down towards the base of the ponytail. The hair will gather in a ring around the sock. Rotate the sock as you roll it down so that it is completely covered by your hair.^{[5]
X
Research source}
When the sock has reached the base of the ponytail, tug on the edges and adjust them so that none of the sock can be seen through your hair. Use bobby pins to secure the bun to your scalp if it feels loose or moves around at all. Add a light misting of hairspray, and you're finished.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can I go to sleep with the sock bun to make my hair curly?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but expect a slight wave. For tighter curls, try putting your hair in braids for the night.

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 24 Helpful 119
Question

Is it the same when I use a store bought hair donut?

Community Answer

Yes. The sock is just "free", as an odd sock generally has no use anymore. The store bought ones are great for matching your hair colour though, so it is harder to see.

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 31 Helpful 126
Question

How would I take it out?

Community Answer

Start by pulling out all of the pins. After that, unroll the sock and pull it out. Once you are left with just a ponytail, simply pull off the hair tie and brush your hair out.

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 25 Helpful 87

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Use wet hair to create a tighter, more professional look. For a messy and casual bun, dry hair works best.

Thanks
Helpful 42 Not Helpful 11
If you like messy buns, try this without brushing your hair first.

Thanks
Helpful 38 Not Helpful 10
To make your bun look softer and prettier, try leaving out your shorter bang pieces of hair from the bun

Thanks
Helpful 31 Not Helpful 13

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.

Try putting the sock over the hair tie first, then let your hair fall over it before adding another tie. Be sure to wrap the ends and pin for a clean finish.
Use a longer sock if you have shorter hair to make sure it's fully covered. Be sure to pick a sock you're okay cutting up.
If your hair is dry, mist it with water first so the bun stays tighter. For curly hair, do this style when damp.
Leave a section out of the ponytail, then braid the remainder once the bun is done for a cute look.
This style only takes a couple minutes, so it's great for work or school when you're rushed.
Instead of a sock, you could use a doughnut bun maker from a store for an easier process.

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!