Buns are hands down one of our favorites styles for natural hair, with and without weave. Between the ease and elegance, not to mention the endless possibilities, we recommend them for every possible hair type, style and even occasion.
Braided bun hairstyles however, take our love to a whole other level. They’re still perfect as a protective style, but the cornrows are typically more intricate, and the looks tend to last longer. Not to mention, you can go as bold or understated as suits you and your updo.
40 Beautiful Braided Bun Hairstyles for Black Hair
FYI, we took a little creative license with the term “braided,” including twists and locs among the looks. But if you adore buns as much as we do, you’re in for an a-BUN-dance of inspiration.
1. Stitch Cornrows with a Rose Design in a High Bun
Cornrows give you a chance to turn up the creativity, experimenting with designs, like roses and triangle braids, or even a bold color like blonde. And needless to say the results are drop-dead gorgeous.
2. Cornrows with Triangle Braids in a High Bun
3. Blonde Cornrowed High Bun
4. Blonde Straight-Back Cornrows into Low Buns
The only thing better than one bun, is two. To have more fun with your braids opt for a pretty platinum shade and multiple buns.
5. Red Ombre Box Braids High Bun
If full-on fiery red is too in-your-face for your liking, pick a more subtle ombre color instead to create a box braided bun that’s bold, but not overbearing.
6. Ghana Braids in Space Buns
Complete with charms, cuffs and cord, this tribal take on space buns is out of this world.
7. Zig-Zag Cornrows into Space Buns
Sis looks like a star in this zig-zag cornrowed space buns style. And we’re here for all of the twists and turns on the traditional.
8. Four Cornrows with a Heart Design in a Low Bun
They already had us at the heart design in this hairstyle. But seeing the cornrows, wrapped with box braids into a low bun AND finished with cord? We’re head over heels in love.
9. Small Knotless Box Braids in a High Bun
Classic and classy in a wonderful warm brown, this knotless box braided bun is simple but stunning.
10. Ghana Braids Low Side Bun
Whether you opt for a low, sexy bun styled to the side, or a high regal bun, you really can’t go wrong with Ghana braids.
11. Ghana Braids High Bun
12. Tribal Braided Bun
The tribe has spoken. This exquisite combo of cornrows and box braids gathered into a high bun simply cannot be outdone.
13. Red Flat Twists into Cinnamon Buns
Red flat twists braided back into two cinnamon buns? This style is too sweet not to try.
14. Marley Straight-Back Flat Twists into Two Low Buns
From the parts, to the perfect stitch “braids,” it’s the precision of these flat twists, plus the two adorable buns that makes this style so bomb.
15. Jumbo Box Braids High Bun Hairstyle
Jumbo box braids can literally be styled into a chic high bun in seconds, for the effortless slay.
16. Knotless Box Braids with a Heart Design in a High Bun
For a unique spin on the previous style, jazz up your jumbo box braided bun with a heart, various shaped parts and cute, curly pieces.
17. Small Feed-In Cornrows in Boho Braided Bun
Sexy and striking, the zig-zag cornrows and boho box braids combo in this bun is everything.
18. Braided Rope Top Knot
This braided bun hairstyle takes a different approach, starting with a sleek base on stretched natural hair. Highlighted by accent cornrows, wrapped with small braids and completed with gold cuffs, this top knot is top notch.
19. Butterfly Locs High Bun
If you’re already wearing your natural hair in a protective style like butterfly locs or box braids, gathering them into a high bun is a simple, but sophisticated switch from just letting them hang loose.
20. Box Braids in a High Bun
21. Head Wrapped Box Braids High Bun
Not just for laying your edges, accessorize your box braided high bun with a haute head scarf that complements your outfit for a laidback, but oh so stylish look.
22. Flat Twisted Low Bun
Straight-back doesn’t have to be so literal. These slanted flat twists are gathered into a low bun for a chic, simple style.
23. Knotless Box Braided High Bun with Rubber Bands
Colorful rubber bands are a quick and super cute way to add some flair to your box braided bun.
24. Small Knotless Box Braided High Messy Bun
Braided buns don’t always have to be so perfectly coiffed. A loose, messy updo can be just as awesome as a structured one.
25. Twisted High Bun Wrapped with Swoop Bangs
Shoulder-baring, elongating and unbelievably elegant, there’s just something about an updo on your wedding day that can’t be outdone. Check out the tutorial for the deets on this braided look and head this way for even more bridal buns.
26. Cornrowed High Bun with Beaded Tendrils
Two beaded tendrils on each side add a bit of a tribal vibe to this hot braided high bun.
27. Banana Braided High Bun with Blonde Highlights
Blonde highlights make this banana braided high bun even more appealing.
28. Flat Twists Updo into a High Marley Bun
Flat twists gathered into a high Marley bun prove to be flattering.
29. Goddess Braids High Bun with Swoop Bangs
Featuring a stylish swoop bang and a few loose tendrils, this goddess braided high bun is the epitome of elegance.
30. Passion Twists Jumbo Layered High Bun
Edgy and exquisite, we’re loving this layered passion twists bun.
31. High Braided Bun with Bangs
Would you believe this beautiful high bun with bangs was made possible with just one pack of braiding hair? Check out the tutorial to see how she worked her magic in just a few minutes. And feel free to swap the twists for braids for a more structured look.
32. Classic Cornrowed High Bun
Cornrows braided toward the center of your head tend to limit your styling options to a ponytail or bun. But what more do you really need when they look this good?
33. Grey Box Braided Space Buns
We are over the moon about this space buns style created on gorgeous grey box braids.
34. Cornrow Braided Bun Hawk
The subtle star design, coupled with wavy parts, make what could have been an easy braided bun hawk, even more beautiful.
35. Mini Twists in a Jumbo High Bun with a Head Wrap
These mini twists gathered loosely into a head wrapped jumbo high bun are giving beautiful and boho chic.
36. Soft Faux Locs in a High Bun with Shaved Sides
Don’t let a lack of hair fool you. This style shows that a bun is not only possible, with shaved sides, but still incredibly pretty.
37. Fulani Braids High Bun
Gathered into a flawless high bun, it’s easy to see why Fulani braids are among our favorite.
38. Kinky Braids in a High Bun
This kinky braided high bun dazzles thanks to sparkling hair jewelry.
39. Ginger Knotless Box Braided Bun with Shaved Sides
Between the smoking ginger color, shaved sides and precision cut, this box braided high bun is lit.
40. Blue Ombre Tribal Braided Bun
You have to be pretty confident to rock blue and purple ombre tribal braids but sis is slaying this high bun hairstyle effortlessly.
As you can see, no matter your mood or your taste, there’s a braided bun style with your name on it.