Competition-Ready Buns: A Guide for Dance Parents

Preparing your dancer for competition day involves attention to every detail, and the perfect bun is a crucial element to complete the polished look. Here's a quick guide on achieving the flawless competition bun that will stay in place throughout every mesmerizing performance:

1. Start with a Smooth Foundation:

• • • Begin by brushing your dancer's hair thoroughly to ensure a smooth foundation. My favorite brush is the Crave Natural all hair type brush that fits perfectly in your hand https://amzn.to/3HrDY4h. Use a fine-toothed comb to eliminate any knots or tangles. This comb set includes a comb with a tail used for parting in other hairstyles https://amzn.to/48FykaV. This creates the perfect canvas for a sleek and professional-looking bun. A donut bun will hold best in second or third day hair, since hair is less slippery. If hair is oily, use a little dry shampoo. If hair is clean, add texture to it by spraying with a light coat of hairspray.

2. Gel for Control and Shine:

• • • Apply a small amount of quality hair gel to control any frizz and add a touch of shine. My favorite hair gel is Shine ‘n Jam with honey extra hold https://amzn.to/47JYkka Gently distribute the gel evenly across the hair, focusing on the edges and the crown. This step provides the necessary grip for a neat and secure bun.

3. Utilize a Bun Maker for Consistency:

• • • Invest in a reliable bun maker or donut to achieve a consistent and well-shaped bun. This bun maker includes different sizes and colors to match the dancer’s hair https://amzn.to/3vEAmJH.
    • Gather hair and put it up in a tightly secured hairband. Either a high or low ponytail works depending on the preferred style.
    • Put a bun maker over the hairband. 
    • Gather hair into a donut shape and thread it around the bun maker. Do this by finding the center of your ponytail and gathering hair evenly around the ponytail base, making a donut shape. Cover the bun maker completely. 
    • Secure hair with a second hair band around the base of the bun holder. Hold the donut shape in place with one hand, use a second hair band to secure the donut shaped hair around the base of the ponytail. Wrap it around several times for security. If hair is long, the ends of the hair will not be included in the bun. 
    • Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place with interlocking X shapes.
    • Take the extra hair not in the bun and twist or braid it around the base of the bun and secure it with bobby pins. Once secured, spritz the bun with a firm-hold hairspray to set the style in place. This step is essential for keeping the bun intact through multiple performances.

4. Tame Flyaways with Precision:

• • For any stray hairs or flyaways, use a small amount of hairspray on a fine-toothed comb to gently smooth them down. Avoid excessive hairspray to maintain a natural and elegant appearance. My favorite hairspray is Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray with Jojoba Oil & Sea Kelp https://amzn.to/494J8iV. Use a hard bristle toothbrush to add a dot of gel to go over fly away areas. You can also use a wax stick, my favorite is https://amzn.to/3w2jzAl.  Precision is key in achieving a polished look that withstands the intensity of competition day and costume changes.

Remember, as with everything practice makes perfect. Experiment with these steps leading up to the competition to find the technique that works best for your dancer's hair type. Have your dancer jump and swish their head around to see if the bun stays tightly in place. With the right tools and attention to detail, you'll master the art of creating the perfect bun, ensuring your dancer steps onto the competition stage with confidence and style.

This page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items that I like, have used, and found helpful during my dance mom journey. Enjoy, I hope you have an amazing Dance Competition Season!