Guest Post: Put a sock in it

Office Pretty isn’t just about clothes — it’s about styling a complete look that is not only office appropriate, but also uniquely you. Today, my new friend Krista is here to help with hair. We recently met as bridesmaids and I was so impressed when she rescued my wedding-day hair challenges with this quick, easy and modern style. I am so excited that she’s sharing it here. Side note: At the wedding, the bride named Krista “Princess of the Paparazzi” and tasked her with taking candid photos throughout the wedding festivities. Check out her paparazzi skills on her cool photo blog. XO – Jill

Often associated with gallons of hairspray, meticulous bobby pinning and tons of time, the bun is a classic up-do that can dress up all your clothes, from jeans to a suit. Whether you’re after a sleek and streamlined look for a client presentation or a relaxed, bohemian vibe for a casual Friday, the bun’s classic shape can be modified to suit your style.

Regardless of which style you’re going for, the modern bun must be two things: quick and voluminous. If you’re short on time in the mornings (and who isn’t?) or think you don’t have enough hair to pull off this style, just put a sock in it… seriously!

Step 1: Steal a sock from your boyfriend / husband / dad / brother

The longer the sock (and the thicker the material) the more volume assistance your bun will get from this unexpected trick. The one I used here is a black men’s sock that ended just below my kneecap. I have darker hair, so I used a dark sock; use a light colored sock if you have lighter colored hair.

1) Cut about 1 – 1.5 inches off the toe of the sock, creating a tube that’s open at both ends.

2) Roll the sock by peeling the top edge out and down. Continue until the full length is rolled up.

3) Your sock is now completely donut-shaped and ready to pump up your style.

Step 2: Prep your hair

I begin by spraying my hair with a dry shampoo or volume powder to give my locks some texture. I recommend SACHAJUAN Volume Powder (available at Sephora). Take sections of your hair and spray the product from 4 – 4.5 inches away, from the roots to the tip. After letting the powder set, shake or brush out the excess powder.

Step 3: Pony up

Now, pull your textured hair into a ponytail. In the photos, I used a high pony. But you can experiment with a low pony or something to the side. Take into consideration if you want your part to show or not show.

Then take your sock donut and slide it to the base of the ponytail.

Step 4: Pump it up

Using a fine-tooth teasing comb, take different sections of hair, teasing by starting at the ends. This will provide even more volume and texture for your bun. For a messier look, go ahead and tease your hair a bit more.

Step 5: Shape the bun

Taking the opposite end of your teasing comb, push the hair around and under the sock. Do this until the hair is formed around the sock in all directions. Spend some time to get this right: this is where the shape of your bun takes place.   

Step 6: Finishing touches

Wrap the excess hair around the base of the bun. (Note from Jill: My hair is just a little longer than my shoulders. When I used the sock trick with a high pony, I didn’t have any excess hair to wrap around, so I skipped this step.)

Finally, secure the hair at the base of the bun with bobby pins.

Step 6: Amaze your co-workers

Voila! You now have a beautiful, voluminous bun. Once you’re confident in the basic techniques, don’t be afraid to experiment. For example, you can tease less and add a crisp side part for a sleeker look.

Have questions about pulling this off? Comment below and we’ll get back to you.

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