18 Catch Up Hairstyles for Natural Hair in High Buns are the ultimate solution for a chic, polished look. These styles manage volume while showcasing beautiful natural textures effortlessly.
Finding the perfect high bun keeps hair protected and stylish throughout the week. Whether heading to a formal event or a casual outing, these updos never miss the mark.
Explore these versatile options to elevate your daily routine. Each style offers a unique way to celebrate natural coils, curls, and kinks with sophisticated height.
1. The Sleek Ninja Bun
This style focuses on achieving a mirror-like shine at the roots. Using a firm-hold gel ensures that every strand is smoothed upward into a tight, concentrated top knot.
The bun itself is often wrapped tightly to create a cylindrical shape. This provides a sharp, modern aesthetic that works perfectly for professional settings or high-fashion events.
To finish the look, use a silk scarf to lay down the perimeter. This step guarantees that the “catch up” remains sleek and flyaway-free for the entire day.
2. The Curly Pineapple Bun
The pineapple technique is a classic way to showcase natural curl patterns. By gathering the hair at the very front of the crown, the curls cascade forward beautifully.
This bun is less about a structured knot and more about volume. It allows the natural texture to breathe while keeping the hair off the neck and shoulders.
For the best results, use a “puff cuff” or a loose satin scrunchie. This prevents creating a dent in the curls and maintains the hair’s natural bounce and integrity.
3. High Bun with Side-Swept Bangs
Adding a side-swept bang brings a touch of elegance to a standard high bun. A portion of the front hair is left out and styled across the forehead.
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The remaining hair is “caught up” into a voluminous bun at the crown. This creates a beautiful contrast between the structured updo and the soft, sweeping fringe.
You can choose to leave the bangs curly or stretch them out for a different texture. This small detail completely transforms the silhouette of the face.
4. Braided Base High Bun
This style incorporates thin cornrows or flat twists leading up to the bun. It adds an intricate visual element to the scalp while securing the hair firmly.
The braids converge at the crown, where the hair is then gathered into a large, textured bun. It is a fantastic protective style that lasts several days without needing a refresh.
The braided base also helps manage thick hair by reducing the bulk at the roots. It provides a clean, organized look that highlights the artistry of natural hair.
5. The Faux Hawk Bun
For those who love an edgy look, the faux hawk bun is a great choice. It involves creating a series of small buns or one elongated bun along the center.
The hair is pulled tightly from the sides to create a sleek profile. This mimics the appearance of a mohawk without requiring any actual trimming of the hair.
This style is perfect for showing off a bold personality. It emphasizes the height and texture of natural hair while keeping the sides extremely neat and polished.
6. The Bubble Bun
The bubble bun is a playful take on the traditional high bun. Instead of a solid knot, the hair is sectioned with bands to create a “bubbled” effect.
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To achieve this, simply secure the hair in a ponytail and add additional elastics every few inches. Fluff the hair between the bands to create the rounded bubble shapes.
7. Twisted Crown High Bun
This style uses two-strand twists to frame the face before meeting at the bun. The twists add a soft, romantic texture to the overall “catch up” look.
Once the twists reach the crown, they are incorporated into the main bun. This creates a seamless transition from the front of the head to the top.
The twisted crown is excellent for preserving moisture in the hair. It keeps the ends tucked away, which is vital for maintaining the health of natural strands.
8. Double Space Buns
Space buns offer a symmetrical and fun alternative to the single high bun. The hair is parted down the middle and gathered into two high knots.
These buns can be styled as messy puffs or sleek, coiled knots. They provide a balanced look that distributes the weight of the hair across two points.
This style is particularly popular for festivals or casual weekend outings. It allows for a lot of creativity with parting shapes, such as zig-zags or curved lines.
9. Messy Afro Puff Bun
The messy afro puff celebrates the raw, unfiltered beauty of natural texture. It is a quick and easy way to “catch up” the hair when time is short.
The hair is gathered loosely at the crown, allowing the natural frizz and volume to create a halo effect. It is the epitome of “effortless chic” for naturalistas.
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10. Side-Swept High Bun
Moving the bun slightly to one side creates a sophisticated and asymmetrical look. It breaks the symmetry of the face in a flattering, modern way.
The hair is brushed diagonally across the head to meet at the high side-point. This style is often seen on red carpets because of its unique and polished vibe.
It works well with both sleek finishes and highly textured buns. Adding a decorative pin on the opposite side can further balance the visual weight.
11. High Bun with Gold Cuffs
Accessories can elevate a simple high bun into a statement piece. Gold cuffs or rings are placed throughout the bun or along the base.
The metallic elements catch the light and contrast beautifully against dark natural hair. It gives the hairstyle a regal and intentional appearance.
You can place the cuffs randomly for a bohemian feel or in a structured pattern. This is an easy way to dress up a basic style for a special event.
12. Cornrowed High Bun
This style features traditional cornrows that lead directly into a high bun. The patterns can be simple straight lines or complex geometric designs.
The cornrows keep the hair very secure, making it an ideal choice for active lifestyles. The bun at the top can be made of the braided ends or added extensions.
Because the hair is tucked away, this is a heavy-duty protective style. It minimizes daily styling and helps retain hair length over time.
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Using a silk or satin scarf as a wrap around the bun is both functional and stylish. The scarf protects the hair from environmental elements and friction.
You can coordinate the scarf color with your outfit to create a cohesive look. The bun sits atop the wrap, creating a tall and majestic silhouette.
This is a great “day three” hairstyle when the roots might need a bit of coverage. It keeps the focus on the height of the bun while hiding any frizz.
14. Half-Up Half-Down High Bun
This style offers the best of both worlds by combining a high bun with flowing hair. The top half is “caught up” while the back remains loose.
It allows you to show off your hair length while keeping the front sections away from your face. This is a very versatile look that works for almost any occasion.
To make the bun look fuller, you can tease the top section before pinning it. The contrast between the bun and the loose curls creates a dynamic aesthetic.
15. Spiral Tucked High Bun
The spiral tucked bun involves twisting the hair into a long rope and then coiling it into a flat spiral. This creates a very neat and architectural shape.
The ends are tucked under the base and secured with bobby pins. This ensures that no loose strands escape, resulting in a very formal and clean finish.
This style works exceptionally well for those with stretched natural hair. It highlights the length and thickness of the hair without it feeling overwhelming.
16. Voluminous Textured Bun
This style is all about maximum volume. The hair is lightly picked out before being gathered into a large, airy bun at the top of the head.
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It creates a cloud-like effect that is soft and inviting. The lack of tension at the roots makes this one of the most comfortable high bun variations.
To keep the volume throughout the day, avoid using heavy oils. Instead, use a light mist of water or a moisturizing spray to keep the texture defined.
17. Sleek Bun with Baby Hair Art
The focus of this high bun is the intricate styling of the edges. Small hairs along the hairline are swooped and swirled into artistic patterns.
This frames the face and adds a level of detail that elevates the entire look. The high bun itself is usually kept very sleek to keep the focus on the “baby hairs.”
A small brush and a high-quality edge control gel are essential for this style. It is a popular way to personalize a classic high bun.
18. Donut Bun with Marley Hair
If you want a perfectly round and massive bun, using Marley hair extensions is the secret. The hair is wrapped around a “donut” form for a uniform shape.
Marley hair matches the texture of natural hair perfectly, making the extensions look seamless. It provides a level of fullness that is hard to achieve with natural hair alone.
This is a go-to style for weddings and formal celebrations. It provides a dramatic and regal finish that stays in place all night long.
What are the best products for a sleek high bun?
To achieve a sleek “catch up” look, you should use a high-quality edge control or a firm-hold gel that is alcohol-free to prevent drying. Applying a leave-in conditioner first provides a moisturizing base, while a boar bristle brush helps smooth the hair evenly into the bun.
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Avoid using thin rubber bands which can snag and break natural hair. Opt for satin scrunchies, “puff cuffs,” or fabric-covered elastics. Ensure the bun is not pulled too tight at the scalp, as constant tension can lead to traction alopecia or thinning at the edges.
Can these styles work on short natural hair?
Yes, many of these styles can be adapted for shorter hair by using the “multi-puff” method or adding textured extensions. You can also use styling gels and pins to “catch up” shorter sections toward the crown to create the illusion of a full high bun.
How long can I keep a high bun in?
A loose, textured bun can be worn for a day or two, but it should be taken down at night to avoid tangles. Braided or twisted base buns can often last up to a week if you protect your hair with a silk scarf or bonnet while sleeping.
How can I make my high bun look fuller?
If your natural hair is fine or shorter, you can use the “stuffing” method by placing a hair donut or a piece of matching textured hair inside the bun. Alternatively, stretching your hair with a blow dryer or via a heatless method like braiding will increase the visible volume.
How do I refresh a high bun without redoing it?
To refresh a high bun, lightly mist your edges with water and re-apply a small amount of edge control. Use a silk scarf for 10 minutes to “lay” the hair back down. If the bun itself looks dry, apply a light oil sheen or a moisturizing mist to restore the shine.