A Simple Guide for Every Hair Type

A macrame bun stick holds your hair up comfortably all day, and it takes about a minute to learn. This guide walks through the steps, tips for short, long, thick and fine hair, and fixes for the most common problems.

How to put in a bun stick, step by step

  1. Gather your hair. Pull it up where you want your bun to sit, high, mid or low, with your hand or a loose twist.
  2. Twist and wrap. Twist your hair into a rope, then wind it around itself into a bun and hold it against your head.
  3. Slide in the stick. Point the dowel through the bun, passing it through the hair so it anchors the bun in place.
  4. Let the macrame hold it. Guide the stick through the knotted macrame so the knots secure the stick and keep it from slipping.
  5. Adjust and tuck. Gently pull out a few strands, or tuck in loose ends, and make sure the bun feels snug but comfortable.

You can watch the full how-to video using the QR code on the card that comes with your order.

Tips for your hair type

Hair type

Tip

Short hair

Twist a small section into a mini bun, or use the stick on the top half of your hair for a half-up look

Medium hair

Twist before wrapping so the bun has body, then slide the stick through

Long hair

Wrap the twist around itself two or three times for a secure, compact bun

Thick hair

Work in two sections and wrap each one into the same bun before adding the stick

Fine or thin hair

Gently loosen the bun after you place it, since a softer bun looks fuller and holds just as well

 

Bun sticks are made to work with every hair type, so if one method does not feel right, try a different bun height or twist.

Troubleshooting

The stick feels stiff going through the macrame. This is by design. The knots hold the stick firmly so your bun stays put, and the fit relaxes with use.

The holes feel tight or not defined. The openings in the macrame are not set yet when your bun stick is new. As you wear it, you shape them to fit your stick and your hair, so they get easier each time.

The bun feels loose. Wrap your hair around itself one more time before adding the stick, and push the stick in a little further so the knots hold it.

The bun feels heavy. Make the bun a little smaller or sit it lower on your head to spread the weight, especially with thick or long hair.

Bun stick vs claw clip

 

Macrame bun stick

Claw clip

Comfort

Comfortable all day, even leaning back in the car

Can pinch or press on the back of your head

Hair types

Works on thin, thick, short and long hair

Often too small or too weak for thick hair, or too big for fine hair

Style

Hand-knotted macrame with a matching wood dowel

Mass-produced plastic

Made by

Handmade in Northern California

Usually factory-made

 

Shop macrame bun sticks

Frequently asked questions

What is a bun stick? A hair accessory made of a wood dowel and hand-knotted macrame that holds your hair in a bun without clips or elastics.

Can I wear it in the car? Yes. It sits comfortably when you lean back against a headrest.

Does it work with all hair types? Yes. It works with thin, thick, short and long hair.

Is free shipping available? Shipping is free when you order three bun sticks