The "Basic" Hairstyle Celebs and Fashion Girls Always Wear

It takes mere minutes to re-create.

As someone who quite honestly just can't be bothered to spend hours styling their hair daily, I am always on the lookout for chic hairstyles that look good but require minimal effort. And while a simple red carpet-worthy ponytail might be one of the first styles that spring to mind if you're looking for something quick, it isn't the most favored look amongst celebrities and fashion girls. As it turns out, their "basic" hairstyle of choice is the bun. Why? Well, it takes no skill (just twist up your hair at the nape of your neck or on top of your head and secure with a hairband), yet it can add major cool-girl points to your look in moments. Trust me.

Keep scrolling to see 32 of the best bun hairstyles as demoed by some of my favorite celebrities and fashion friends. Oh, and check out this step-by-step guide on how to get the ultimate bun if you're a total newbie to the style.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

(Image credit: @ROSIEHW)

When her hair isn't down, Rosie HW's strands can often be spotted in a scraped-back bun like this one. Huntington-Whiteley describes it as "a polished, easy updo that I end up wearing most days" on her beauty website, Rose Inc.

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Sofia Richie Grainge

(Image credit: @sofiarichiegrainge)

Sofia Richie Grainge wore her iconic slicked-back bun for her wedding day, but we're also into this claw-clip bun for off-duty days.

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Charithra Chandran

(Image credit: @kennethsohmakeup)

I love how Charithra Chandran's bun has a '90s-inspired spiky twist.

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Monikh Dale

(Image credit: @MONIKH)

The fashion-girl way to wear a bun? Slicked back like Monikh.

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Symphani Soto

(Image credit: @symphanisoto)

I love this messy bun piled high onto the crown with face-framing pieces. So pretty!

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Meghan Markle

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Backcomb your hair at the crown to give your bun a little more oomph like Meghan's.

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Zendaya

(Image credit: @zendaya)

I adore Zendaya's top knot bun worn high on the head and completed with some effortless tendrils.

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Jennifer Lopez

(Image credit: @JLO)

Jennifer Lopez proves that a classic swept-back bun with a center part works well for any occasion.

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Nnenna Echem

(Image credit: @NNENNAECHEM)

Usually, the hair accessory queen Nnenna Echem keeps things simple for this elegant low-bun hairstyle.

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Jodie Comer

(Image credit: @JODIEMCOMER)

Jodie Comer has some of the best beauty looks, and this bun proves it. Not too perfect and not too messy, I love how there are a few flyaways left at the roots to add movement.

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Laura Harrier

(Image credit: @LAURAHARRIER)

Laura Harrier's "faux" bun is created by wrapping one braid atop her head for an unexpected twist on this classic style.

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Yara Shahidi

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

What's better than one bun? Two, of course! Yara's cute double-bun is a total '90s hairstyle throwback—and it's so damn cute.

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Stephanie Broek

(Image credit: @STEPHANIEBROEK)

To re-create Stephanie's chic Scandi bun, braid your hair first and then twist it up at the nape of your neck.

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Margot Robbie

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

I love the way that Margot's award-season bun still feels relaxed and carefree. Keep the ends of the bun untucked and allow strands to fall loose around the nape of your neck for a similarly carefree finish.

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ASOS Lotte

(Image credit: @ASOS_LOTTE)

Try transforming the top half of this classic half-up, half-down hairstyle into a bun, just like ASOS Lotte.

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Beyoncé

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Beyoncé's updo is seriously glamorous and packing a punch in the volume department. It takes the bun to the next level.

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Katherine Langford

(Image credit: @CWOODHAIR)

While I normally reserve a topknot for when I'm washing my hair, Katherine Langford's piled-high strands prove that a high bun can work just as well for a night out. Pull some tendrils loose around your face to stop it from looking too formal.

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Alyssa Coscarelli

(Image credit: @ALYSSAINTHECITY)

There's something decidedly retro about the way that Alyssa has paired her elegant Audrey Hepburn esque bun with a cool wavy fringe. Love.

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Priyanka Chopra

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

French-girl fringe + gravity-defying topknot = an anything-but-basic bun. Priyanka, I'll definitely be copying this.

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Ada Oguntodu

(Image credit: @ADA_OGUNTODU)

Live by Ada's motto: The more buns, the merrier.

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Bella Hadid

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

Bella Hadid's simple micro-bun screams off-duty model and proves that the style isn't just for long-haired girls.

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Victoria Beckham

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)

VB has three trademark hairstyles: tousled waves, ponytail, and a basic bun. And when she can make a topknot look this chic, who can blame her?

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Zoë Foster Brown

(Image credit: @iamzoefoster)

Braids wrapped up in a bun with a few loose strands can be perfect for literally any occasion. Just ask Zoë!

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Jessi Regina

(Image credit: @by.regiina)

I can't pin it down, but Jessi's bun paired with a side swoop at the front gives major It-girl energy. Secure this look with your favorite hair clips, and you're good to go.

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Johanna Piispa

(Image credit: @johannapiispa)

Johanna Piispa created the perfect balance of casual and business-ready by leaving some of her hair ends out from the base of her bun.

woman in a garden holding a flower

Ireland Hudson

(Image credit: @irelandrileyhudson)

Keep your bun slightly messy while taming the roots for a whimsical vibe like Ireland's.

woman sitting in bed with hair in bun

Raïssa T.

(Image credit: @raissatch)

Raïssa knows how to turn a big hair tie into a statement. Basic buns never fail—especially when you can keep it sleek with some hair accessories.

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Blessing Afolayan

(Image credit: @being_a.blessin)

Blessing Afolayan's space bun braids are the epitome of fun and flirty.

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Lee

(Image credit: @itsleeyall)

Lee's wavy side pieces gently frame the face, while the high bun gives her hairstyle a sleek finish.

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MV Tiangue

(Image credit: @mv.tiangue)

Take traditional cornrows and tie the rest of your braids it into a low bun to recreate MV's on-the-go look.

woman wearing a dress in a mirror

Herrrana Addisu

(Image credit: @herranathegreat_)

If you have thick hair like Herrrana, divide your strands into two to three sections for smaller elevated buns that run along your center part.

woman sitting down having a drink

Ali Whittle

(Image credit: @aliwhittle_)

Keep your bun casual like Ali with the help of a chic claw clip.

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Mica Ricketts is a freelance beauty editor, copywriter and regular contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK. She also writes for titles including Marie Claire Refinery 29 and Cosmopolitan, and previously worked atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK as Beauty Editor. With experience in both editorial and content management, she also works with beauty brands and small businesses on brand messaging and content strategy. As a busy mum of two, she is passionate about finding efficacious beauty products that can disguise all signs of tiredness with minimal effort.