When Margot Robbie arrived at the London premiere of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey on Friday night wearing a barely there, beaded Giorgio Armani gown, most of us let out a little gasp. But as dazzling as the dress was, the look might not have landed in quite the same way without a beauty moment to match and true to form, Robbie’s was perfection.
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An outfit like that requires an updo that lets the dress do all the talking, and so Robbie’s hairstylist, Bryce Scarlett, delivered his take on one of autumn’s hottest hairstyles the wrapped bun. Elegant and effortless, the style saw ribbons of Robbie’s hair wrapped around a soft bun that sat at the crown of her head.
The wrapped bun has become a red carpet go to, with Simone Ashley, Eve Hewson, Dakota Johnson, Margaret Qualley and Lindsay Lohan all recently sporting some form of the style, which is defined by its “wrapped” quality. It ups the ante on a standard bun, but feels fresher and cooler than an old-school chignon. Hairstylist Halley Brisker, who coined the name, describes it as an “upscale bun”, noting that its charm lies in the detail.
“I often find the bun or chignon a little disappointing in their finish – a little too mundane,” Brisker explains. “The wrapped bun elevates it, adding texture and interest while keeping the look sleek and refined.”
While it’s particularly good for the red carpet you’re unlikely to go to these lengths for a trip to the corner shop the wrapped bun is perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra polish, whether you’re wearing a slinky camisole dress on a special night out, or it’s your wedding day. “You can make it as dressed-up or as nonchalant as you like,” Brisker says.
While Robbie’s style featured more intricate, woven detail, Brisker’s take on the look is simpler, featuring a high-shine finish, a perfected wrap, and not a flyaway in sight. Meanwhile, Mark Townsend gave Dakota Johnson a mussed-up, undone version for the Kering Foundation’s Caring for Women dinner last week, proving it works for more than one aesthetic.
Despite its elevated look, it is surprisingly straightforward to create. “You can place it almost anywhere high at the crown or centred on the back of the head just not too low at the nape,” Brisker advises. “Start with a ponytail, twist it once into a chignon, pin it, then wrap the remaining lengths flat around the base and secure.”
The key? Plenty of hairspray and sturdy Frenchies pins – even the silkiest and finest of strands will stay put. “This style works best on hair longer than shoulder length and with fewer layers,” Brisker adds. “Finish with a flat, natural-bristle brush to smooth everything down without snagging.”
