Dance class is in session thanks to the ultra-trendy balletcore look, and we’re ready to practice our pliés! We’ve already fallen in love with the nail version of this trend, which was all about adorable ribbon accents and pastel pinks. But right now, balletcore hair is the recital revival we just can’t stop thinking about.
Featured Experts
- MJ Snyder is a celebrity hairstylist
- Gonn Kinoshita is a celebrity hairstylist
- Rogério Cavalcante is a master stylist and founder of Second Floor Salon
What is balletcore hair?
@ballerina.keira ballet bun tutorial 🩰🦢 – #hairtutorial #ballet #balletbuntutorial #grwm ♬ Breakfast At Tiffany's – Henry Mancini
The clean girl bun is one of our favorite looks. A super chic way to hide the fact that you’re between wash days, this old money-approved look is actually the key to nailing balletcore hair. But you also get to play with ribbons!
Despite the fact that my strict ballet teacher would have never let us wear a ribbon during class, there’s no denying that these pale pink, ivory and black ribbons are incredibly balletcore. Incorporating a hand-tied bow that’s ballet pink satin adds an immediate sense of class and refinement. It might also remind the ballerina in us to stand up straight and keep our fingers light and airy.
Along with some bow adornment, balletcore hair can include delicate braids and wispy bangs to create more visual interest.
How to Get the Look
It’s the ribbon that takes this look from old money to balletcore.
Celebrity hairstylist MJ Snyder explains there are several simple ways to incorporate a ribbon into your hairstyle. “Aside from tying a ribbon around a ponytail or bun, I love weaving a ribbon through a braid or twist,” Snyder says. “Start by tying the ribbon to the base of the braid. Weave the ribbon in and out of the braid, following the pattern of the braid itself. Ensure the ribbon is evenly distributed, and then secure the ribbon at the end of the braid with a small elastic or by tying it in a bow.”
“Ribbons can be pinned into place with bobby pins or woven around a ponytail for a soft, elegant touch,” adds celebrity hairstylist Gonn Kinoshita.
These days, you also have the option of pre-tied bow accessories.
“You can get creative and use them over the hair ties on ponytails or half-up dos, and even use them as hairbands,” says owner and master stylist at Second Floor Salon, Rogério Cavalcante. “We love the ribbon accessories from RPZL (the Kate.)”
How to Nail a Sleek Bun
When you want perfect balletcore hair, you need to know how to get the perfect bun.
“The secret is in prepping with enough product,” Kinoshita explains. “I start with Balmain Hair’s Matt Paste ($63) applied all over, then add a touch of styling gel in a maximum hold along the hairline and nape for a sleek finish.”
Having the right hairbrush will also ensure your final bun is smooth and sleek.
“Using the boar bristle brush, brush your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie,” instructs Cavalcante. “You can twist the hair or braid it and roll it up for the bun. After you smooth flyaways, use a mascara-style brush or toothbrush to flatten and smooth any baby hair.”
Smooth Flyaways Fast
Having healthy, shiny hair will keep your overall number of flyaways down.
“To keep your hair sleek and shiny, use a smoothing serum or shine spray like the UNITE 7SECONDS Glossing Spray ($36) or UNITE U Oil ($50),” advises Snyder. “Apply it sparingly to avoid making your hair look greasy. You can also use a flat iron or straightening brush to achieve an even sleeker look. Remember to protect your hair from heat damage with a heat protectant spray.”
Smoothing down those remaining baby hairs is a matter of preference.
“I like this wax stick by R&Co ($25) or hairspray paired with those small brushes that look like mascara brushes,” says Cavalcante.
You can also go for a high-hold hair gel.
“I use just a tiny amount of styling gel on my hands, then gently smooth it over the flyaways for a polished look,” Kinoshita explains.
