While you can place a sock bun anywhere (Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia is proof), for this tutorial we suggest a high ponytail at the top of your head for a crown-like bun. Use a brush to tame any flyaways and prep hair for a smooth, polished bun. If you prefer a laid-back, messy sock bun, use your hands to throw up a ponytail and skip the brush.

Make sure the entire ponytail makes it through and there aren't any stray hairs sticking out.

Leave several inches of hair sticking out from the insert so you may roll them over the sock bun and tuck the ends underneath.

Roll your sock bun insert (with the ends of your hair tucked underneath) in an outward motion, towards your scalp. Before each new roll, hold the base of the ponytail and pull the hair taut to keep an even distribution of hair throughout the bun and prevent lumps from forming. Use your fingers to guide the hair under the insert as you keep rolling towards the scalp. If your bun shape is wonky or uneven, simply remove the insert and start over. (It takes a little practice, but we promise you'll get the hang of it.)

Tuck any stray hairs underneath the bun and use your fingers to gently adjust the hair placement if you see any sock peeking through. If your sock bun feels loose, stick a few bobby pins underneath and around the perimeter of the insert for added stability. Apply a light coat of hairspray and comb down any flyaways.

Now that you've learned how to do a sock bun, try this Dutch braid tutorial.