Ciara's Low Bun Is the Perfect Mix of Messy and Sleek

a photo of a black woman with long black hair wearing a black button-up cardigan with a white collar and a red purse. she is posing in front of a crowd of paparazzi — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ciara has to be one of my favorite hair chameleons. She's one of the only people I can think of who can switch between a variety of hairstyles (ex. going from a long, platinum blonde blowout to a short, jet black bob) while making all of them look effortless. Now she's reminding me that she can even make a simple low bun look absolutely perfect.

The Level Up singer was a guest on a Jan. 8 episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she showed up wearing a silky, black, oversized blazer with sheer, black tights and black pumps. But the '90s glam obviously didn't stop there. Ciara wore a supermodel lip with a brown liner and nude lipstick and pulled her hair back into a sleek low bun with a middle part, two face-framing wisps, and a few loose pieces in the back.

a black woman with dark hair wearing a silky black blazer and posing on the set of a daytime talk show — Ciara appears on a Jan. 8 episode of "The Jennifer Hudson Show."

When it comes to tried-and-true hairstyles, nothing is more classic than a bun. It's an updo that's extremely versatile—it looks good messy and slicked back—but it's also fitting for most occasions, from elegant affairs to a low-key night on the town. Buns are especially necessary when you're working with day three or four hair and need a quick and easy hairstyle that lends itself well to hair that isn't freshly washed or blown out.

Sleek buns and updos are also pretty simple to perfect on your own at home. To get a look that's similar to Ciara's read ahead for some essentials you'll need.

Crown Affair

The Flexible Hold Finishing Hair Gel

This is a gel-cream hybrid that'll hold the hair in place without hardening and causing flaking.

Fenty Beauty

The Sidestick 3-In-1 Edge Styling Tool

If you have baby hairs, use a small, gentle brush to style them with gel.

Briogeo

Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick

To tame any frizz and stray hairs, use a styling stick. This one has a gentle texture that won't pull at the hair.

Scünci

Prep Bobby Pins

If you have any loose hairs sticking out of your bun, grab a bobby pin to pin them into place.

Kenra Professional

Perfect Medium Hold Hairspray 13

Choose a reliable hairspray that'll extend the style and hold the hair in place.

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Danielle Jackson is the former senior beauty writer at Marie Claire. She has nearly a decade of experience covering beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment and was previously the senior beauty editor at Women's Health, where she thoughtfully covered topics related to skincare, haircare, aesthetics, and wellness. Before that, she spent three years as an assistant beauty editor at PS, and in the years since, her work has appeared in titles like Vogue, InStyle, Glamour, and more. Danielle graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in English, and has lived in Brooklyn for almost ten years. When she's not writing, you can find her reading romance novels and talking about sunscreen. You can find her on Instagram @danielleknecole.