How to Do Balletcore Hair


CSL has 4 ways to get this look made famous by Hailey Beiber, plus a breakdown of the iconic ballet bun.

City Style and Living How to Do Balletcore Hair Christian Siriano FW 2023
A chic and modern ballet bun / Courtesy Christian Siriano

City Style and Living How to Do Balletcore Hair Christian Siriano FW 2023 back of bun
A chic and modern ballet bun / Courtesy Christian Siriano

So What exactly is Balletcore Anyway?

How to Do Balletcore Hair: Tutus, pastel bodysuits, flats tied with ribbons – all old school ballet aesthetic. Balletcore takes these essential items and modernizes them for today’s fashion crowd. CSL has 4 ways to get this look made famous by Hailey Beiber, plus a breakdown of the iconic ballet bun.

The Rosie Twist

“[We created] a rose-like twist, with a “stem” of hair weaving down the crown of the head, meeting the rose-like bun in the back,” says Lacy Redway, Unilever Stylist & Celebrity Hair Artist at Christian Siriano.

According to Lacy Redway, for the quintessential balletcore look, the tight bun, begin by applying balm from roots to ends to smooth, protect against heat, reduce frizz, and boost shine.

Before blow-drying, apply a handful of mousse, for maximum hold and control, around the perimeter of the hairline and brush into hair. Blow dry the rest of the hair away from the hairline, pulling it into a tight ponytail at the center.

Once hair is tied into a ponytail using an elastic, begin twisting small sections onto themselves using a figure eight motion, pinning each section to the base of the ponytail. This will help create the look of rose petals in the bun. Secure with hair pins and finish the look with hair spray.

(Swan Lake) Gothic Fairytale

Create a centre part using a pintail comb. Separate two sections on each side of the middle part. Create a thin, loose flat twist framing the face until the twist is hidden behind the ear and secure with an elastic. Add additional hair accessories once complete.

City Style and Living How to Do Balletcore Hair  LaQuan Smith FW2023
/ Courtesy LaQuan Smith FW2023

Shiny and Reflective Ponytail

Part a large section of hair back to the crown of the head. Clip this section away. Gather the remaining hair into a low ponytail at the nape. Secure with an elastic. Release the top section and with a wide tooth comb create height. Use a second elastic to secure this section into the ponytail.

City Style and Living How to Do Balletcore Hair Jason Wu FW2023
/ Courtesy Jason Wu

Classic Ballet Bun: Sexy, Cinematic

Part hair far to the right side of your head. Apply smoother and oil for shine and hold. Pull your hair back and secure it at the nape of your neck. Next, add serum to recreate wet hair. Twist the hair and use a pin to secure a tight bun.

Pro Tip

Use the top of the ear as a guide for ponytail placement on the back of the head.


Get More Inspiration
from City Style and Living


City Style and Living Magazine Spring 2021
City Style and Living Cover Fall 2022
City Style and Living Cover Summer 2019

This original article first appeared in the Winter 2023/24 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.

Don’t Forget to Follow City Style and Living on Social Channels: Instagram, X, Pinterest