Hair Guidelines

Master the Foundation

Like ballet training itself, these hair guidelines begin with a clear foundation. The classical bun is simple, secure, and worth learning well. Once the process has been practiced and mastered, the fun begins.

French braids, double buns, sausage buns, and many other ballet-appropriate hairstyles are welcome, even when they are not pictured in this guide. These examples are not an exhaustive list. WPYB encourages dancers to express their individuality within the framework of classical ballet: polished, secure, age-appropriate, and suited to the work of the classroom.

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Classical Bun Guide

Before You Begin

Have ready: a smoothing brush or comb, water or a suitable styling product, a snag-free hair elastic, U-shaped hairpins, bobby pins, and a hairnet matching the dancer’s hair.

Classical ballet bun guide, step one: brush the hair smooth and secure it in a firm ponytail at WPYB’s placement line.
Classical ballet bun guide, step two: twist the ponytail evenly from the elastic through the ends while maintaining consistent tension.
Classical ballet bun guide, step three: wrap the twisted ponytail around the elastic in a continuous spiral and secure it with U-shaped hairpins.
Classical ballet bun guide, step four: place a matching hairnet over the bun, twist the excess, and wrap it around the bun again.
Classical ballet bun guide, step five: pin the hairnet and loose ends securely so the finished bun sits close to the head and feels firm but comfortable.

Additional Textured-Hair Options

Additional Textured-Hair Options

Pencil illustration of a compact Afro puff approved as a textured-hair option for WPYB ballet classes.
Pencil illustration of cornrows gathered into a compact bun as an approved textured-hair option for WPYB ballet classes.
Pencil illustration of locs gathered into a secure bun as an approved textured-hair option for WPYB ballet classes.
Pencil illustration of French braids secured close to the head and gathered at the back for a WPYB ballet class.

Approved Hair Accessory Examples

Approved Hair Accessory Examples

Pencil illustration of a classical ballet bun decorated with a small floral hair wreath, an approved WPYB hair accessory.
Pencil illustration of a classical ballet bun decorated with a single flower, an approved WPYB hair accessory.
Pencil illustration of a classical ballet bun decorated with a small pink bow, an approved WPYB hair accessory.

Hair should be neatly and securely prepared before class. Please consult the Complete Hair Guide for detailed instructions and the Student & Family Handbook for WPYB’s full hair and appearance policies.

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