Basket Weave Two Buns Tutorial: Master the Trendy Protective Style

Step-by-step basket weave bun guide for protective-styled hair—maximize creativity in your locs and faux locs.

By Medha deb
Created on

Basket Weave Two Buns Tutorial: A Stunning Protective Style for Locs

You know those moments when you want to elevate your protective style game beyond the basics? Enter the basket weave with two buns: a creative, dynamic hairstyle perfect for those with locs or faux locs. Expertly crafted by pro stylists, this unique style artfully intertwines and twists your locs into a look that turns heads, holds up to busy schedules, and showcases major personality.

Why You’ll Love This Look

  • Versatile and Creative: Basket weaving allows for unlimited styling potential with locs or faux locs.
  • Protective: Keeps hair tucked and protected, reducing manipulation and promoting healthy growth.
  • Statement-Making: The basket weave design elevates two low buns into a show-stopping statement style.

Meet the Experts

This look was modeled by Stasha Harris—Cosmopolitan’s go-to braid expert—while Sherelle Holder, a renowned locs specialist, handled the intricate weaving and styling. Their collaboration brings you the essential steps and key tricks to pull off this advanced yet accessible style.

How to Prep Your Hair for the Basket Weave Bun Look

Every stellar hairstyle starts with a solid foundation. Proper hair prep will promote scalp health, create lasting hold, and ensure your protective style stays fresh and gorgeous.

  • Clarify: Begin with a clarifying and moisturizing shampoo to remove any product build-up and keep your scalp clean.
  • Moisturize: Apply a hydrating leave-in conditioner or light oil to keep both your natural hair and extensions nourished and flexible for twisting.

Give your locs or faux locs some time to dry completely before beginning the basket weaving process—this prevents frizz and promotes neat sections.

Essential Products for Basket Weave Two Buns

To achieve a flawless finish and maintain your style, consider integrating these products into your routine:

  • Moisturizing Shampoo: Ensures your scalp is refreshed and residue-free before styling.
  • Lightweight Hair Oil: Hydrates and adds shine without weighing down your locs.
  • Edge Control Gel: Helps tame flyaways and define your hairline for a polished final look.
  • Bobby Pins & Hair Elastics: Secure the buns and woven sections in place for all-day hold.
  • Setting Mousse: (Optional) Adds hold and reduces frizz on finished styles.

Step-By-Step Basket Weave Two Buns Tutorial

Ready to try it yourself? Follow these simple but precise steps to re-create the basket weave two buns style, whether you’re an advanced braider or new to intricate loc styling.

  1. Section the Hair:
    Use a rattail comb or your fingers to divide your locs into two equal halves from front to back. Secure one half with a hair tie to keep it out of the way.
  2. Create the Basket Weave:
    • Start with a small loc section at the hairline on one side.
    • Cross it over to the opposite side, creating a woven effect as you alternate picking up and crossing locs from each section.
    • Continue weaving until you reach the nape of your neck.
  3. Repeat on the Other Side:
    Repeat the basket weave cross-over technique with the second section, mirroring the pattern for balance and symmetry.
  4. Form the Two Buns:
    • Gather the woven locs on one side into a low ponytail.
    • Twist or coil the ponytail around itself at the nape to form a bun.
    • Secure with bobby pins, ensuring the bun sits snug and evenly against your scalp.
    • Repeat on the opposite side for a double bun look.
  5. Perfect the Style:
    Smooth edges using your favorite edge control and a bristle brush.
  6. Set and Shine:
    Apply setting mousse or a finishing spray for hold and shine, if desired.

Pro Tips for a Flawless Basket Weave Bun

  • Work in Small Sections: For the neatest weave, keep sections consistent in size and tension. This helps the pattern stand out and avoids bulkiness.
  • Experiment with Texture: Locs and faux locs provide structure, while curly or wavy extensions can add softness and shape to the buns.
  • Secure with Sturdy Pins: Invest in high-quality bobby pins to keep buns in place all day, especially if your locs are thick or heavy.
  • Blend Accessories: Add hair cuffs, beads, or colored wraps to the weave or buns for a personalized touch.

Best Hair Types & Lengths for the Basket Weave Bun Style

This style works beautifully on anyone with locs, faux locs, or similarly textured extensions of medium to long length. While the basket weaving technique relies on having enough length to intertwine securely, short locs can still try a mini version—just start with smaller sections and tighter buns.

Hair TypeRecommended Basket Weave Approach
LocsIdeal for intricate weaving and sturdy low buns
Faux LocsAllows for color variation without damage, easy to weave and bun
Braids or TwistsCan achieve a basket effect, but best with thicker/tighter sections
Loose NaturalNot recommended unless secured first into rope twists

How to Protect and Maintain Your Basket Weave Buns

  • Night Care: Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf at night to keep the weave neat and reduce friction on your locs.
  • Keep Scalp Moist: Use a small amount of light oil or scalp tonic daily to soothe and hydrate exposed skin between parts.
  • Refresh Edges: Apply edge control and brush lightly to maintain smoothness and prevent frizz.
  • Duration: Keep this style in for up to one week—a quick redo keeps buns tidy and locs healthy.

Product Recommendations for Basket Weave Bun Success

  • Moisturizing Cleanser: Safeguard scalp and strand health; look for sulfate-free formulas.
  • Lightweight Finishing Oil: Prevents frizz and adds lasting glow.
  • Non-flaky Edge Gel: Maintains sleek edges without buildup.
  • Firm Hold Hairpins: Essential for sturdily securing buns.

When to Try the Basket Weave Two Buns Hairstyle

  • Special Occasions: Weddings, birthdays, and formal events.
  • Everyday Protection: Keeps hair protected during daily errands or workouts.
  • Creative Self-Expression: Try new patterns, parts, and accessories to make the look your own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I do the basket weave buns style on short locs?

You can adapt the look for short locs by creating smaller weaves and mini buns, though it is easiest on medium to long lengths for a fuller effect.

How long can I keep the style in?

For best scalp and hair health, wear the basket weave buns for up to one week. Beyond that, redo or refresh the style to prevent tension and buildup.

What can I do to accessorize the look?

Hair cuffs, decorative bobby pins, colored threads, or beads can be woven into either the basket pattern or bun for an extra eye-catching touch.

Is this style damaging to my hair or scalp?

When installed with proper tension and maintained with hydration, the style is considered protective. Avoid pulling too tight to prevent undue stress on your scalp and roots.

Do I need extensions or can I use my own hair?

If your locs or faux locs are long enough, you do not need extensions. For added length, thickness, or color, feel free to add hair extensions following the same weaving steps.

Final Tips from the Pros

  • Don’t Rush: Take your time sectioning and weaving—the cleaner your partings, the more eye-catching the weave pattern.
  • Hydrate and Protect: Use leave-in conditioners, scalp tonics, and gentle fabrics to protect your protective style and natural hair alike.
  • Remix and Experiment: Try basket weaving just your crown, adding feed-in colors, or offsetting the buns for a playful twist.

The basket weave two buns style is as imaginative as it is wearable, blending artistry and hair health with just a few simple products and the right technique. Give it a try whenever you crave a statement that’s both protective and fashion-forward!

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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