Janelle Monáe's Sleek Low Bun Is Anything but Boring

a black woman with short, honey blonde hair being interviewed on an event stage — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Janelle Monáe isn't exactly known for having the most subtle red carpet glam (I'm still thinking about some of her eye makeup looks to this day), yet, somehow, she still manages to surprise me with an out-of-the-box look every time she steps out. This weekend, for example, the singer appeared at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles, and before taking the stage to participate in a star-studded tribute to OutKast during the show, she walked the red carpet wearing a playful, green Thom Browne suit featuring a mixture of different prints and an extra set of arms. As to be expected, Monáe's hair was just as whimsical as the rest of her outfit.

Courtesy of hairstylist Nikki Nelms, her hair was styled in a low, twisted bun that extended all the way around the back of her head, and she paired the style with blunt bangs and a black-and-white striped headband that she wrapped around the front of her head. For her makeup, she wore warm-toned eyeshadow with thick, liquid eyeliner in a subtle cat eye shape and nude lipstick with brown lip liner.

a black woman with dark hair pulled into two buns and blunt bangs wearing a black and white headband and a striped, green blazer. she is posing in front of a dark gray background — Janelle Monáe attends the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 8.

Updos like the French twist, the low bun, and even the sleek ponytail, are all pretty much staples when it comes to red carpet beauty, but Monáe's hairstyle—bangs and all—puts a fun and unique twist on a style that'd otherwise be simple and low-effort.

To recreate Janelle Monáe's hairstyle (or something similar) read ahead for some styling essentials you'll need.

Tahikie

Kinky Straight Human Hair Clip in Extensions

A style like this requires a little extra thickness, so if your hair is need of more volume, add some with a few clip-in extensions.

Luvme Hair

Too Easy Texture™ Wig

You can also turn a textured wig—this one is glueless for easier application.

Diane

Boar Bristle Curved Smoothing Brush

Brush every single hair into place with this smoothing hairbrush.

Kitsch

Bobby Pin Set

Of course, you'll need a decent amount of bobby pins to pin every hair into place and ensure your style holds.

Moroccanoil

Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish

Finish everything off with a holding hairspray that'll keep frizz under wraps all night.

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.