From the runway to the red carpet, the bun hairstyle has been influencing women since its first appearance in ancient Greece. While it has taken on many forms (ballerina, knot, braided) and meanings (in Chinese history, a woman's bun revealed her marital status), it is a true style staple. A go-to for a polished look -- or even just to disguise a bad hair day.

Right now the bun is seeing sexy updates at every turn. Hot starlets (or really, their stylists) are reinventing the wheel, creating new, cute ways to wrap hair around a ponytail.

So go ahead -- put some bravado behind that bun. Here's how.

Best for: You need long hair to pull off this deceptively simple bun. If you don't have long hair, stylist Marc Durand from Meche Salon in Los Angeles says to add some clip-in extensions.

Durand's how-to: Bring your hair to one side and braid into a fishtail braid (learn how to fishtail braid here). Then twist the braid around itself and secure with pins. Strategically pull a couple pieces out of the braid to softly frame your face.

Best for: To achieve a dense bun, thick hair is important, but any texture with a smooth blowout will work, says Abby Schlenger from the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City.

Schlenger's how-to: Start by running a smoothing cream with shine (like Tigi Rockaholic Rock My World Stellar Smoothing Cream, $13.99) through blown-out hair. Secure a high ponytail on top of the head, and separate the ponytail into two separate sections. Take one section and wrap it around the base to create a classic bun shape. Wrap the second piece around the base, lifting the bun up to create this interesting stacked look.

Best for: To get this undone look, start with a smooth texture, says Jasmin Robles, stylist at Meche Salon.

Robles' how-to: Blow out your hair until smooth, and use a large curling iron to create bounce and texture. Then, add some dry shampoo so hair isn't "clean," since freshly washed hair needs more texture to hold a hairstyle. Gather your hair into a low ponytail (always leave out a piece of hair to wrap around the rubber band -- it makes your style look clean, chic and professional). Wrap your hair tie once around the ponytail and then pull up into a loose bun. Pin to secure.

Best for: Medium to long hair. Meche Salon stylist Katsumi Kasai says that this look is super-easy, so even the hairstyle-challenged can pull it off.

Kasai's how-to: Simply flip your head upside down and gather your hair into a ponytail on the top of your head. Be sure to put the ponytail at the very top of your head -- you want to be able to see this style from the front. Loosely twist your ponytail around its base and use U-pins (they're similar to bobby pins, but a little bit wider) to secure. It doesn't have to be perfect. Pull a few pieces of hair out at the base of your hairline near your ears to softly frame the face.