How To Get A Big Bun Without Mesh Donuts or Weave

Healthy Hair Question: 
Q: First, do you use mesh donuts for your buns? If not, how in the heck do you get those bigggg buns?

A: I love me a BIG ol doughy bun! I have used mesh donuts for some of my buns in the past, but I've never used a weave. Here are my secrets to big doughy buns without a mesh donut, heat, or a weave on about shoulder length or longer hair:

1. Air Dried Stretched Hair- My fluffiest buns are started on hair that has been detangled, air dried, and stretched. Moisturize your hair however you want. Seal it with whatever you like. But be sure to detangle and stretch your curls without heat. Because I have 18 weeks of curly post relaxer roots, I faux band my hair and bantu knot it (without a holding product in my cocktail). My favorite moisturizing triple threat has been my Aloe Tea Spray, Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner and Tangerine Vanilla Whipped Hair Butter.
2. Banana Clips and Hair Pins- I don't know about you, but finding a hair tie in my house is like panning for gold. Most of the time, I'm totally unlucky. However, I can always find a Scuni Banana clip. They are super cheap, less than $3USD and extremely durable. Plus, I feel like there is less stress on my edges and I have a smoother look. How To: Gather your hair into a pony, high or low, its your pleasure, then secure with your banana clip. Separate strands to fill out clip, then guide hair into a bun around the clip. Your hair should completely cover the flip. Keep it loose and big.
   Secure your fluffy bun with hair pins. Two of the longer pins are usually enough for me.
3. Aloe Vera Gel- I know that not everyone is about that fuzzy roots and frizzy curl life. So if you slap a little Aloe Vera gel on your edges and then use a silk scarf to tie your hair down, after 10-15 minutes you'll have tamed hair.

Thanks for your question chica!

Besitos!
KLP