The messy bun. It’s more than just a quick fix for a bad hair day or a convenient way to keep your hair out of your face. It’s a statement—a symbol of effortless chic, versatility, and confidence. From running errands to casual brunches, or even a relaxed office day, the messy bun has cemented its place as a go-to hairstyle for women everywhere. But how do you achieve that coveted ‘perfectly imperfect’ look without it appearing like you just rolled out of bed? The secret lies in understanding the nuances of texture, placement, and the right styling techniques. This guide will unravel 14 distinct messy bun ideas, ensuring you have a fresh, stylish option for every day of the week and beyond.
The Enduring Charm of the Messy Bun
There’s an undeniable allure to the messy bun. It embodies a blend of sophistication and spontaneity, making it incredibly appealing. Its popularity stems from its universal applicability—it transcends age, hair type, and occasion, adapting seamlessly to your personal style. Whether you prefer a voluminous top knot or a soft, low chignon, the messy bun offers endless possibilities for expression. It’s the ultimate hairstyle for those who appreciate beauty that doesn’t compromise on comfort or ease.
Mastering Your Messy Bun Foundation
Before diving into specific styles, laying a good foundation is key. Clean, freshly washed hair can sometimes be too slippery for a messy bun. Second-day hair often holds better, but if you’re starting with clean hair, a few spritzes of dry shampoo or a texturizing spray can add grip and volume. This creates the ‘canvas’ you need for a lasting, perfectly undone look.
14 Everyday Messy Bun Styles to Try
1. The Classic High Messy Bun
This iconic style sits at the crown, offering a playful yet elegant vibe. It’s incredibly versatile and lifts the face, making it a popular choice.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Best for medium to long hair, works well with all textures, especially wavy or naturally textured hair.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, round, heart, and square face shapes benefit from the height, elongating the face.
- Styling Method or Technique: Gather all hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and coil it around the base, securing with a hair elastic. Gently pull out a few strands around the face and from the bun itself for that signature messy look.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Strong hair elastic, bobby pins for stray pieces, texturizing spray for grip, and a light-hold hairspray to finish.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Start with dry shampoo for added texture. Secure the bun firmly but not too tightly to avoid headaches.
2. The Effortless Low Messy Bun
Perfect for a relaxed aesthetic, the low messy bun offers a softer, more romantic feel, ideal for casual outings or a sophisticated everyday look.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair. Wavy or curly textures naturally lend themselves to this style’s softness.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, long, diamond, and heart-shaped faces. It can soften sharper jawlines.
- Styling Method or Technique: Gather hair loosely at the nape of your neck, as if making a low ponytail. Twist the hair into a loose coil and secure with a hair elastic, letting ends peek out.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Soft hair tie, bobby pins for securing, and a shine serum for a polished touch.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Begin with slightly damp hair and allow it to air dry partially in the bun for a natural set.
3. The Half-Up Messy Bun
Combining the best of both worlds, this style keeps hair out of your face while letting the rest flow freely. It’s youthful and effortlessly chic.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, works beautifully with all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: Universally flattering for all face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Section off the top half of your hair, from temples to crown. Gather this section as if creating a half-ponytail, twist it into a small, messy bun, and secure.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Small hair elastic, bobby pins, and a sea salt spray for enhanced texture.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Tease the roots of the top section slightly before forming the bun for added volume and staying power.
4. The Braided Messy Bun
Adding a braid introduces an element of intricate detail to the casual messy bun, elevating it for a more styled yet relaxed appearance.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Long hair is ideal for braiding, suitable for all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, long, and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling Method or Technique: Braid a section of your hair (e.g., a small side braid or a full ponytail braid). Then, coil the braid (or incorporate it into a larger bun) and secure it messily.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Hair elastic, bobby pins, and a braid balm or light styling cream to keep the braid neat.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Ensure the braid is secure before forming the bun. A strong-hold hairspray on the braid can prevent unraveling.
5. The Twisted Messy Bun
This style offers a sophisticated twist (literally!) on the classic messy bun, providing a more structured yet still undone look.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, fine to thick.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, square, and round face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Divide your hair into two or three sections. Twist each section individually, then coil them together into a bun, securing with an elastic and pins.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Hair elastic, bobby pins, and a light styling cream for smoothness.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Twist each section firmly before coiling. Use U-shaped pins for extra hold within the twists.
6. The Side Swept Messy Bun
A charming and asymmetrical option, the side-swept messy bun adds a touch of romance and softness, perfect for a gentle, feminine look.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, works well with all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, heart, and round face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Gather all your hair to one side, just behind your ear or at your shoulder. Form a loose, messy bun at this low side position and secure.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Hair elastic, bobby pins, and a smoothing serum for the swept-over section.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Pin the swept-over section securely against your scalp before forming the bun to prevent it from slipping.
7. The Voluminous Messy Bun
For those who love drama and height, the voluminous messy bun is a showstopper. It creates an illusion of thicker hair and adds a confident flair.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, especially beneficial for fine or thin hair seeking fullness.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, long, and diamond face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Tease the crown section generously for lift. Gather hair high, twist loosely into a large, airy bun, ensuring the teased volume remains.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Teasing comb, hair elastic, volume powder or spray, and strong-hold hairspray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Backcomb sections strategically before gathering. Use plenty of bobby pins to secure the voluminous shape.
8. The Sleek Base Messy Bun
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This style offers a sophisticated contrast—a smooth, polished base with a beautifully undone bun. It’s modern and effortlessly elegant.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, straight to wavy textures work best for the sleek base.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling Method or Technique: Smooth down hair at the roots with gel or cream. Gather hair into a mid-height ponytail, then twist and coil into a messy bun, allowing texture at the ends.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Fine-tooth comb, smoothing gel or cream, hair elastic, bobby pins, and a medium-hold hairspray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Use a strong-hold product on the sleek sections to prevent flyaways.
9. The Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
A classic way to soften any updo, pulling out delicate face-framing pieces adds a touch of romance and casual charm to your messy bun.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: Universally flattering, particularly good for softening round or square face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Create your desired messy bun. Then, gently pull out a few thin strands around your hairline and temples. You can lightly curl these pieces for extra polish.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Hair elastic, bobby pins, and a curling iron or wand (optional) for the face-framing pieces.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Lightly mist the face-framing pieces with hairspray to hold their shape without stiffness.
10. The Double Messy Buns- Space Buns
Playful and trendy, double messy buns (often called space buns) are a fun, youthful take on the messy bun, perfect for a quirky or festival-inspired look.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling Method or Technique: Part your hair down the middle. Create two high ponytails, one on each side. Twist each ponytail into a messy bun and secure with an elastic and pins.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Two hair elastics, bobby pins, and texture spray for added grip.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Ensure each bun is secured tightly at its base. A strong-hold hairspray can help maintain their shape.
11. The Messy Bun for Short Hair
Don’t let shorter hair deter you! With the right technique and a few extra pins, you can absolutely achieve a stylish messy bun.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Short to medium length hair (bob or lob haircuts), all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: All face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Gather all available hair into a small ponytail. Twist and coil the shorter layers into a tight, messy bun, using many bobby pins to secure any escaping strands.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Small hair elastic, numerous bobby pins, and a strong-hold styling wax or pomade.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Use a strong-hold product to tame shorter layers. Secure with extra bobby pins, crisscrossing them for maximum grip.
12. The Messy Bun with a Scarf
Elevate your messy bun with a chic accessory. A scarf adds a pop of color, texture, and personality, transforming a simple bun into a fashion statement.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: All face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: Create your desired messy bun. Then, wrap a stylish hair scarf around the base of the bun, tying it in a knot or bow.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Hair elastic, bobby pins, and a hair scarf of your choice.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Secure the scarf tightly around the bun’s base. You can use a bobby pin to anchor the scarf to the hair elastic.
13. The Undone Messy Bun
This is the epitome of ‘I woke up like this’ hair, but with intention. It’s about embracing natural texture and minimal effort for maximum cool.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, especially wavy or curly hair that naturally holds an ‘undone’ look.
- Face Shape Suitability: All face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique: With minimal fuss, gather hair very loosely, twist once or twice, and secure with a soft elastic. Allow flyaways and loose pieces to remain for a truly undone vibe.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Soft hair tie, minimal bobby pins, and a sea salt spray for enhanced texture.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Start with second-day hair. Avoid over-styling or trying to make it ‘perfect’—the charm is in its imperfection.
14. The Messy Top Knot
A variation of the high messy bun, the top knot sits even higher, directly on top of the head. It’s bold, trendy, and instantly elongates the neck.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture: Medium to long hair, all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability: Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
- Styling Method or Technique: Gather all hair into a very high ponytail on the crown. Twist the hair tightly, then coil it into a small, compact bun directly on top of your head. Secure with an elastic and pins.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products: Hair elastic, bobby pins, and a volume powder for extra lift at the roots.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer: Tease the section of hair before forming the bun for added grip and volume. Secure with multiple bobby pins.
Essential Hair Care for Messy Bun Lovers
While messy buns are low-maintenance styling, consistent hair care is crucial to prevent damage. Hydrate your hair regularly with masks and conditioners. Use gentle detangling methods to avoid breakage, especially after taking down a bun. Prioritize scalp health, as a healthy scalp promotes stronger hair. Opt for silk scrunchies or soft hair ties to minimize tension and reduce breakage from repeated styling.
Messy Bun Styling- Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Do use dry shampoo: It adds texture and absorbs oil, making hair easier to style into a messy bun.
- Do experiment with placement: High, low, or mid-height—find what flatters your face shape most.
- Do use bobby pins strategically: They are your best friend for securing loose strands and adding volume.
- Do embrace texture: A little wave or curl makes for a more natural, effortless messy bun.
- Do vary your styles: Rotate between different messy bun looks to keep your everyday style fresh.
Don’t
- Don’t pull too tight: This can cause tension headaches and hair breakage.
- Don’t use wet hair: Wet hair is more fragile and prone to damage when tied up tightly.
- Don’t over-style: The beauty of a messy bun is its undone nature; too much fuss makes it look stiff.
- Don’t use cheap elastics: They can snag and break your hair. Invest in quality hair ties.
- Don’t forget hair protection: Use a heat protectant if you’re adding waves or curls before styling.
Common Messy Bun Mistakes to Avoid
One common pitfall is pulling the bun too tight, which can lead to hair damage and a less-than-effortless look. Another mistake is using the wrong hair tie—opt for soft fabric elastics or scrunchies over thin, rubber bands. Neglecting to add texture before styling can result in a flat, uninspired bun. Lastly, don’t be afraid to pull out a few pieces; a messy bun thrives on its intentional imperfections.
Key Takeaways for Effortless Messy Buns
The messy bun is a true chameleon of hairstyles, offering endless ways to express your personal style. Whether you prefer a high-fashion top knot or a soft, romantic low bun, the key is to embrace texture, experiment with placement, and allow for a little imperfection. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a chic, comfortable, and lasting messy bun every day.
Embrace the freedom and flair of the messy bun! Experiment with these 14 ideas, mix and match techniques, and discover your signature everyday look. Your hair is your canvas—have fun styling it!