15 Messy Bun Hair Looks with a Soft and Relaxed Finish

The messy bun is a timeless classic, a hairstyle that effortlessly blends sophistication with an approachable charm. It’s the ultimate go-to for days when you want to look put-together without appearing overly formal, or for when you simply crave that soft, relaxed finish. Far from being just a hurried updo, the modern messy bun is a deliberate statement of chic nonchalance, offering endless versatility for every hair length, texture, and face shape.

Whether you’re heading to a casual brunch, a formal event, or just conquering your daily tasks, a beautifully executed messy bun can elevate your look. This guide explores 15 distinct messy bun styles, each designed to give you that coveted soft and relaxed vibe. Get ready to master the art of the perfectly imperfect updo and discover your new favorite hairstyle.

The Classic High Messy Bun

This is the iconic messy bun, perched high on the crown for a playful and energetic look. It offers a youthful vibe and draws attention upwards.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair, works well with all textures, especially wavy or slightly curly hair for natural volume.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. The height adds balance.
Styling Method or Technique Gather hair into a high ponytail. Twist loosely and coil around the base, securing with an elastic or pins. Gently pull out small sections and face-framing pieces for softness.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Start with day-old hair for better grip. Use a texturizing spray before gathering. Secure well with multiple bobby pins.

The Elegant Low Messy Bun

Positioned at the nape of the neck, this bun exudes a refined, understated elegance. It’s perfect for more formal occasions or when you desire a softer, more mature aesthetic.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best for straight or wavy hair, allowing for a smooth base with a relaxed finish.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes, particularly flattering for square and oblong faces as it softens angles.
Styling Method or Technique Create a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it into a bun. Pin securely, leaving a few wisps around the ears and neck.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, smoothing serum, flexible-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Apply a smoothing serum to tame flyaways before styling. Use a strong yet flexible elastic.

Side Swept Messy Bun

A romantic twist on the classic, the side-swept messy bun sits gracefully on one side of the head, often paired with a deep side part for added drama and allure.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair, especially beautiful on wavy or curly hair for natural volume and texture.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, heart, and long face shapes benefit from the asymmetrical balance.
Styling Method or Technique Create a deep side part. Gather all hair to one side, just behind the ear, and form a loose bun. Let some strands fall naturally.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Fine-tooth comb for parting, hair elastic, bobby pins, volumizing mousse, medium-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a volumizing mousse at the roots on the side the bun will sit. Secure the bun firmly against the head with criss-crossed bobby pins.

Braided Messy Bun

Incorporating a braid into your messy bun adds a touch of intricate detail and bohemian charm. This style can be adapted with various braid types, from a simple three-strand to a fishtail.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Long hair is ideal for visible braids. Works well with all textures, though straight hair might need some texturizing.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes. The braid adds visual interest without altering overall proportions significantly.
Styling Method or Technique Braid a section of hair (e.g., from the front, side, or the ponytail itself) before forming the bun. Wrap the braid around the bun or integrate it within.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, small clear elastics, texturizing spray, flexible-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the braid is not too loose before forming the bun. Pin the braided section securely.

Half-Up Messy Bun

For those who love the best of both worlds, the half-up messy bun keeps hair out of your face while allowing your luscious locks to flow freely. It’s effortlessly casual yet stylish.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best on wavy or curly hair for natural body and movement in the loose sections.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Method or Technique Section the top half of your hair, from temples to crown. Gather into a small, loose bun at the crown. Secure, letting the rest of your hair fall.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Small hair elastic, bobby pins, dry shampoo for volume, light-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use dry shampoo at the roots of the top section for grip. Don’t make the bun too heavy; keep it small and light.

The Loose Beachy Messy Bun

This bun perfectly captures the essence of a relaxed day by the sea. It’s characterized by extreme looseness, undone texture, and plenty of face-framing strands.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Ideal for naturally wavy or textured hair.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes, especially those seeking a carefree, effortless look.
Styling Method or Technique Apply sea salt spray to damp hair and air dry or diffuse. Gather hair loosely into a low or mid-height bun, allowing many pieces to fall out.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Sea salt spray, hair elastic, minimal bobby pins.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Don’t over-secure. The beauty is in its impermanence. A light mist of flexible hairspray can help.

Messy Bun with Bangs or Fringe

Bangs add a sweet and youthful dimension to any messy bun, softening the overall look and drawing attention to the eyes. Whether full, wispy, or curtain bangs, they beautifully complement the undone bun.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Any hair length that can form a bun. Works with all textures, as bangs are styled separately.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, long, and heart-shaped faces benefit from bangs.
Styling Method or Technique Style your bangs as usual. Then, gather the rest of your hair into your preferred messy bun style (high, low, or mid).
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Bangs styling tools (round brush, flat iron), light hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure bangs are styled and set before forming the bun. Keep bun separate from bangs.

The Voluminous Messy Bun

For those who crave extra drama and height, the voluminous messy bun uses backcombing and strategic pinning to create a larger, more impactful silhouette.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best for fine to medium hair that can be easily backcombed.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. The volume adds height and elongates.
Styling Method or Technique Backcomb sections of hair before gathering into a ponytail. Form a bun, gently pulling loops to create more volume and width.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Teasing comb, volumizing powder or spray, hair elastic, bobby pins, strong-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Backcomb thoroughly. Use a volumizing powder at the roots. Pin each loop of the bun individually for maximum hold.

The Twisted Messy Bun

Instead of a simple coil, this bun is formed by twisting sections of hair before wrapping them, creating a more defined yet still relaxed texture.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works well with all textures, adding definition to straight hair.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes.
Styling Method or Technique Divide hair into two or three sections. Twist each section individually, then wrap them together to form a bun.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, texturizing cream, light hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure each twist is secure before forming the bun. Use a texturizing cream for better grip.

Messy Bun with a Headband or Scarf

Elevate your messy bun with a chic accessory. A headband or scarf not only adds a pop of color or pattern but can also help to keep stray hairs in place while adding to the relaxed vibe.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture All hair lengths that can form a bun. All textures.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes. The accessory can be chosen to complement face shape.
Styling Method or Technique Create your desired messy bun. Then, add a fabric headband or wrap a scarf around your head, tucking the ends.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, chosen headband or scarf.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure the bun first, then place the accessory. Use bobby pins to secure the headband/scarf if needed.

The Textured Messy Bun for Curly Hair

Embrace and enhance natural curls with a messy bun designed to highlight their beautiful texture and volume. This style is all about celebrating your natural pattern.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long curly or coily hair.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes.
Styling Method or Technique Apply curl-defining cream. Gently gather curls into a high or mid-height ponytail. Loosely coil and pin, allowing curls to naturally form the messy shape.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Curl-defining cream, hair elastic, bobby pins, curl refreshing spray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Don’t brush out curls. Use a curl-defining product for hold and definition. Pin gently to avoid flattening curls.

Sleek Top, Messy Bun

This style offers a striking contrast: a smooth, sleek top section that transitions into a beautifully undone messy bun. It’s polished yet playful.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best for straight or wavy hair for a sleek top.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces. The sleekness can highlight facial features.
Styling Method or Technique Apply a smoothing serum to the top section of hair and brush back tightly. Gather into a high ponytail and create a messy bun from the ponytail, allowing the bun itself to be relaxed.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Fine-tooth comb, smoothing serum, strong-hold gel or pomade for the top, hair elastic, bobby pins.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the top section is very smooth and securely gelled/sprayed. Use strong pins for the bun.

The ‘Donut’ Messy Bun

Achieved using a hair donut or sock, this bun has a more defined, rounded shape but can still be pulled apart and softened for a relaxed, messy finish.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works with all textures, but straight hair benefits most from the donut for shape.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, long, and heart-shaped faces.
Styling Method or Technique Create a ponytail. Thread hair through a hair donut. Fan hair over the donut, tucking ends underneath and pinning, then gently pull out pieces for a messy look.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, hair donut (or sock), bobby pins, light-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the donut is firmly against the head. Pin hair around the donut securely before messing it up.

Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils

This classic technique enhances the soft and relaxed finish by deliberately leaving out delicate strands of hair around the face, softening the hairline and adding a romantic touch.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works beautifully with wavy or curly hair for natural-looking tendrils.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes. Tendrils can be strategically placed to flatter individual features.
Styling Method or Technique Before gathering hair for the bun, pull out a few thin sections around the temples and ears. Create your messy bun, then gently curl or wave the tendrils if desired.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, curling iron or wand (optional), light hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Don’t pull out too many tendrils, as they can loosen the bun. Secure the bun well, then attend to the tendrils.

The Boho Messy Bun with Accessories

Embrace a free-spirited vibe by adding natural or bohemian-inspired accessories like small flowers, delicate clips, or beaded pins to your messy bun.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture All hair lengths that can form a bun. All textures.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes.
Styling Method or Technique Create a loose, low or mid-height messy bun. Weave in small flowers, delicate hairpins, or a beaded chain around the bun or into the loose strands.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, chosen boho accessories.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure accessories firmly with extra bobby pins if they are prone to slipping.

Key Takeaways for Your Perfect Messy Bun

Mastering the messy bun is about understanding a few core principles. Remember these points for consistently beautiful results:

Texture is Your Friend Day-old hair or hair prepped with texturizing spray provides better grip and volume than freshly washed, slippery hair.
Don’t Aim for Perfection The charm of a messy bun lies in its ‘undone’ quality. Embrace the loose strands and slight asymmetry.
Strategic Pinning Use bobby pins not just to secure the bun, but to shape it and add volume by pinning loops of hair.
Face-Framing Pieces Always consider pulling out a few wisps around your face to soften the look and enhance the relaxed finish.
Practice Makes Perfect Experiment with different heights, tightness, and amounts of ‘messiness’ to find what suits you best.

Hair Care and Maintenance Tips

Maintaining healthy hair is crucial for any style, especially one that relies on natural texture. Here’s how to keep your locks in top condition:

Regular Trims Keep split ends at bay with regular trims every 6-8 weeks.
Gentle Washing Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to protect your hair’s natural oils.
Conditioning Treatments Incorporate a deep conditioning mask once a week for added moisture and shine.
Heat Protection Always use a heat protectant spray if you use styling tools like curling irons or straighteners.
Silk Pillowcases Reduce friction and hair breakage by sleeping on a silk pillowcase.

Styling Dos and Don’ts for Messy Buns

Do’s

Do use texturizing products like dry shampoo, sea salt spray, or volumizing powder for better grip and volume.
Do experiment with height and placement a high bun gives a playful look, while a low bun is more elegant.
Do pull out face-framing pieces to soften the look and add to the relaxed finish.
Do use bobby pins strategically to shape the bun and secure loose sections without making it too tight.
Do embrace your natural texture whether wavy, curly, or straight, let your hair’s inherent beauty shine through.

Don’ts

Don’t over-tighten the bun this can lead to headaches and a less relaxed appearance.
Don’t aim for perfection the charm is in the ‘messiness’.
Don’t use too many products a heavy hand can make hair stiff and unnatural.
Don’t forget to protect your hair especially if using heat to curl tendrils.
Don’t pull too hard on your hairline this can cause breakage and stress.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though it looks simple, there are a few pitfalls to avoid when creating your messy bun:

Too Clean Hair Freshly washed hair is often too slippery. Day-old hair or hair with added texture works best.
Using Only One Elastic Relying solely on a hair elastic can lead to a flat, uninspired bun. Bobby pins are essential for shaping and securing.
Making it Too Tight The goal is a relaxed finish. A bun that’s too taut loses its effortless appeal.
Forgetting Face-Framing Pieces Without them, the bun can look severe and less flattering.
Not Enough Volume A flat messy bun can look limp. Use texturizing products and gentle teasing to build body.

Occasion-Based Styling Advice

The beauty of the messy bun is its adaptability. Here’s how to tailor it for different events:

Casual Day Out Opt for a high, loose messy bun with plenty of face-framing tendrils and a playful vibe.
Office Chic A low, slightly more polished messy bun at the nape of the neck, perhaps with a sleek top section, offers professionalism with a touch of softness.
Date Night A side-swept messy bun with curled tendrils or a braided messy bun adds a romantic and alluring touch.
Formal Events A voluminous messy bun or a ‘donut’ messy bun with elegant accessories can look sophisticated and modern, especially with a deep side part.
Workout Ready A high, secure (but still soft) messy bun keeps hair out of your face efficiently without feeling too tight.

Conclusion

The messy bun is more than just a quick fix; it’s a versatile, stylish, and incredibly flattering hairstyle that can be adapted for any occasion, hair length, or texture. From the playful high bun to the elegant low twist, and from sleek to bohemian, there’s a messy bun look for everyone. By embracing the art of controlled chaos and focusing on a soft, relaxed finish, you can effortlessly achieve a look that’s both chic and comfortable.

So, go ahead and experiment! Play with different placements, textures, and accessories. With a little practice and the right products, you’ll master the perfectly imperfect messy bun and discover the confidence that comes with an effortlessly beautiful hairstyle.

Stylopicker