10 Textured Messy Bun Hairstyles for Natural Volume

Are you yearning for that coveted ‘just rolled out of bed but still fabulous’ look? The textured messy bun is your ultimate answer. It’s the perfect blend of casual coolness and sophisticated charm, giving your hair a beautiful boost of natural volume without looking overly done. Whether you have fine strands needing a lift or thick locks desiring definition, mastering the art of the textured messy bun can transform your everyday style and elevate your special occasion looks.

Forget flat, lifeless hair. This guide will walk you through 10 incredible textured messy bun variations, each designed to bring out your hair’s natural beauty and give you that enviable, voluminous flair. Get ready to embrace effortless elegance and discover your new go-to hairstyle!

Embracing Effortless Elegance – The Textured Messy Bun Appeal

The textured messy bun isn’t just a trend; it’s a timeless statement of relaxed confidence. Its appeal lies in its versatility and forgiving nature. Unlike perfectly coiffed updos, the messy bun thrives on imperfection, making it achievable for everyone. The ‘texture’ component is crucial here; it’s what differentiates a simple, hastily tied bun from a deliberately styled, voluminous masterpiece. This texture adds dimension, light, and the illusion of fullness, making it ideal for those seeking to enhance their hair’s natural body.

From a casual brunch to a formal event, a well-executed textured messy bun can adapt to any setting, offering a chic yet comfortable alternative to more rigid styles. It’s about celebrating your hair’s unique character and styling it in a way that feels authentic and effortlessly beautiful.

Building Your Base – Essential Tools and Products

Achieving a textured, voluminous messy bun starts with the right arsenal of tools and products. These essentials will help you create hold, add grit, and ensure your bun stays fabulous all day long.

Must-Have Tools

Hair Ties or Elastics Choose snag-free options that won’t damage your hair.
Bobby Pins A variety of sizes and colors to match your hair.
Hair Brush or Wide-Tooth Comb For detangling and smoothing.
Teasing Comb or Rat Tail Comb Essential for backcombing and creating volume.
Dry Shampoo Not just for refreshing, but also for adding grip and texture.
Texturizing Spray The secret weapon for instant, effortless texture.
Light-Hold Hairspray To set your style without stiffness.

Key Products for Texture and Hold

Volumizing Mousse or Root Lifter Applied to damp hair before drying, these products lay the foundation for lift.
Sea Salt Spray Excellent for creating a beachy, undone texture.
Hair Powder for Volume A small amount at the roots can provide incredible lift and grip.
Flexible Hold Hairspray To keep flyaways at bay and your bun intact without a crunchy feel.

The 10 Textured Messy Bun Hairstyles for Natural Volume

Ready to get styling? Here are 10 distinct textured messy bun hairstyles, each with specific guidance to help you achieve that perfect voluminous look.

1. The Classic High Messy Bun

This iconic style sits proudly on top of your head, exuding youthful energy and effortless chic. It’s perfect for showcasing your neck and collarbones.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; best on wavy or slightly curly textures, but achievable on straight hair with added texture.
Face Shape Suitability Universally flattering, particularly good for round or heart-shaped faces as it adds vertical height.
Styling Method/Technique Gather hair into a high ponytail. Tease the ponytail for volume. Loosely twist and wrap the hair around the base, securing with bobby pins. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and gently tug at the bun for added messiness.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Teasing comb, dry shampoo for grip, texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Start with second-day hair. Secure the ponytail tightly before creating the bun. Finish with a strong but flexible hairspray.

2. The Low Slung Textured Bun

Elegant and sophisticated, the low slung bun rests gracefully at the nape of your neck, perfect for a more refined yet still relaxed look.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; works beautifully on all textures, especially fine hair as it appears fuller.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, square, and diamond face shapes are particularly complemented by this style.
Styling Method/Technique Create a low ponytail. Backcomb the ponytail lightly. Twist the hair into a loose bun, securing with bobby pins. Gently pull sections of the bun for texture and volume.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Wide-tooth comb, volumizing mousse (applied pre-styling), light hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a texturizing spray throughout the length of your hair before gathering. Pin securely from all angles.

3. The Half-Up Messy Bun

A playful and casual style that keeps hair out of your face while letting the rest flow freely, showcasing both length and texture.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; excellent for wavy and curly textures, adding a bohemian vibe.
Face Shape Suitability Ideal for most face shapes, especially those wanting to soften facial features.
Styling Method/Technique Section off the top half of your hair (from temples upwards). Gather into a ponytail at the crown. Create a small, loose bun, securing with a hair tie and bobby pins. Gently loosen strands.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Small hair elastic, texturizing spray for the loose hair, bobby pins.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the initial ponytail is secure. Use a dry shampoo on the roots of the top section for extra grip.

4. The Braided Messy Bun

Infuse your messy bun with an extra layer of detail and charm by adding a braid, creating a more intricate yet still effortless look.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Long hair; works best on hair with some natural grip or texture.
Face Shape Suitability Any face shape can rock this, it adds visual interest.
Styling Method/Technique Create a loose braid (French, Dutch, or a simple three-strand) either on one side, or incorporate the entire ponytail into a braid before twisting it into a bun. Secure the bun with pins.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Fine-tooth comb for sectioning, hair elastic for the braid, bobby pins, light-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Keep the braid loose enough to pull apart for texture, but tight enough at the base to hold.

5. The Double Mini Messy Buns

A fun, youthful, and quirky take on the messy bun, perfect for a festival or a playful weekend look.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; looks great on all textures, especially fine to medium hair as it creates the illusion of more hair.
Face Shape Suitability Best for oval, long, or heart-shaped faces.
Styling Method/Technique Part your hair down the middle. Create two high ponytails. Twist each ponytail into a small, messy bun, securing with small elastics and bobby pins.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Small hair elastics, bobby pins, texturizing spray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure both ponytails are symmetrical and equally tight before forming the buns.

6. The Voluminous Crown Bun

This style focuses on maximizing height and fullness directly at the crown, creating an elegant, almost bouffant-like effect with a messy finish.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; ideal for fine to medium hair that needs a significant volume boost.
Face Shape Suitability Excellent for round or square faces as it adds vertical length and softens angles.
Styling Method/Technique Section off the crown area. Tease the roots heavily for maximum lift. Gather all hair into a high ponytail, then twist and pin into a large, fluffy bun.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Teasing comb, volumizing powder, strong-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Focus on thorough backcombing at the roots. Use plenty of bobby pins to anchor the voluminous bun securely.

7. The Side Swept Messy Bun

Romantic and charming, this bun is positioned to one side, often paired with a deep side part or sweeping bangs, creating a soft, asymmetrical look.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; works well with wavy hair for a softer look.
Face Shape Suitability Particularly flattering for square or angular faces, as the side sweep softens the jawline.
Styling Method/Technique Create a deep side part. Gather all hair into a low side ponytail, behind one ear. Tease the ponytail and form a loose, textured bun, securing with pins. Let some front pieces fall naturally.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Fine-tooth comb for parting, bobby pins, flexible hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a strong-hold product at the roots of your side part to keep it defined.

8. The Tousled Top Knot

A high-fashion, yet incredibly easy style, the tousled top knot sits high on the head, embodying cool, undone vibes.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long hair; fantastic for naturally wavy or curly textures.
Face Shape Suitability Great for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces, adding height and elongating the face.
Styling Method/Technique Flip your head upside down and gather hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around itself, securing with a hair tie. Gently pull sections of the bun and around the hairline for a tousled effect.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Hair elastic, texturizing spray, bobby pins (optional).
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Start with slightly dirty hair for better grip. Don’t be afraid to make it truly ‘messy’ for lasting texture.

9. The Looped Messy Bun

This creative bun involves creating soft loops of hair rather than a tight twist, resulting in a unique, airy, and voluminous texture.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Long hair; works well with fine to medium hair as the loops add visual density.
Face Shape Suitability Generally flattering, especially for those who prefer a softer, less structured updo.
Styling Method/Technique Gather hair into a ponytail. Take small sections of the ponytail, loop them around your fingers, and pin them around the base of the ponytail, creating a series of soft loops. Gently pull each loop for texture.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Hair elastic, plenty of bobby pins, texturizing spray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure each loop individually with pins. A light mist of hairspray on each section before pinning can help.

10. The Wavy Hair Messy Bun

Designed to enhance and celebrate natural waves, this bun leverages your hair’s inherent texture for maximum volume and a beautiful, organic look.

Suitable Hair Length & Texture Medium to long wavy or curly hair.
Face Shape Suitability Complements most face shapes, especially those with softer features.
Styling Method/Technique Apply a wave-enhancing product to damp hair and air dry or diffuse. Gather hair loosely into a mid-to-high ponytail. Gently twist and pin the wavy hair into a messy bun, allowing your natural texture to dictate the shape.
Recommended Hair Tools & Products Wave-enhancing mousse or cream, diffuser (optional), hair elastic, bobby pins.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Avoid over-brushing your waves. Use a strong-hold hairspray specifically designed for curly or wavy hair.

Maintaining Your Mane – Hair Care and Volume Tips

To consistently achieve beautiful, voluminous messy buns, healthy hair is key. Here’s how to care for your hair to encourage natural volume and texture:

Use Volumizing Shampoos and Conditioners Look for formulas that don’t weigh down your hair.
Avoid Over-Conditioning Roots Focus conditioner on mid-lengths and ends.
Rough Dry Your Hair Before styling, blow-dry your hair upside down or against the natural growth pattern for initial lift.
Incorporate Scalp Massages Stimulate blood flow to hair follicles, promoting healthy growth and potentially adding volume.
Limit Heat Styling Excessive heat can damage hair, making it prone to breakage and less able to hold volume.
Regular Trims Get rid of split ends that can make hair look thinner and less voluminous.

Styling Dos and Don’ts for the Perfect Messy Bun

Mastering the messy bun is all about striking the right balance. Here are some key dos and don’ts to guide your styling process:

The Dos

Do Embrace Second-Day Hair It often has more grip and texture than freshly washed hair.
Do Use Texture-Enhancing Products Dry shampoo, texturizing spray, or sea salt spray are your best friends.
Do Backcomb Strategically Focus on the crown and the ponytail for maximum volume.
Do Pull Out Face-Framing Pieces This softens the look and adds to the effortless vibe.
Do Experiment with Placement High, low, or mid-level buns can drastically change the overall aesthetic.
Do Use Bobby Pins Liberally They are crucial for securing your bun without making it look stiff.

The Don’ts

Don’t Over-Smooth Your Hair The ‘messy’ aspect is essential; perfection is the enemy of this style.
Don’t Use Too Much Product Heavy gels or waxes can weigh hair down and make it look greasy.
Don’t Pull Too Tightly This can cause tension headaches and make the bun look severe, not effortless.
Don’t Forget to Tug and Loosen Gently pulling on sections of the bun and around the hairline creates that coveted lived-in look.
Don’t Be Afraid to Re-do It Sometimes the perfect messy bun takes a couple of attempts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the messy bun is all about being ‘undone,’ there are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:

Too Tight A bun that’s pulled too tight loses its messy charm and can look severe.
Not Enough Texture Without proper texture, a messy bun can simply look like a rushed, unkempt knot.
Too Much Hairspray Over-spraying can make your hair stiff and crunchy, defeating the purpose of a soft, textured look.
Wrong Hair Tie Using a hair tie that’s too small or causes breakage can damage your hair and make the bun difficult to form.
Ignoring Hair Type Not all techniques work equally well for every hair type. Adapt your approach based on your hair’s natural texture and length.

Key Takeaways for Your Voluminous Bun Journey

Texture is Paramount It’s what gives a messy bun its volume and effortless appeal.
Products Are Your Allies Dry shampoo, texturizing spray, and volumizing mousse are game-changers.
Embrace Imperfection The beauty of a messy bun lies in its relaxed, undone nature.
Practice Makes Perfect Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t exactly what you envisioned.
Personalize Your Style Adapt the techniques to suit your hair length, texture, and face shape.

Stylopicker