The messy bun – a hairstyle that effortlessly transitions from a relaxed weekend look to a chic evening statement. It’s the ultimate paradox: seemingly undone, yet often meticulously crafted. For years, this versatile updo has been a go-to for women seeking that elusive balance between comfort and elegance. Whether you’re running errands, attending a brunch, or gracing a formal event, there’s a messy bun style perfectly suited to your needs. This guide will explore 11 stunning variations, offering detailed instructions, product recommendations, and expert tips to help you master each look and make it last.
The Classic Messy Bun – Effortless Chic
The quintessential messy bun sits high on the crown, offering a playful yet polished vibe. It’s the foundation upon which many other messy bun styles are built.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works well with straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures.
- Face Shape Suitability Universally flattering, particularly good for oval, heart, and round face shapes as it adds height.
- Styling Method or Technique Gather hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around its base, securing with a hair tie. Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the bun for a softer, messier look.
- 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 strong hair elastic and secure with several bobby pins. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray.
The Low Messy Bun – Understated Sophistication
For a more refined and understated look, the low messy bun is your best friend. It exudes a sophisticated charm, perfect for professional settings or elegant soirées.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best with straight or wavy hair for a sleek finish.
- Face Shape Suitability Excellent for square and oblong face shapes as it softens jawlines without adding vertical length.
- Styling Method or Technique Gather hair at the nape of your neck, as if making a low ponytail. Twist and wrap the hair, securing with a discreet elastic. Leave some wisps around the ears and neck for a romantic touch.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Thin hair elastic, U-pins, smoothing serum, medium-hold hairspray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the base is tight. Use U-pins to secure loose sections. A touch of smoothing serum before styling can prevent flyaways.
The Half-Up Messy Bun – Playful and Practical
This style offers the best of both worlds – keeping hair off your face while showcasing your length. It’s a youthful and practical choice for everyday wear.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works beautifully with all textures, especially wavy and curly hair.
- Face Shape Suitability Great for almost all face shapes, particularly heart and oval.
- Styling Method or Technique Section the top half of your hair from ear to ear. Gather it into a high ponytail on the crown. Twist and loop it into a small, messy bun, securing with a small elastic and pins.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Small hair elastic, bobby pins, sea salt spray (for texture).
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a small, strong elastic at the base of the bun. Spritz with sea salt spray for enhanced texture and hold.
The Messy Bun with Braids – Bohemian Charm
Elevate your messy bun with the intricate beauty of braids. This style adds a bohemian, romantic flair, perfect for festivals or special occasions.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Long hair. Ideal for straight or wavy hair that holds braids well.
- Face Shape Suitability Oval, diamond, and heart face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique Create one or two small braids (e.g., French or Dutch braids) along the sides or top of your head, leading into where your bun will be. Gather all hair, including the braids, into a messy bun.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Small clear elastics, bobby pins, light-hold hairspray, braiding cream.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure braids tightly with small elastics before forming the bun. Use a strong hairspray to keep braids neat.
The Double Messy Bun – Fun and Trendy
Also known as “space buns,” this playful style is all about fun and personality. It’s a trendy choice for casual outings or concerts.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works well with all textures.
- Face Shape Suitability Oval, round, and heart face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique Part your hair down the middle. Create two high ponytails on either side of your head. Twist each ponytail into a messy bun and secure with elastics and pins.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Two hair elastics, bobby pins, texturizing spray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure both ponytails are symmetrical and tightly secured before forming the buns.
The Messy Bun with a Scarf – Chic Accessory
Adding a scarf transforms a simple messy bun into a statement accessory. It’s a fantastic way to introduce color and pattern to your look.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Any length that can form a bun. All hair textures.
- Face Shape Suitability All face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique Create your desired messy bun (high, low, or mid). Wrap a decorative scarf around the base of the bun, tying it in a knot or bow.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, silk or cotton scarf.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Make sure the bun itself is very secure before adding the scarf. Use bobby pins to anchor the scarf if needed.
The Side Messy Bun – Romantic Asymmetry
The side messy bun offers a touch of romance and whimsy. It’s a charming option for dates or garden parties.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works best with wavy or curly hair for a softer look.
- Face Shape Suitability Oval, heart, and long face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique Sweep all your hair to one side, gathering it at ear level or slightly lower. Form a loose messy bun, letting strands fall naturally.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, curling wand (for soft waves), flexible-hold hairspray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure the bun firmly at the base. Use bobby pins to keep the side sweep in place.
The Textured Messy Bun – Volume and Dimension
This style offers a chic contrast: a perfectly slicked-back top leading into a beautifully undone bun. It’s modern and sophisticated.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best for straight or slightly wavy hair for the sleek top.
- Face Shape Suitability Oval, heart, and diamond face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique Apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to the top and sides of your hair, brushing it back tightly into a high ponytail. Form a messy bun with the ponytail, leaving the top sleek.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Strong-hold gel or pomade, fine-tooth comb, bristle brush, hair elastic, bobby pins.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the sleek top is completely smooth and secured with product before forming the bun.
The Braided Base Messy Bun – Intricate Foundation
Similar to the messy bun with braids, but here the braid forms the actual base of the bun, adding structural interest and a unique touch.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Long hair. Works best with straight or wavy hair that can be easily braided.
- Face Shape Suitability Oval, long, and heart face shapes.
- Styling Method or Technique Create a ponytail (high, mid, or low). Braid the ponytail, then wrap the braid around its base to form a bun. Gently pull out loops from the braid for a messier effect.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, small clear elastic (for braid end), bobby pins, texturizing spray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer A tight braid at the base will provide a secure foundation for the bun.
The Messy Bun with Bangs or Face-Framing Layers – Softness and Definition
Integrating bangs or face-framing layers into your messy bun softens the look and adds a flattering frame to your face.
- Suitable Hair Length and Texture Any length that can form a bun. All hair textures.
- Face Shape Suitability Particularly good for square, oblong, and round face shapes as it softens angles.
- Styling Method or Technique Create your messy bun as desired, ensuring your bangs or face-framing layers are left out. Style these pieces with a round brush or curling iron to enhance their shape.
- Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair elastic, bobby pins, round brush, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray.
- Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure the bun well, then focus on styling the bangs or layers. A light mist of hairspray on these pieces will help them hold their shape.
Key Takeaways for Mastering Your Messy Bun
Creating the perfect messy bun is an art that blends technique with a touch of carefree attitude. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Embrace Day-Old Hair It has more grip and texture, making it easier to style and hold.
- Don’t Overthink It The charm of a messy bun lies in its imperfection.
- Texture is Key Use dry shampoo, texturizing spray, or sea salt spray to add grip and volume.
- Secure the Base A strong elastic and strategic bobby pins are your best friends.
- Customize Your Look Pull out face-framing pieces, add braids, or incorporate accessories to make it uniquely yours.
Hair Care and Maintenance Tips for Buns
While messy buns are low-maintenance styles, proper hair care ensures your hair stays healthy and looks great in any updo.
- Hydrate Regularly Use a good conditioner and a weekly hair mask to keep strands supple.
- Protect from Heat If using curling irons for texture or styling bangs, always apply a heat protectant.
- Avoid Tight Pulling While you want a secure bun, avoid excessively tight styles that can cause tension headaches or hair breakage.
- Clean Hair Tools Regularly clean your brushes and combs to remove product buildup and dirt.
- Silk Pillowcases Reduce friction and frizz, keeping your bun (and hair) looking fresher longer.
Styling Dos and Don’ts
Do
- Do Experiment Try different placements (high, low, side) and levels of messiness to find what suits you best.
- Do Use Bobby Pins Wisely Use them to secure loose strands and add volume where needed.
- Do Add Accessories Scarves, scrunchies, or decorative pins can elevate your bun.
- Do Consider Your Outfit A sleek bun might suit a formal dress, while a very messy one is perfect for casual wear.
Don’t
- Don’t Over-Slick Unless aiming for the sleek top messy bun, avoid making it too perfect.
- Don’t Pull Too Hard Excessive tension can damage hair and cause discomfort.
- Don’t Use Too Many Products Overloading with product can make your bun look greasy or stiff.
- Don’t Forget About Your Hairline Gently pull out small pieces around the hairline for a softer, more natural look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with Wet Hair Wet hair is more fragile and harder to shape into a messy bun that holds.
- Using the Wrong Elastic A weak or too-tight elastic can cause breakage or fail to hold the bun.
- Ignoring Hair Texture Adapt your technique to your hair type. Fine hair might need more product, while thick hair needs more pins.
- Making it Too Perfect The essence of a messy bun is its relaxed, slightly undone nature.
Conclusion
The messy bun is far more than just a quick fix for a bad hair day; it’s a statement of style, comfort, and effortless elegance. From the classic high bun to intricate braided variations, there’s a messy bun for every hair type, face shape, and occasion. By understanding the techniques, choosing the right tools, and embracing a little imperfection, you can master these versatile updos and confidently wear a style that truly balances elegance with comfort. So go ahead, experiment, and find your signature messy bun – your hair (and your comfort) will thank you for it!