Messy Bun Hairstyles for Thin and Thick Hair

The messy bun is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a statement of effortless chic, a go-to for busy mornings, and a sophisticated touch for evening events. Its universal appeal lies in its relaxed charm, yet achieving that perfectly undone look can feel like a mystery, especially when dealing with different hair types. Whether your hair is fine and tends to fall flat, or thick and prone to overwhelming any style, the dream of a beautiful messy bun is within reach. This comprehensive guide will unravel the secrets to crafting stunning messy buns tailored specifically for both thin and thick hair, ensuring you can rock this iconic look with confidence and ease.

The Universal Allure of the Messy Bun

There’s a reason the messy bun has remained a timeless favorite. It exudes an air of casual sophistication, making it suitable for almost any occasion—from a quick coffee run to a formal gathering. It’s the ultimate blend of practicality and panache, offering a comfortable way to keep hair out of your face while still looking incredibly stylish. The beauty of the messy bun lies in its versatility and the illusion of minimal effort, even when a little technique is involved. But how do you achieve this coveted look when your hair has its own unique characteristics?

Mastering Messy Buns for Thin Hair – Adding Volume and Texture

Thin hair often presents a challenge when aiming for a voluminous messy bun. The key is to create the illusion of thickness and texture. Don’t worry; with the right techniques and products, your messy bun can look full and fabulous.

The Voluminous Top Knot for Fine Strands

This style is perfect for lifting thin hair and giving it a much-needed boost of volume at the crown.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair, straight or wavy textures work best. Fine hair benefits most from this style.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, round, and heart-shaped faces are beautifully complemented by the height of a top knot.
Styling Method or Technique Start by applying a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to damp hair and blow-dry upside down for maximum lift. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a thin elastic. Backcomb the ponytail gently to create fullness. Twist the hair loosely around the base of the ponytail, pinning sections as you go to form a bun. Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the bun for a softer, messier look.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Volumizing mousse, texturizing spray, dry shampoo (for grip), clear elastic hair ties, bobby pins, fine-tooth comb (for backcombing), light-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure your hair is completely dry before styling. Use dry shampoo at the roots before creating the ponytail for extra grip. Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to keep flyaways at bay without stiffening the bun. Avoid touching your bun too much throughout the day.

The Loosened Low Bun for a Fuller Look

A low messy bun can appear more substantial on thin hair by focusing on width and softness rather than height.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Straight, wavy, or slightly curly thin hair.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes, especially square and long faces, as it softens the jawline and adds width.
Styling Method or Technique Begin by misting dry shampoo or texturizing spray throughout your hair for added grip and volume. Gently gather your hair at the nape of your neck, as if creating a low ponytail. Do not pull it tight. Twist the hair loosely and coil it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Delicately tug at sections of the bun and around the crown to expand its shape and create a fuller appearance. Leave a few wispy pieces around your face for a romantic touch.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Dry shampoo, texturizing spray, soft elastic ties, bobby pins, wide-tooth comb (for gentle detangling), light-to-medium hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Creating a slight wave in your hair before styling can add more texture and hold. Use a light application of hairspray on the finished bun and pins to secure any loose ends that might unravel.

Half-Up Messy Bun – A Playful Touch

This style offers the best of both worlds, keeping hair off your face while showcasing your length, and can make thin hair appear thicker.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair, works well with all textures, especially if you add some waves.
Face Shape Suitability Universally flattering, especially for heart, oval, and diamond face shapes.
Styling Method or Technique Section off the top half of your hair, from ear to ear, as if you’re creating a half-ponytail. Apply texturizing spray to this section. Secure it with a small elastic, then wrap the ponytail loosely around itself to form a small, messy bun. Pin it in place. Gently tug at the bun to make it appear wider and fuller. You can also curl the remaining hair for added body and texture.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Texturizing spray, clear small elastic ties, bobby pins, curling iron or wand (optional), heat protectant, flexible-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure the initial half-ponytail is secure but not too tight. A few extra bobby pins strategically placed will help. If curling the bottom half, let the curls cool completely before touching them to set the style.

Taming and Styling Messy Buns for Thick Hair

Thick hair has natural volume, which is a blessing, but it can also be heavy and challenging to keep in a bun. The trick is to manage the bulk while still achieving that desired messy, effortless vibe.

The Effortless High Bun for Abundant Locks

This style embraces the volume of thick hair, creating a bold and beautiful statement.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to very long hair, all textures including thick, wavy, curly, and coily.
Face Shape Suitability Oval, long, and square face shapes, as the height can balance proportions.
Styling Method or Technique Start by brushing your hair into a high ponytail, securing it firmly with a strong elastic. For extra texture, you can lightly backcomb the ponytail. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it around its base, creating a bun. Use several strong bobby pins to secure the bun firmly to your head, focusing on pinning sections close to the elastic. Gently pull out a few strands from the bun and around your hairline to soften the look.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Strong elastic hair ties, heavy-duty bobby pins, texturizing spray, strong-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer A strong elastic is crucial for thick hair. Consider using two elastics for extra security. For very thick hair, dividing the ponytail into two sections and twisting them around each other before pinning can help distribute the weight and secure the bun better.

The Braided Messy Bun – Texture and Control

Incorporating braids adds visual interest and helps manage the volume of thick hair, creating a more controlled messy bun.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair, works wonderfully with all textures, especially wavy or curly thick hair.
Face Shape Suitability All face shapes, as the braids add intricate detail without altering face proportions significantly.
Styling Method or Technique Gather your hair into a mid-to-high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two or three sections and braid each section loosely. Secure the ends of the braids with small clear elastics. Take each braid and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, pinning it in place. Alternate the direction of wrapping for a more dynamic look. Gently loosen the braids and pull out a few wisps for that signature messy effect.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Strong elastic hair ties, small clear elastics, bobby pins, texturizing spray, medium-hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure your initial ponytail is very secure. Use plenty of bobby pins to anchor the braids firmly. A strong-hold hairspray can help keep the braids neat and prevent flyaways.

Double Messy Buns – Fun and Trendy

Also known as space buns, this playful style is excellent for distributing the weight of thick hair and creating a youthful, trendy look.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair, all textures.
Face Shape Suitability Heart, oval, and round face shapes are particularly complemented by this fun style.
Styling Method or Technique Part your hair down the middle from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Secure each half into a high ponytail. For a messier look, you can gently backcomb each ponytail. Twist each ponytail loosely and coil it into a bun, securing with bobby pins. Gently tug at each bun to create volume and a relaxed appearance. Leave a few strands out around your face.
Recommended Hair Tools and Products Strong elastic hair ties, bobby pins, texturizing spray, light-to-medium hold hairspray.
Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Ensure both ponytails are symmetrical and securely fastened. Use enough bobby pins for each bun to prevent them from unraveling, especially with the weight of thick hair.

Essential Tools and Products for Your Perfect Messy Bun

No matter your hair type, the right arsenal of tools and products can make all the difference in achieving your ideal messy bun:

Hair Ties Opt for strong, snag-free elastics for thick hair, and thinner, gentler ones for fine hair.
Bobby Pins A good supply of quality bobby pins is essential. Use regular pins for fine hair and stronger, larger pins for thick hair.
Texturizing Spray A game-changer for adding grip, volume, and that coveted ‘undone’ texture to any hair type.
Dry Shampoo Fantastic for absorbing oil, adding volume at the roots, and creating a grippy base, especially on second-day hair.
Hairspray A flexible-hold hairspray is ideal for setting the style without making it stiff. A stronger hold might be needed for very thick or unruly hair.
Volumizing Mousse Great for adding body to thin hair before blow-drying.
Fine-Tooth Comb or Teasing Brush For backcombing to create volume where needed.

General Tips for Achieving Messy Bun Perfection

Beyond hair type-specific techniques, these universal tips will elevate your messy bun game:

Start with Second-Day Hair Hair that isn’t freshly washed often has more grip and texture, making it easier to hold a messy bun. If your hair is too clean, use dry shampoo to add texture.
Embrace Imperfections The beauty of a messy bun is its relaxed nature. Don’t strive for perfection; a few stray strands or uneven loops add to its charm.
Strategic Frizz A little frizz can be your friend! It contributes to the messy texture. If your hair is too sleek, gently rub your hands together and tousle your hair before styling.
Mirror Check Always do a quick 360-degree check. Adjust any sections that feel too tight or too loose, ensuring the bun looks balanced from all angles.
Don’t Overthink It Sometimes, the best messy buns happen when you just go for it without too much fuss.

Messy Bun Styling – Do’s and Don’ts

Follow these guidelines for a successful messy bun every time.

Do’s

Do Use Texturizing Products They are crucial for grip and volume, especially for thin hair.
Do Secure Your Base Whether it’s a ponytail or a coiled section, ensure the initial anchor is firm.
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—find what suits your face shape and mood.
Do Use Bobby Pins Liberally Don’t be shy with pins; they are your best friends for securing the bun.

Don’ts

Don’t Pull Too Tight A messy bun should feel comfortable and look relaxed, not strained.
Don’t Over-Smooth Resist the urge to make every strand perfect; a little disarray is key.
Don’t Forget Hairspray A light mist will help hold the style without making it stiff.
Don’t Be Afraid to Redo It If it doesn’t look right, simply take it down and try again. Practice makes perfect.
Don’t Use Too Many Products Overloading your hair with heavy gels or waxes can make it greasy and weighed down.

Common Messy Bun Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these common pitfalls for a flawless messy bun experience:

Too Tight a Ponytail This can lead to headaches and a rigid-looking bun. Keep it loose at the base.
Not Enough Texture Without texture, hair can slip out easily, making the bun look flat or too neat.
Using the Wrong Hair Tie A weak elastic won’t hold thick hair, and a metal-clasp tie can damage thin hair.
Forgetting to Secure Properly A bun that’s not adequately pinned will unravel quickly.
Trying to Make it Perfect The essence of a messy bun is its imperfection. Embrace the natural flow of your hair.

Hair Care and Maintenance for Buns and Beyond

Keeping your hair healthy is fundamental to any hairstyle, including the messy bun. Healthy hair is more manageable and looks better, whether up or down.

Regular Trims Keep split ends at bay with routine trims every 6-8 weeks.
Moisturize Use nourishing conditioners and leave-in treatments, especially for dry or thick hair.
Gentle Brushing Use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush to prevent breakage, especially when detangling.
Heat Protection If you use heat tools to add waves or texture, always apply a heat protectant.
Scalp Health A healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth. Use gentle shampoos and consider scalp massages.

Key Takeaways for Your Messy Bun Journey

Tailor to Your Hair Type Thin hair needs volume and grip; thick hair needs control and secure pinning.
Products Are Your Friends Texturizing spray, dry shampoo, and bobby pins are essential.
Embrace the Mess The charm of this style lies in its relaxed, undone nature.
Practice Makes Perfect Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t exactly what you envisioned.
Comfort is Key A good messy bun should feel as good as it looks.

The messy bun is a true testament to effortless beauty, a style that celebrates individuality and comfort. Whether your hair is thin or thick, straight or curly, there’s a version of this beloved updo waiting for you to discover. By understanding your hair’s unique needs and applying these expert techniques, you can confidently create a messy bun that not only holds beautifully but also perfectly complements your personal style.

So, grab your hair ties and bobby pins, play with texture, and experiment with placement. Don’t be afraid to pull out a few extra strands or embrace a little frizz. The perfect messy bun isn’t about perfection; it’s about achieving that artfully disheveled look that makes you feel effortlessly chic and ready for anything. Go ahead, give it a try—your ideal messy bun awaits!

Stylopicker