How to Do a Messy Bun? 4 Styles to Try Today

We all have those days when we just need a quick, easy, and stylish fix for our hair—enter the messy bun, the ultimate hairstyle hero. this hairstyle that’s chic enough for brunch, practical for the gym, and perfect for those ‘I woke up like this’ vibes. The beauty of the messy bun is in its versatility—whether your hair is straight, curly, thick, or thin, there’s a way to make it work. And the best part? It doesn’t require a ton of time or effort.

In this guide, I’m going to share four super simple ways to create a messy bun that’s as effortless as it is stylish. No matter your hair type or length, you’ll be able to rock a messy bun that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did. So grab your favorite hair tie, and let’s dive into the world of messy buns—you’re just a few twists and pins away from nailing that perfectly undone look!

Messy Bun Tips for Different Hair Types

1. Messy Bun for Straight Hair:

Straight hair can be tricky because it tends to be, well, too smooth. You might find that it slips out of styles easily, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

• Add Some Texture: Grab a texturizing spray, dry shampoo, or even a bit of sea salt spray—anything that adds a little grit. This will help your bun stay put and look fuller.
• Tease It Up: Before you start, give your ponytail a little tease at the roots for some extra volume. This step doesn’t need to be perfect; just enough to keep things interesting and prevent that sleek, flat look.
• Let it Hang: Don’t be afraid to let a few pieces hang out around your face or at the nape of your neck. This adds a relaxed, effortless vibe and makes the whole look feel intentional, not like you just threw it up without a mirror.

2. Messy Bun for Curly Hair:

Curly hair is basically made for messy buns! You’ve got the texture, the volume, and that perfect bit of bounce that makes messy buns look amazing.

• Tame the Frizz: A bit of leave-in conditioner, curl cream, or even a little mousse can work wonders. You want your curls defined but not too wild—unless that’s your thing, of course!
• Go Big or Go Home: If your hair is super thick or long, try using a donut sponge to shape your bun. Pull your ponytail through the center, wrap your curls around it, and pin it all in place. This helps you control the volume while still keeping that gorgeous curly texture.
• Embrace the Mess: Don’t overthink it—let your curls do their thing. The beauty of a messy bun is that it’s not supposed to be perfect. Those stray curls and flyaways add to the look, making it fun and carefree.

3. Messy Bun for Fine or Thin Hair:

If your hair’s on the thinner side, you might think messy buns aren’t for you—but trust me, they are! You just need a few tricks up your sleeve.

• Boost That Volume: Dry shampoo, texturizing spray, and a good old-fashioned tease at the roots are your best friends. These will give you that extra oomph that fine hair sometimes lacks.
• Cheat with a Donut: A small hair donut can be a game-changer. Just wrap your hair around it and pin as needed. It’ll make your bun look way fuller without a ton of effort.
• Secure with Bobby Pins: Use extra bobby pins to keep everything secure, so your bun doesn’t flop halfway through the day. Plus, they’re great for adding a bit of style—try using cute pins that add a pop of color or sparkle!

4 Simple Ways To Do Messy Bun

1: The Classic Twisted Bun

Perfect For: Medium to long hair, all hair types.
What You Need: Hair tie, bobby pins.

How to Do Classic Twisted Bun:

1. Make a Ponytail: Start by pulling all your hair into a high or mid ponytail and secure it with a hair tie or hair scrunchie. Don’t stress if it’s not perfect—remember, we’re going for messy!
2. Twist and Wrap: Take the ponytail, twist it loosely, and then wrap it around the base to form a bun. The twist helps the bun hold its shape and adds a bit of texture.
3. Pin It Up: Tuck the ends under the bun and secure them with bobby pins. Use your fingers to pull on the bun gently, fluffing it up and letting a few pieces fall out naturally. This will give you that “I woke up like this” look that’s both chic and carefree.

Extra Tip: If you’re going out or want your bun to last all day, add a spritz of hairspray or use a few extra pins to secure it. No one likes a bun that’s drooping by noon!

2: The Loop Messy Bun

Perfect For: Short to medium hair, especially when you’re in a rush.
What You Need: Hair tie.

How to Do The Loop Messy Bun:

1. Ponytail First: Pull your hair into a ponytail at the height you want your bun—high for a fun look, mid for a more classic style, or low for a relaxed vibe. Secure with a hair tie, but on the last loop, don’t pull your hair all the way through; leave it halfway to create a loop. Round the end of the ponytail by using a bobby pin around the loop, keeping it secure and hidden.
2. Fluff It Up: Use your fingers to fluff the loop and pull on sections to get the messy look you want. You can leave some ends sticking out, or tuck them in—it’s totally up to you!
3. Secure as Needed: Usually, the hair tie does the trick, but if you’ve got a lot of hair or it feels loose, pop in a few bobby pins to keep things in place and ensure your bun stays put all day.

Extra Tip: This method is super forgiving. If it feels too tight or too loose, just adjust the loop until it looks right. And if a strand escapes, it’s all part of the messy charm!

3: The Braided Messy Bun

Perfect For: Long hair, all hair types.
What You Need: Hair tie, bobby pins.

How to Do The Braided Messy Bun:

1. Start with a Braid: Gather your hair into a ponytail and braid it loosely. It doesn’t need to be perfect—in fact, the messier, the better!
2. Wrap It Up: Take your braid and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun. This adds texture and gives the bun a cool, laid-back look that’s a little different from the standard twist.
3. Secure with Pins: Tuck the ends of the braid into the bun and use bobby pins to hold everything in place. Gently pull on the braid to mess it up a bit more, giving it that perfect undone vibe.

Extra Tip: For a more polished look, you can tuck all the ends in neatly. For a messier style, let some of the braid stick out or pull a few pieces loose. It’s all about making it your own!

4: The Loop and Twist Bun

Perfect For: Medium to long hair, all hair types.
What You Need: Hair tie, bobby pins.

How to Do The Loop and Twist Bun:

1. Make a High Ponytail: Start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail and securing it with a hair tie. This method works best with the ponytail sitting high on your head.
2. Split the Ponytail: Divide your ponytail into two equal sections.
3. Twist and Loop: Take one section, twist it tightly, and loop it up towards the base. Tuck it under the ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin. Repeat with the other section, looping it in the opposite direction.
4. Adjust and Secure: Tug on the bun to add volume and adjust any loose strands. Secure with additional bobby pins as needed to keep everything in place. You can let some ends peek out for a more relaxed look.
5. Finish with Hairspray: If you’re headed out, give your bun a spritz of hairspray to lock it in place.

Extra Tip: This bun looks super cute with a scrunchie or decorative pins. It’s a quick way to add a bit of personality to your style and make the bun feel a bit more dressed up!

MY FAVORITE MESSY BUNS!

What Outfits Pair Well with Messy Buns?

Messy buns are the ultimate versatile hairstyle that can elevate any outfit, whether you’re going for comfy-casual or effortlessly chic. For a relaxed, everyday look, pair your messy bun with a cozy oversized sweater, your favorite jeans, or a cute sundress and sneakers—it’s the perfect combo for running errands or meeting friends for coffee.

If you’re dressing up for work or a date night, try a tailored blazer, statement earrings, and sleek pants or a flowy skirt to instantly polish up your messy bun and give it a sophisticated edge. Feeling those boho vibes? Messy buns look amazing with flowy maxi dresses, off-the-shoulder tops, or anything with floral prints and layered accessories. The key is to let your messy bun reflect your mood—whether that’s laid-back, playful, or polished, this hairstyle pairs perfectly with any outfit that lets your personal style shine through.

FAQs

Can I do a messy bun with wet hair?

It’s better to work with dry or slightly damp hair. Wet hair can get heavy and doesn’t hold the bun’s shape as well, plus it can feel uncomfortable as it dries. If you must, try a quick blow-dry first to add some volume.

What if my hair is super thin?

Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add some grip, and tease a bit at the roots for volume. A small hair donut can also help make your bun look fuller without any added effort.

How do I keep my messy bun from falling apart?

Secure it with plenty of bobby pins and finish with a light mist of hairspray. If it starts to sag or come loose, just re-fluff, add a few more pins, and you’re good to go. Messy buns are meant to be low-maintenance, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect all day!

Are messy buns cool for formal events?

Absolutely! For a more formal look, make the bun a bit tighter and add some pretty accessories like pearl pins, decorative clips, or a sleek headband. It’s a great way to dress up the style without losing that effortless vibe.

What’s the easiest way to refresh a messy bun during the day?

Just re-fluff, adjust any loose pins, and spritz with a bit of hairspray. Messy buns are forgiving, so minor adjustments are all you usually need to keep it looking fresh and stylish.

Conclusion

Messy buns are the ultimate lazy-girl hairstyle that still looks effortlessly chic. With these four easy methods, you’re sure to find the one that fits your vibe and hair type. Remember, the beauty of a messy bun is in the imperfections—so embrace those flyaways and tousled strands! Try out these techniques, play around, and most importantly, have fun with it. The best hairstyles are the ones that make you feel good, so rock that messy bun with confidence!

Why not try out these messy bun styles and see which one becomes your new favorite? Play around with the different techniques, add your personal twist, and embrace the fun, effortless vibes of the messy bun. Got tips or a unique take on the bun game? We’d love to hear from you—let’s keep the hair inspo going!

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