Messy buns are your perfect go-to style when you need to look put-together in minutes! Try a classic high bun with face-framing pieces for everyday, or a low twisted bun for elegant occasions. Half-up buns keep hair out of your face while showing off length, while braided crowns with top knots add gorgeous dimension. Don’t forget space buns for fun days, or jazz up any style with cute accessories like scrunchies, pins, or clips. These easy styles will transform your hair game instantly!
Design Highlights
- The Classic High Messy Bun creates an effortless yet put-together look perfect for busy days.
- Low Twisted Messy Buns offer elegance with minimal effort, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
- Half-Up Messy Buns balance practicality and style by keeping hair out of your face while showcasing length.
- Braided Crown with Messy Top Knot works best with day-old hair and adds interesting texture to everyday looks.
- Accessorizing messy buns with decorative pins, clips, or colorful bobby pins elevates simple styles without much effort.
The Classic High Messy Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
Elegance in chaos—that’s what the classic high messy bun is all about! When you’re rushing out the door but still want to look put-together, this style’s your best friend. I’ve relied on this look through countless film shoots when I needed my hair up but still cute.
Start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap it around the base. Don’t worry about perfection—that’s the beauty of “messy”! Pull out those face-framing pieces to soften your look. I always tug a few strands near my cheeks and ears for that effortless vibe. To ensure your bun stays in place throughout the day, consider using appropriate products like texture-specific styling aids.
Low Twisted Messy Bun for Elegant Occasions
While high buns capture that carefree daytime spirit, sometimes you’ll need something a bit more sophisticated. The low twisted messy bun sits gracefully at the nape of your neck, perfect for weddings, dinner parties, or anytime you’re feeling fancy but still want to keep it real.
When elegance meets effortless, magic happens at the nape of your neck.
Here’s how to create this elegant look:
- Start with slightly textured hair – day-old waves work beautifully
- Gather your hair low at the nape, twist loosely, then wrap around itself
- Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that effortless vibe. This hairstyle is particularly effective for showcasing dress neckline details and enhancing your overall look for special occasions.
Half-Up Messy Bun for Medium Length Hair
Three reasons make the half-up messy bun a total game-changer for medium length hair: versatility, simplicity, and that perfect balance between polished and carefree.
You’ll love how this style keeps hair out of your face while still showcasing your length. I discovered this look during a beach vacation when I needed something that wouldn’t fall apart in the ocean breeze! Additionally, this hairstyle is a great way to incorporate low maintenance techniques into your daily routine.
To create it, simply gather the top section of your hair, twist loosely, and secure with a hair tie. Don’t worry about perfection—the messier, the better! Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that effortless vibe.
Braided Crown With Messy Top Knot
The stunning combination of a braided crown with a messy top knot creates one of my favorite special-occasion hairstyles that’s both bohemian and sophisticated. I’ve worn this look to everything from beach weddings to fancy dinners and always get compliments! You’ll need about 15 minutes to create this eye-catching style.
A perfectly imperfect hairstyle that effortlessly blends boho charm with elegant sophistication in just 15 minutes.
To achieve this gorgeous look:
- Start with day-old hair for better grip and texture
- Create a crown braid around your head, leaving the top section loose
- Twist the remaining hair into a purposefully messy bun, securing with pins
Don’t worry if some pieces escape—that’s what makes it perfectly imperfect! Additionally, incorporating colorful hair wraps can enhance the visual appeal of your messy bun while providing cultural expression.
Messy Space Buns for Playful Days
Space buns have become my go-to hairstyle whenever I’m craving something fun and carefree but still incredibly cute! They’re super easy to create – just part your hair down the middle, make two high ponytails, twist each into a bun, and secure with bobby pins. Don’t worry about perfection; those flyaways add character!
I love adding mini braids before forming the buns for extra texture. When I’m feeling really playful, I’ll add glitter or colorful clips. Trust me, you’ll get compliments everywhere you go. They’re perfect for festivals, beach days, or just brightening up a boring Tuesday! Plus, they pair beautifully with quick crochet hairstyles for an effortlessly chic look.
Side-Swept Messy Bun With Volume
Looking for a hairstyle that combines elegance with that perfectly undone vibe? The side-swept messy bun with volume is your answer! I’ve worn this style to everything from coffee dates to formal events, and it never disappoints.
To achieve this look:
- Start with day-two hair (trust me, it holds better!)
- Tease your crown area for that coveted volume
- Sweep all hair to one side before twisting into a bun
Secure with bobby pins and pull out a few face-framing pieces. Don’t worry about perfection—the messier, the better!
Textured Messy Bun With Scrunchie
While volume brings drama to your messy bun, texture adds that effortless cool-girl vibe we all love! Grab your favorite scrunchie (those ’90s accessories are back with a vengeance!) and let’s create some magic.
Start by spritzing texturizing spray through slightly dirty hair—trust me, second-day hair works best here. Flip your head upside down, gather your locks, and twist while wrapping into a loose bun. Secure with your scrunchie, then gently pull out face-framing pieces and loosen sections for that perfectly imperfect finish.
I wear this style constantly during busy filming days!
Sleek Edges With Voluminous Messy Bun
Three simple words can transform your ordinary bun: sleek, edges, volume! This style balances polished precision with carefree fullness, giving you that “I woke up like this” vibe while looking totally put-together.
Start by smoothing your edges with a bit of gel and a soft brush. Then gather your hair loosely at your crown for maximum height.
- Twist hair loosely around the base, securing with bobby pins
- Pull out face-framing pieces for a softer look
- Gently tug sections of your bun for added volume
You’ll love how this style works for everything from gym days to fancy events!
Accessorized Messy Bun With Pins and Clips
When your basic messy bun needs a touch of sparkle, decorative pins and clips come to the rescue! I’ve found that strategically placed hairpins can transform a simple updo into something special in seconds. Try clustering pearl pins on one side or sliding in a vintage barrette for instant glam.
You don’t need to splurge on fancy accessories—even colorful bobby pins arranged in a pattern work wonders! For school days, I love adding small butterfly clips that peek through the messiness. They’re subtle yet fun. Remember, the beauty of an accessorized messy bun is in its effortless vibe—don’t overthink it!
Quick Messy Bun for Second-Day Hair
Speaking of easy styling—let’s talk about second-day hair, which is practically made for messy buns! When your locks have that perfect amount of natural texture, they’re actually easier to work with than freshly washed hair. I always grab my second-day hair and transform it in under a minute.
Second-day hair is a styling secret weapon—the perfect texture makes messy buns effortless and chic in seconds flat.
Here’s my foolproof method:
- Gather hair at your crown, twist loosely, and wrap around itself
- Secure with just 1-2 bobby pins (fewer than you think!)
- Pull out a few face-framing pieces for that effortless vibe
Trust me, this quick style looks intentional—not like you overslept!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Keep My Messy Bun From Falling Out?
Taming a wild messy bun can feel like herding cats! To keep yours secure, start with slightly dirty hair for better grip. Wrap your elastic band tightly, doubling or tripling it based on thickness. Use bobby pins strategically—slide them in opposite directions for maximum hold. Texturizing spray adds grip, while hairspray locks everything in place. You’ll love how a few U-shaped pins tucked into the base can make your carefree style last all day without constant adjustments.
What Products Work Best for Thin Hair Messy Buns?
For thin hair messy buns, you’ll want texturizing spray as your best friend! Spray it at your roots for instant volume. Dry shampoo also works wonders, giving your hair grip and thickness. Try a volumizing mousse before styling, and don’t forget a lightweight hairspray with flexible hold. I’ve found that sea salt sprays create amazing texture without weighing down fine strands. Bonus tip: tease your hair a bit at the crown before pulling it back!
Can I Do Messy Buns on Very Short Hair?
Like trying to fold an origami crane with a postage stamp, creating messy buns with very short hair is challenging but not impossible! You’ll need to work with what you’ve got. Try a half-up mini bun if your hair reaches your neck, or use bobby pins to create the illusion of a tiny bun with shorter pieces. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—messy buns are supposed to look undone! Hair accessories can help enhance your style when length is limited.
How Do I Fix Frizz Without Losing the Messy Look?
To fix frizz without losing that perfect messy look, try using a lightweight serum or argan oil on your fingertips first, then gently pat (don’t smooth) over the outer layer of your bun. You’ll tame the flyaways while keeping the textured vibe. I’ve found that a tiny bit of dry shampoo at the roots helps too—it adds grip without weighing hair down. A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray from 10 inches away works wonders!
Are Messy Buns Appropriate for Professional Settings?
Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, messy buns can transform from casual to professional with a few tweaks. You’ll find they’re absolutely appropriate for work settings when you keep them neat at the edges. I’ve worn mine to countless meetings! Just make sure your bun sits mid-to-low on your head, tuck in flyaways, and use a light hairspray. You’re free to express yourself while still looking polished—it’s all about finding that perfect balance.
