The messy bun is more than just a quick fix on a bad hair day—it’s a statement of effortless elegance, a versatile staple for anyone with long hair. From red carpet glam to relaxed weekend vibes, this seemingly simple style has endless variations that can elevate your look. If you’re blessed with long locks, you have a canvas for creativity. Forget the notion that a messy bun is just for the gym; we’re diving into over 19 ways to perfect this iconic hairstyle, ensuring you’ll find a look for every mood and moment.
The Enduring Charm of the Messy Bun
There’s an undeniable allure to a perfectly imperfect messy bun. It speaks of spontaneity, confidence, and a touch of undone beauty that’s incredibly captivating. For those with long hair, the messy bun offers a practical solution to keep hair out of the way while simultaneously adding a stylish flair. Its adaptability means it can be dressed up or down, making it an indispensable part of your hairstyle repertoire. Let’s explore the many faces of this beloved updo.
The Classic Effortless Messy Bun
This is your go-to, everyday messy bun—simple, chic, and always in style. It’s about achieving that ‘just threw it up’ look, but with a hint of intention. How to achieve it Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it loosely, and coil it around the base. Secure with a hair tie, allowing a few strands to escape naturally. Styling tips Pull out a few face-framing pieces. Pair with a casual outfit for a relaxed vibe or a blazer for a smart-casual ensemble.
The High and Mighty Messy Bun
For a youthful and energetic look, the high messy bun sits proudly atop your head. It elongates your neck and draws attention upwards, perfect for showcasing statement earrings. How to achieve it Flip your head upside down, gather your hair into a high ponytail near the crown, and secure. Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun, pinning any stray ends. Styling tips Add a touch of texturizing spray before gathering for extra grip and volume. Ideal for sunny days, active wear, or a playful brunch outfit.
The Chic Low-Slung Bun
Sophisticated and elegant, the low messy bun is perfect for more formal occasions or when you want a refined aesthetic. It offers a softer, more romantic appeal. How to achieve it Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist loosely, and coil into a bun. Secure with bobby pins. Allow a few wisps to soften the look around your ears. Styling tips Great with backless dresses or high necklines. Accessorize with delicate hairpins or a small flower for a touch of glamour.
Playful Side Messy Bun
A side messy bun adds a whimsical, asymmetrical touch to your look, creating visual interest and a flirty vibe. How to achieve it Sweep all your hair over to one shoulder. Gather it into a loose ponytail behind your ear, then twist and pin into a messy bun. Styling tips Let your natural waves or curls enhance the texture. Perfect for showcasing a statement earring on the opposite side. This style pairs beautifully with off-the-shoulder tops.
Braided Messy Bun Magic
Combine the elegance of a braid with the casualness of a messy bun for a truly unique style. This adds depth and visual interest. How to achieve it Braid a section of hair (or your entire ponytail) before twisting it into a bun. Alternatively, create a small braid near your hairline and incorporate it into a regular messy bun. Styling tips A French or Dutch braid leading into the bun works wonders. This style is fantastic for adding a bohemian touch or for securing layers within your bun.
Half-Up Half-Down Messy Bun
The best of both worlds—this style keeps hair off your face while letting your long locks flow. It’s effortlessly cool and versatile. How to achieve it Section off the top half of your hair, from ear to ear, and gather it at your crown. Twist this section into a small, messy bun, securing with a tie or pins. Styling tips Curl the bottom half of your hair for added romance. This style is perfect for casual outings, festivals, or when you want to show off your hair length.
Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
Soft tendrils around the face add a romantic, undone quality that enhances the ‘messy’ aspect of the bun. How to achieve it Create any messy bun style, then gently pull out a few strands of hair around your temples and ears. You can curl these pieces slightly for extra polish. Styling tips This look is universally flattering and softens sharp features. It’s ideal for a date night or a casual weekend brunch, adding a touch of allure.
Accessorized Messy Bun with a Scarf
Elevate your messy bun with a stylish scarf. This instantly transforms a simple bun into a fashion statement. How to achieve it Tie your hair into a messy bun, then wrap a silk scarf around the base, knotting it elegantly. You can also weave the scarf into your bun as you create it. Styling tips Choose a scarf with a pattern or color that complements your outfit. This is a fantastic way to add personality and color to your hairstyle.
The Scrunchie Statement Messy Bun
The scrunchie is back, and it’s the perfect accessory for a playful messy bun. It adds a pop of color or texture and is gentler on your hair. How to achieve it Form your messy bun as usual, then secure it with a chic scrunchie instead of a traditional hair tie. Styling tips Experiment with different fabrics like velvet, silk, or satin. An oversized scrunchie makes a bold statement, perfect for a casual yet stylish look.
Double the Fun- Twin Messy Buns
Also known as space buns, twin messy buns are a fun, youthful, and quirky style that’s perfect for festivals or a playful day out. How to achieve it Part your hair down the middle. Gather each section into a high ponytail on either side of your head, then twist and coil each into a messy bun. Styling tips Pull out a few face-framing pieces. Add glitter or small braids to enhance the festival vibe. This look is great for expressing a fun-loving personality.
Voluminous Messy Bun for Fine Hair
Fine hair can achieve a voluminous messy bun with the right techniques and products. It’s all about creating texture and body. How to achieve it Start with dry shampoo or texturizing spray. Backcomb sections of your hair before gathering into a high ponytail. Use a bun maker or gently pull apart the bun for fullness. Styling tips Don’t be afraid to pull out more strands for a truly ‘messy’ effect. A donut bun tool can also create the illusion of more hair.
Structured Messy Bun for Thick Hair
Thick hair holds a messy bun beautifully, but can sometimes feel heavy. The key is to manage the volume while embracing the texture. How to achieve it Create a ponytail at your desired height. Twist sections of the ponytail and pin them around the base, rather than coiling the entire mass. This creates a deconstructed, yet secure bun. Styling tips Use strong bobby pins and hairspray for extra hold. This style is great for showing off your hair’s natural thickness and texture without feeling overwhelming.
The Elegant Messy Bun for Formal Affairs
Yes, a messy bun can be formal! It’s about strategic messiness and refined accessories. How to achieve it Create a low or mid-height bun. Focus on keeping the base sleek while gently teasing out a few strands around the bun and face. Secure with hairspray. Styling tips Pair with pearl pins, a jeweled clip, or a delicate headband. This look complements evening gowns and cocktail dresses beautifully, offering an understated glamour.
Casual Day Out Messy Bun
This is the ultimate laid-back style, perfect for running errands, a coffee date, or a relaxed weekend. How to achieve it Gather your hair loosely at the back of your head, twist once or twice, and secure with a soft elastic, letting the ends stick out. Styling tips Embrace the natural texture of your hair. A wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses can complete this effortlessly cool ensemble.
Workout Ready Messy Bun
Keep your hair completely out of the way during your workout without sacrificing style. How to achieve it Create a very high, tight ponytail. Twist it tightly and coil it into a bun, securing with a strong elastic and extra bobby pins if needed. Don’t worry about perfection; focus on security. Styling tips Use a sweat-wicking headband for added comfort and to keep flyaways at bay. This bun is designed for function, but can still look great.
Textured Messy Bun with Twists
Adding twists to your messy bun creates intricate detail and a more polished yet still relaxed look. How to achieve it Before forming your bun, take two sections of hair from the sides and twist them back, securing them at the back of your head. Then, gather all your hair, including the twisted sections, into a messy bun. Styling tips This technique adds a romantic touch and works well for special occasions where you want a bit more flair than a basic bun.
The Half-Braided Messy Bun
This style combines the charm of a braid with the ease of a messy bun, perfect for a bohemian or relaxed chic look. How to achieve it Take a section of hair from one side, braid it loosely, and bring it to the back. Incorporate this braid into your messy bun as you form it, wrapping the rest of your hair around it. Styling tips A fishtail braid or a three-strand braid can both look stunning. This style is ideal for outdoor events or adding a touch of whimsy.
The Donut Messy Bun for Extra Volume
For those who desire a fuller, more voluminous messy bun, a donut bun maker can be your secret weapon. How to achieve it Pull your hair through a donut bun maker at your desired height. Fan your hair over the donut, tucking the ends underneath and around the donut, then secure with pins. Gently pull out strands for the ‘messy’ effect. Styling tips This is excellent for creating a substantial bun even with finer hair. It provides a great base for adding accessories.
Accessorized with a Hair Clip- The Modern Messy Bun
A stylish hair clip can instantly elevate a simple messy bun, making it look more intentional and fashionable. How to achieve it Create your messy bun with a regular hair tie. Then, slide a decorative hair clip (a claw clip, barrette, or snap clip) over or into the bun for added flair and security. Styling tips Choose a clip that complements your outfit—metallic for sleekness, pearl for elegance, or a tortoise shell for a classic touch. This is perfect for a quick style upgrade.
Key Takeaways for Messy Bun Mastery
- Texture is your friend Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray to add grip and volume, especially for fine hair.
- Don’t overthink it The best messy buns are often achieved with minimal effort. Embrace imperfection.
- Strategic looseness Pull out a few strands around your face and neck for a softer, more romantic look.
- Secure the base While the bun itself is messy, ensure the base is secure to prevent it from falling apart.
- Accessories are key Scarves, scrunchies, pins, and clips can transform your bun for any occasion.
Messy Bun Dos and Don’ts
To truly master the art of the messy bun, keep these guidelines in mind:
- DOÂ start with second-day hair. It has more grip and texture than freshly washed hair.
- DON’TÂ use too much hairspray initially. Build up product as needed to avoid stiffness.
- DOÂ experiment with different heights (high, mid, low) to see what flatters your face shape most.
- DON’TÂ make it too perfect. The charm is in the ‘messy’ aspect.
- DOÂ use bobby pins that match your hair color for seamless blending.
- DON’TÂ pull your hair too tightly, as this can cause tension and damage.
- DOÂ consider your outfit and occasion when choosing your messy bun style and accessories.
Conclusion- Embrace Your Messy Bun Style
From the quick morning dash to sophisticated evening events, the messy bun for long hair is a true style chameleon. With these 19+ variations and expert tips, you’re now equipped to create a multitude of looks that are both effortless and chic. Remember, the beauty of the messy bun lies in its individuality—no two are exactly alike. So, go ahead, experiment, play with accessories, and discover the messy bun styles that make you feel confident, stylish, and uniquely you. Your long hair is a beautiful asset; let these messy buns help you celebrate it in all its glorious, artfully undone charm.
