The messy bun is a versatile and stylish hairdo, perfect for any occasion. With its effortless charm, mastering the art of the messy bun can elevate your look instantly.
Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or keeping it casual, these 25 techniques will help you perfect your look.
1. Classic Messy Bun
To achieve a classic messy bun, start by gathering your hair into a loose ponytail. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around its base to form a bun. Secure it with bobby pins. For added texture, gently pull at sections of the bun.
Finish with a few spritzes of hairspray to hold the style.
2. Voluminous Messy Bun
Boost volume by teasing the crown before gathering your hair. Use a texturizing spray for additional lift. Pull hair into a high ponytail, twist, and form into a bun. Leave some strands loose for a relaxed vibe.
Secure with pins, and fluff the top for extra height. Perfect for adding glam to any look.
3. Messy Bun with Bangs
Incorporate bangs into your messy bun for a chic look. Leave bangs loose and gather the rest into a loose bun. Twist the hair and pin it.
Use a curling iron on the bangs for a polished touch. This style frames the face beautifully and adds an effortless feel to your hairdo.
4. Low Messy Bun
Perfect for casual days, the low messy bun sits at the nape of your neck. Gather hair loosely, twist, and pin. Let a few strands escape for softness.
It’s understated yet stylish. Pair it with casual attire or a floral dress for an easy, breezy look that suits any occasion.
5. Messy Bun with Braids
Add flair by incorporating braids. Make small braids in sections before forming the bun. Gather hair into a ponytail, twist, and secure. Tuck braids around the bun for detail.
This style adds texture and visual interest, making it perfect for festivals or a fun day out in the sun.
6. Top Knot Messy Bun
For an elevated look, try the top knot messy bun. Pull hair up high, twist, and wrap into a bun atop your head. Secure with elastics.
Pull strands loose for a relaxed finish. This style works well for any occasion, giving you a height boost and a playful, youthful vibe.
7. Messy Bun with Accessories
Add accessories like scarves or pins to enhance your messy bun. Gather hair into a bun, leaving some strands loose. Tie a silk scarf around the bun for a pop of color.
This style is perfect for adding personality and flair, whether you’re heading to a brunch or a casual outing.
8. Half-Up Half-Down Messy Bun
Combine the best of both worlds with a half-up half-down style. Gather the top half of your hair into a bun, leaving the rest loose.
This creates a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for outdoor events. It’s a versatile style that pairs beautifully with both casual and formal outfits.
9. Messy Bun with Twists
Incorporate twists for a textured bun. Twist small sections before forming your bun. Gather hair into a loose bun, pinning twists around it.
This adds visual interest and depth, making it ideal for boho-inspired looks. Whether for a concert or a day at the beach, this style is effortlessly chic.
10. Chignon Messy Bun
Elevate the messy bun with a chignon twist. Gather hair into a low bun at the nape. Twist and pin for a neat appearance. Let a few tendrils fall for softness.
This sophisticated style is perfect for formal events, offering elegance with a hint of casual charm.
11. Messy Bun with Headband
Headbands add a fun touch to messy buns. Create the bun and place a headband over it. Allow loose strands to frame your face.
This playful accessory can match any outfit, making it perfect for beach outings or festivals. It’s a quick way to add charm to your look.
12. Layered Messy Bun
For a layered effect, section your hair before forming the bun. Gather each section and twist into a bun, pinning layers separately.
This technique adds volume and texture, making your bun look fuller. It’s ideal for medium to long hair, offering a trendy yet classic appearance for any setting.
13. Messy Bun with Side Part
Adding a side part gives your messy bun a modern twist. Part your hair, gather it into a bun, and secure. Let some front strands drape naturally.
This adds an asymmetrical flair, perfect for chic casual outfits. It’s simple yet sophisticated, offering an updated take on the classic bun.
14. Messy Bun with Loose Waves
Enhance your messy bun with loose waves. Curl your hair loosely before forming the bun. Gather hair, allowing waves to cascade.
This adds a romantic touch, suitable for date nights or special occasions. The waves complement the bun, adding softness and texture for a dreamy, effortless look.
15. Messy Bun with Highlights
Show off your highlights with a messy bun. Gather hair, allowing highlighted strands to mix naturally. This enhances depth and dimension.
The scattered highlights create a dynamic look, perfect for summer days or outings. It’s an effortless way to showcase color while keeping things stylish and relaxed.
16. Messy Bun with Hair Wrap
Incorporate a hair wrap for a bohemian flair. Form a bun and wrap a fabric around it, securing in place.
This adds color and texture, perfect for creative environments. The hair wrap offers a unique twist to the traditional bun, making it ideal for festivals or artistic gatherings.
17. Messy Bun with Soft Curls
Curl your hair softly before creating a bun. Gather hair into a loose bun, letting curls frame your face.
This style is perfect for romantic evenings or casual days, offering a gentle, feminine touch. The soft curls add texture and volume, making your messy bun stand out beautifully.
18. Messy Bun with Braid Crown
Elevate your bun with a braid crown. Braid the front section of your hair, securing it around your head. Form a loose bun with the rest.
This adds elegance and is perfect for weddings or formal events. The braid crown offers a timeless, sophisticated look that pairs beautifully with any dress.
19. Messy Bun with Side Braid
Add a side braid for an extra dimension. Create a braid from one side, pulling it toward the bun. Secure with pins.
This adds texture and interest, ideal for casual or semi-formal events. The side braid complements the bun, offering a unique and stylish appearance with minimal effort.
20. Messy Bun with Fringe
Integrate your fringe into the messy bun for a chic look. Gather hair, leaving the fringe loose. Form a bun and secure.
This frames your face, adding sophistication and style. The fringe provides a fresh twist on the classic bun, making it suitable for any fashionable event.
21. Textured Messy Bun
For added texture, use a sea salt spray before forming your bun. Gather hair into a loose bun, pulling out sections for a textured finish.
This style is perfect for beach days or casual outings, offering a laid-back, effortless vibe. The texture enhances volume, making your bun appear fuller and more dynamic.
22. Messy Bun with Ribbon
Add a ribbon for a whimsical touch. Form a bun and tie a ribbon around it, letting ends trail.
This charming addition is perfect for playful looks or themed events. The ribbon adds a pop of color and texture, making the bun visually appealing and fun to create.
23. Messy Bun with Loose Strands
Enhance your bun with loose strands for a relaxed look. Gather hair into a bun, pulling out sections around your face.
This adds softness and frames your features beautifully. It’s perfect for casual days or laid-back gatherings, offering a gentle, approachable style that complements any outfit.
24. Messy Bun with Sleek Finish
Combine sleek and messy for a polished appearance. Smooth hair before forming a bun. Let a few strands fall naturally.
This style is ideal for professional settings or elegant events, offering a refined look with a hint of casual charm. The sleek finish balances the messiness, creating a sophisticated blend.
25. Messy Bun with Hair Clips
Use hair clips for decoration. Form a bun, positioning clips around it for a playful touch.
This adds a pop of color and personality, perfect for youthful or creative styles. The clips enhance the bun, making it eye-catching and delightful for any occasion, especially when you want to stand out.