17 Messy Bun Hairstyles
A messy bun works because it looks like the hair did most of the styling itself, even though getting that effect usually takes a bit more thought than just twisting everything up and hoping for the best. The difference between "effortless" and "unfinished" comes down to a few small choices, how loose the twist is, where the bun sits, and whether a few pieces get left out on purpose. Here are seventeen ways to get it right.
Classic High Messy Bun
A loosely twisted bun at the crown, with pieces tugged out around the edges, avoids the tight, polished look a slicked-back version has. Texturizing spray before twisting helps it hold shape without looking stiff. This works especially well on second or third-day hair, where natural oils add extra grip.
Low Messy Bun
A loosely gathered bun at the nape reads as more relaxed and versatile than a high bun, working for both casual and slightly dressier occasions. This style suits most hair lengths past the shoulders. Bobby pins tucked underneath keep it secure without flattening its loose shape.
Messy Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils
A bun secured loosely at the crown or nape, with soft curled tendrils left out at the front, brings a slightly romantic edge to an otherwise casual style. Curling the tendrils with a small barrel iron before pulling the rest back adds intentional contrast.
Twisted Messy Bun
Twisting the hair before wrapping it into a bun, rather than simply gathering it, creates more visible texture within the shape itself. This works on most hair lengths and suits both straight and wavy textures. Pinning the twist loosely rather than tightly keeps the overall look casual.
Braided Messy Bun
Braiding a small section of hair before wrapping it into the bun adds a decorative detail without much extra time. This works especially well for special occasions or as a slightly more elaborate everyday look. The braid can sit at the base of the bun or wrap around its edge.
Side Messy Bun
Gathering hair to sit off to one side rather than centered creates a slightly more playful, asymmetrical version of the style. This works on most lengths and suits straight or wavy textures particularly well. Securing the bun just behind one ear keeps it from sliding back to center.
Curly Messy Bun
Natural curls or coils gathered into a messy bun showcase texture and volume rather than hiding it under a sleek, smoothed shape. Edge control along the hairline helps smooth flyaways without disrupting the curls within the bun itself. This style works well for both everyday wear and dressier occasions.
Messy Bun with a Bow
A ribbon or fabric bow wrapped around the base of a messy bun adds a decorative, slightly nostalgic detail. This works particularly well on buns styled with some sleekness at the base, giving the bow a clean spot to sit against. It's an easy way to dress up an otherwise simple everyday style.
Half-Up Messy Bun
Pulling just the crown section into a small, loose bun while leaving the rest down offers the ease of an updo without pulling all the hair back. This works on long to medium hair and suits most face shapes. A bit of backcombing at the crown before securing adds lift.
Wrapped Messy Bun
Wrapping a section of hair around the base of the bun hides the elastic entirely for a slightly more finished look, even within an otherwise casual style. This small extra step takes under a minute but noticeably elevates the overall result. It works especially well for dressier occasions.
Messy Bun with Volume
Backcombing lightly at the crown before gathering hair into a bun adds height and fullness that a flat, close-to-the-head bun lacks. This works especially well on fine or thin hair that needs a boost. A light-hold spray applied before backcombing helps the volume hold through the day.
Textured Messy Bun
Rather than smoothing hair flat before gathering it, this version keeps some natural texture and volume intact for a more undone, lived-in look. This works particularly well on wavy or naturally textured hair. A texturizing spray applied before gathering helps the bun hold shape without looking stiff.
Messy Bun with Accessories
Small clips, pins, or decorative pieces tucked into a messy bun add personality without much extra styling time. This works on any messy bun variation, from high and loose to low and twisted. Rotating accessories is an easy way to vary the same basic style from day to day.
Double-Twist Messy Bun
Two separate twisted sections wrapped together into one bun create more visible texture and dimension than a single twist alone. This works especially well on longer hair with enough length to twist substantially. It's a slightly more elaborate option suited to special occasions rather than daily wear.
Messy Bun with Deep Side Part
Starting with a deep side part before gathering hair into a messy bun adds asymmetry right from the base of the style. This works on most hair lengths and suits straight or wavy textures particularly well. It's a simple way to vary a familiar style without much extra effort.
Loose Messy Bun for Fine Hair
Keeping the bun itself looser and slightly larger than the hair's natural volume would suggest helps fine hair look fuller within the style. This works especially well paired with some backcombing at the crown beforehand. A texturizing spray adds grip that fine, slippery strands often need to hold the shape.
Messy Bun with Braided Wrap
Wrapping a thin braid around the base of the bun, rather than a smooth section of hair, adds textural contrast between the braid and the looser bun above it. This works well for both everyday wear and slightly dressier occasions. It's a simple upgrade from a standard wrapped bun.
