20 Messy Bun Ideas: Effortless Styles for Every Occasion
Messy buns have become one of the most versatile hairstyles in the fashion world. From casual outings to formal events, the messy bun offers a chic yet effortless look that suits all hair types and lengths. In this guide, we will explore 20 messy bun ideas, tips for styling them, and tricks to make your messy bun look polished without too much effort. Whether you’re running late for work or preparing for a night out, a messy bun can be your ultimate go-to hairstyle.
Why the Messy Bun Is a Must-Have Hairstyle
The messy bun is celebrated for its versatility and simplicity. Unlike traditional updos that require precision and skill, the messy bun thrives on imperfection. Its relaxed, carefree look is not only stylish but also practical. Here’s why you should consider adding the messy bun to your hairstyle repertoire:
- Time-saving: A messy bun can be done in under 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Low-maintenance: Unlike sleek hairstyles, the messy bun doesn’t require constant touch-ups.
- Flattering: The messy bun can suit any face shape and hair type, from fine hair to thick, voluminous locks.
- Versatile: Perfect for casual days, office settings, weddings, or even workouts.
1. Classic High Messy Bun
The classic high messy bun is perhaps the most popular version. Positioned on the crown of your head, it adds height and elongates the face.
How to achieve it:
- Gather your hair into a high ponytail.
- Twist the hair loosely and wrap it around the base.
- Secure with bobby pins and gently pull strands for a relaxed look.
Pro tip: Pull a few face-framing pieces to soften the style. This makes the messy bun look effortless yet intentional.
2. Low Messy Bun
A low messy bun sits near the nape of your neck, giving a more sophisticated and elegant vibe. This style is perfect for formal events or a professional office look.
Steps to create:
- Tie your hair into a low ponytail.
- Twist and wrap loosely, securing with pins.
- Pull out a few strands near the ears for softness.
This style works exceptionally well with wavy or curly hair, adding natural texture to the messy bun.
3. Messy Bun With Braids
Adding braids to a messy bun elevates the hairstyle instantly. A braid adds dimension, texture, and an intricate touch to your casual bun.
How to style:
- Create one or two small braids along the sides or front.
- Gather all your hair, including the braids, into a messy bun.
- Secure and loosen strands for a carefree, textured look.
This is ideal for special occasions like weddings or parties, giving a messy bun a romantic twist.
4. Side Messy Bun
A side messy bun leans to either side of your head and offers a playful, asymmetrical look. It’s perfect for casual outings or a date night.
Styling tips:
- Sweep your hair to the side before securing.
- Don’t worry about perfection; the charm of a messy bun lies in its looseness.
- Pull out some tendrils near the jawline for a flattering frame.
The side messy bun pairs beautifully with off-shoulder tops or elegant earrings, creating a soft and feminine vibe.
5. Curly Messy Bun
If you have naturally curly hair, a curly messy bun can highlight your texture while keeping your hair stylishly up.
Steps:
- Allow your curls to fall naturally into a ponytail.
- Twist loosely into a bun and secure.
- Let some curls escape for volume and character.
Curly messy buns are perfect for summer festivals or casual brunches, adding a bohemian feel to your look.
6. Messy Bun With Bangs
For those who love bangs, incorporating them into your messy bun adds a chic and trendy vibe.
Styling approach:
- Keep your bangs out and frame your face.
- Pull the rest of your hair into a high or low messy bun.
- Loosen a few strands to maintain the messy aesthetic.
This style works well with both straight and wavy bangs, making your messy bun youthful and playful.
7. Double Messy Buns
Also known as “space buns,” double messy buns are fun, quirky, and perfect for festival season or casual weekends.
How to create:
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Gather each side into two high ponytails.
- Twist and wrap each ponytail into messy buns.
Double messy buns are playful yet stylish, and they work with all hair lengths. Add some glitter or hair accessories to take the look up a notch.
8. Messy Bun With Hair Accessories
Accessorizing your messy bun can transform it from casual to glam in minutes. Consider ribbons, scrunchies, pins, or headbands.
Tips:
- Use a velvet scrunchie for a soft, elegant touch.
- Metallic pins or barrettes can give a formal edge.
- Keep accessories minimal to maintain the effortless charm of a messy bun.
This approach is perfect when you want to spice up a simple messy bun without overcomplicating the look.
9. Messy Bun for Short Hair
Many believe messy buns require long hair, but even short hair can be styled into a messy bun with a little creativity.
Steps:
- Use a small elastic to gather your hair.
- Twist and secure with bobby pins, allowing some layers to fall naturally.
- Tease the hair slightly for volume and texture.
Short hair messy buns offer a cute and edgy look, ideal for young professionals or anyone wanting a low-maintenance style.
10. Messy Bun With Highlights
Highlighting your hair can make your messy bun appear more dynamic. Subtle streaks or balayage enhance the messy bun by adding depth and dimension.
Styling tips:
- Tousle your hair gently before creating the bun.
- Highlights naturally catch light, making your messy bun look more textured and voluminous.
Whether your highlights are blonde, caramel, or rose gold, a messy bun can showcase them beautifully.
11. Textured Messy Bun
A textured messy bun works especially well for thick hair. By enhancing natural waves or curls, this bun gains volume and dimension.
Steps to style:
- Apply texturizing spray to dry hair.
- Gather hair loosely into a bun.
- Secure with pins and gently pull strands for fullness.
This type of messy bun is perfect for a relaxed yet chic aesthetic, suitable for daytime and evening events.
12. Messy Bun With Ponytail Base
Using a ponytail as a base for your messy bun ensures more control and ease.
How to do it:
- Pull hair into a medium-high ponytail.
- Twist loosely and wrap it around the base.
- Secure with bobby pins and pull strands to loosen.
This method works for both beginners and hair enthusiasts, offering a clean yet effortlessly messy bun.
13. Messy Bun for Office
Yes, messy buns can be professional! A messy bun for the office balances style and sophistication.
Tips:
- Opt for a low messy bun.
- Smooth the hair around the crown for a polished appearance.
- Avoid too many loose strands; keep a few soft pieces near your face.
Pair this messy bun with blazers or tailored shirts for a look that’s both modern and professional.
14. Messy Bun for Weddings
Brides and bridesmaids are increasingly choosing messy buns for their wedding hairstyles. It’s romantic, soft, and effortlessly chic.
Styling tips:
- Add subtle braids or twists for an elegant touch.
- Incorporate flowers or sparkling pins to match the wedding theme.
- Leave tendrils around the face for a dreamy effect.
A messy bun wedding hairstyle is timeless, working beautifully with veils or statement earrings.
15. Messy Bun With a Knot
A knotted messy bun adds intrigue to the classic bun by creating an intricate twist.
How to style:
- Pull hair into a high ponytail.
- Divide into sections and knot loosely.
- Wrap the knots around the base and secure.
This messy bun variation looks sophisticated yet casual, perfect for parties or brunches.
16. Boho Messy Bun
For a free-spirited vibe, try a boho messy bun. Think loose, textured hair with natural waves and face-framing strands.
Styling tips:
- Curl hair loosely before pulling into a bun.
- Let small sections fall naturally.
- Add a braid or small floral accessories to complete the boho look.
This messy bun style is perfect for music festivals, picnics, or casual beach outings.
17. Messy Bun With Half-Up Style
A half-up messy bun combines the charm of a bun with flowing hair.
How to do it:
- Gather the top half of your hair and twist into a messy bun.
- Leave the bottom half loose for volume.
- Pull strands around the face for softness.
This style is youthful, versatile, and ideal for everyday wear.
18. Messy Bun for Long Hair
Long hair allows for a voluminous and dramatic messy bun. You can experiment with oversized buns, multiple twists, or high messy buns with cascading strands.
Tips:
- Tease the hair before styling for added volume.
- Secure with strong pins to hold the weight of long hair.
- Use hairspray lightly to maintain the loose, messy look without frizz.
A messy bun for long hair can make a simple outfit look fashion-forward.
19. Messy Bun With Scarf
Incorporating a scarf into your messy bun instantly elevates your hairstyle. It’s a playful yet chic way to accessorize.
How to style:
- Tie a scarf around the base of your messy bun.
- Allow the ends to drape or wrap them into the bun.
- Pull strands loose for a relaxed, stylish look.
Perfect for summer days, festivals, or casual weekend outings.
20. Effortless Messy Bun for Everyday
Finally, sometimes the best messy bun is the simplest. An effortless everyday messy bun requires minimal styling, making it ideal for mornings when you’re short on time.
Steps:
- Gather hair loosely and secure with a hair tie.
- Tug and loosen strands naturally.
- Add a bit of texturizing spray for volume.
This messy bun is perfect for errands, school runs, or a casual coffee date, showing that you can look stylish without spending hours in front of the mirror.
Tips for Perfecting Your Messy Bun
While messy buns are meant to look effortless, these tips can help you achieve a polished, stylish look every time:
- Use texturizing products: Hair sprays or powders add grip and volume.
- Don’t over-tighten: The beauty of a messy bun lies in its relaxed structure.
- Play with volume: Teasing or backcombing can enhance fullness.
- Loosen strands strategically: Face-framing pieces soften the look.
- Experiment with placement: High, low, side—different positions change the vibe.
Conclusion
The messy bun is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a symbol of effortless style and versatility. From casual outings to weddings, the messy bun adapts to any occasion. With these 20 messy bun ideas, you can explore endless variations, incorporate accessories, and experiment with textures to find the perfect style for you. Whether you have short hair, long hair, curly hair, or straight hair, the messy bun offers a chic, easy, and timeless solution to your everyday hair dilemmas.
