Messy Bun Ideas
Messy buns are the go-to hairstyle for anyone seeking a chic, effortless, and versatile look. Whether you’re running errands, heading to work, or enjoying a casual day out, a messy bun can elevate your style while maintaining a relaxed vibe. These 13 messy bun hairstyles offer a variety of ways to refresh your casual look, ensuring you’re always stylish with minimal effort.
1. Fringed Donut Style
Playful Elegance with a Fringed Donut Bun
The fringed donut bun is a playful twist on the classic sock bun, adding texture and personality with loose strands around the face. Begin by pulling your hair into a high ponytail, then place a donut bun or rolled-up sock at the base. Tuck your hair around it to create the classic round shape, but leave a few strands free around your face for a fringed effect.
Styling Tip for the Fringed Donut Bun
To keep the fringe soft and natural, lightly curl the loose strands with a curling iron. Use a light-hold hairspray to ensure your bun stays in place without looking too stiff.
2. Not-So-Messy Bun
Perfect Balance with a Not-So-Messy Bun
For those who love the messy bun aesthetic but prefer a more polished look, the not-so-messy bun is ideal. This style balances casual charm with a sleek finish, making it perfect for both work and casual settings. Pull your hair into a low or mid-level bun, securing it tightly while allowing a few strands to fall naturally.
Achieving the Right Balance
To strike the perfect balance, smooth the top section of your hair with a smoothing serum, while leaving the bun itself loose and voluminous. A few face-framing strands will add a touch of messiness without appearing too undone.
3. Peony Blossom Updo
Floral Inspiration with the Peony Blossom Updo
Inspired by the layered beauty of a peony flower, this updo features textured, voluminous layers that resemble petals. To achieve this look, gather your hair into a low bun, then twist and pin sections in a circular pattern, creating a full, blossoming effect.
Enhancing the Floral Look
For added volume, tease the hair before pinning it into place. If you want to enhance the floral vibe, weave small floral pins or accessories into the bun. This style works beautifully for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
4. Curly Pastel Purple Bun
Vibrant Fun with the Curly Pastel Purple Bun
The curly pastel purple bun is a colorful and textured take on the messy bun. Whether you have naturally curly hair or create curls with a curling wand, the goal is to highlight the texture while keeping the bun loose and casual. Gather your curls into a high bun, allowing some of the curls to spill out for a fun, relaxed look.
Tips for Curly Buns
Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural curls or to keep styled curls bouncy. The pastel purple shade adds a unique touch, but this look can be recreated with any fun hair color or highlights. For extra hold, secure the bun with bobby pins, but avoid pulling the hair too tight.
5. Low Bun with Medieval Braid
Romantic and Elegant Medieval-Inspired Low Bun
The low bun with a medieval braid combines vintage charm with modern flair. Start by creating a low, messy bun at the nape of your neck. Then, braid a small section from the front or side of your hair and wrap it around the bun, pinning it in place for a romantic, braided finish.
Achieving the Medieval Look
To add more texture, use a texturizing spray before braiding. You can also braid multiple sections for a more intricate design. This style works beautifully with bohemian or romantic outfits and is ideal for outdoor events or festivals.
6. Messy Bun with Embellishment
Add a Touch of Glamour with Embellished Buns
The messy bun with embellishment is perfect for those who want to add a bit of sparkle to their casual look. Create a loose bun and accessorize it with hairpins, jeweled clips, or even fresh flowers for a chic, eye-catching style.
Best Accessories for Embellished Buns
Choose embellishments that complement your outfit—anything from pearls to gemstones can add elegance to your look. To keep the bun looking natural and effortless, avoid overloading with accessories. A few well-placed pieces will give your bun a glamorous touch without overwhelming the style.
7. Side Braid Into Bun
Effortless Charm with a Side Braid and Bun Combo
Combining a side braid with a messy bun creates a dynamic, textured look. Begin by braiding one side of your hair, starting from your temple and working your way toward the back. Once the braid reaches the nape of your neck, gather the rest of your hair into a low, messy bun.
Adding Texture and Volume
For extra texture, gently tug on the braid to loosen it and give it a more voluminous, lived-in feel. This style is great for both casual and semi-formal occasions, adding an effortless, boho-chic touch to your look.
8. Crowned with a Colored Bun
Brighten Your Look with a Colored Bun
Adding a pop of color to your messy bun can make the style more fun and playful. If you have highlights, balayage, or bright hair dye, a high bun will help showcase the colors. Pull your hair into a high, messy bun, allowing the different tones to shine through, creating a beautiful, dynamic look.
Styling with Color
To enhance the color in your bun, use a shine serum to give your hair a healthy, glossy appearance. You can also add temporary hair chalk or spray for a colorful effect that washes out easily.
9. Double Braid Messy Bun
Braided Elegance with a Double Braid Messy Bun
For a more intricate take on the messy bun, try adding two braids into the mix. Start by braiding two sections of your hair, one on each side, and then pull the remaining hair into a messy bun at the back. The double braids add texture and dimension to this otherwise simple style.
Making the Braids Pop
Loosen the braids slightly by pulling gently on them, creating a fuller, messier look. You can also add decorative pins or flowers into the braids for an extra touch of elegance.
10. Tucked Chignon
Classic Meets Casual with a Tucked Chignon
The tucked chignon is a more refined version of the messy bun, offering a slightly more formal yet still casual look. Begin by pulling your hair into a low ponytail, then twist and tuck the ends under, securing them with pins. Leave some pieces loose for a messier, relaxed effect.
Adding Polish to Your Chignon
For a slightly more polished finish, smooth the top of your hair with a serum, but leave the bun itself loose and textured. This style is perfect for casual weddings, date nights, or any event where you want a sophisticated, yet carefree appearance.
11. Business Bun
A Professional Look with a Casual Twist
The business bun is ideal for work environments where you want to look professional without too much fuss. Create a high or mid-level bun, smoothing the top section of your hair for a neat appearance. The bun itself can remain messy for a more relaxed vibe.
Making It Office-Appropriate
To keep it office-friendly, use a light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways and add shine. Pair the bun with subtle accessories like gold hairpins or minimalist clips for an added touch of sophistication.
12. Messy Bun with Bangs
Frame Your Face with a Messy Bun and Bangs
A messy bun with bangs is a trendy and playful hairstyle that combines structure and softness. Pull your hair into a loose bun, letting your bangs frame your face naturally. Whether you have straight, wispy bangs or thicker, blunt ones, this style works well for all face shapes.
How to Style Bangs with a Messy Bun
Use a straightener or curling wand to style your bangs, depending on the look you’re going for. If your bangs tend to get oily throughout the day, a dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil while keeping the volume intact.
13. Twisted Style for Long Hair
Sophisticated Twists for Long Hair
For those with long hair, a twisted messy bun is both stylish and practical. Start by twisting sections of your hair from the sides and back, then gather them into a bun at the crown or nape of your neck. The twists add detail to an otherwise simple style, making it perfect for casual days or more formal events.
Keeping the Twists Secure
To keep the twists from unraveling, use small bobby pins to pin them into place as you twist. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to ensure the bun stays secure without sacrificing the messy, casual look.
Conclusion
Messy buns are versatile, easy to create, and perfect for refreshing your casual look. From elegant updos to playful and colorful styles, these 13 messy bun hairstyles offer a range of options to suit any occasion. Experiment with different textures, accessories, and techniques to find the perfect messy bun for your style and personality!