Messy buns are more than just a quick fix for bad hair days—they’re a fashion statement, blending effortlessness with chic appeal. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or attending a special event, a messy bun can be adapted to suit the occasion. This hairstyle is perfect for all hair types and lengths, offering a versatile look that can be styled in countless ways. The best part? You don’t need to be a hairstyling expert to master these messy buns! With just a few easy techniques and the right products, you can create a stunning hairstyle in minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 22 gorgeous messy bun hairstyles, from casual and playful to elegant and sophisticated. Plus, we’ve included some must-have Amazon products to help you achieve these styles effortlessly. Whether you’re looking for a simple everyday look or a glamorous updo for a special occasion, you’re sure to find the perfect messy bun style that fits your vibe.
1. Classic Messy Bun – The Go-To Everyday Look
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The classic messy bun is a timeless, effortless style that never goes out of fashion. Whether you’re lounging at home, heading to the gym, or stepping out for a coffee run, this quick and easy bun keeps your hair out of your face while maintaining a carefree, stylish look. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it around itself, and secure it with an elastic or a few bobby pins. For added volume and texture, gently pull apart sections of the bun and let a few strands fall naturally around your face. A strong-hold yet gentle hair tie is essential for keeping your messy bun secure all day.
2. High Messy Bun – Elegant Yet Carefree
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A high messy bun is sophisticated yet casual, making it the perfect hairstyle for when you want to elevate your look with minimal effort. Ideal for formal events, date nights, or professional settings, this bun sits at the crown of your head, creating an elongated, face-lifting effect. To achieve this style, start with a high ponytail and lightly tease your hair for volume before wrapping it into a bun. Secure it with bobby pins, and don’t worry about making it look perfect—loose strands and slight messiness add to its charm! If you have fine hair and want to add fullness, a hair donut can be a game-changer.
3. Low Messy Bun – Understated and Sophisticated
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For those days when you want a hairstyle that is classy yet minimalistic, the low messy bun is an ideal choice. Whether you’re dressing up for work, attending a wedding, or just want to switch things up from a traditional ponytail, this bun offers an effortlessly polished, put-together vibe. To achieve this look, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it loosely before pinning it into place. The key to making this bun stand out is keeping it slightly undone—pull out a few wispy strands for a soft, romantic finish.
4. Side Messy Bun – Soft and Romantic
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A side messy bun exudes feminine elegance and is a great choice for romantic occasions like weddings, date nights, or garden parties. This style sits slightly off-center, creating a delicate, whimsical look that pairs beautifully with floral dresses or elegant outfits. To create this bun, sweep your hair to one side and loosely twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. Leaving some strands loose around your face will add a soft, dreamy effect. For an extra touch of elegance, accessorize with decorative hairpins or pearl clips.
5. Braided Messy Bun – Intricate and Chic
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If you’re looking for a messy bun with an extra flair, incorporating braids is a stylish way to elevate your look. A braided messy bun is perfect for boho-inspired outfits, special occasions, or when you just want to add texture and detail to your hairstyle. Start by creating a loose braid along the side or back of your head, then gather all your hair into a bun. The braid not only adds visual interest but also helps secure your bun for longer wear. To ensure your braid and bun hold their shape all day, a good texturizing spray is essential.
6. Double Messy Buns – Playful and Trendy
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Double messy buns are a fun, youthful twist on the classic messy bun and are perfect for festivals, parties, or casual outings. This style is trendy, eye-catching, and super easy to create—simply part your hair down the middle and tie each section into a high bun. For an edgier look, keep the buns loose and let strands fall naturally around your face. This playful hairstyle is not just for teenagers—women of all ages can rock this look with confidence!
7. Twisted Messy Bun – A Unique Spin on the Classic
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The twisted messy bun offers a sleek, stylish variation of the traditional bun. It’s great for occasions where you want a little more structure while still embracing the messy aesthetic. To create this look, divide your hair into two sections, twist them together, and wrap them into a bun. This technique gives your hairstyle a beautiful, intricate texture that looks far more complex than it actually is. Use spiral bobby pins to keep your bun secure while maintaining its effortless look.
8. Messy Bun with Headband – The Effortless Chic Look
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Adding a headband to a messy bun instantly upgrades your hairstyle, making it look more polished and intentional. This is a great option for days when you want to keep your hair off your face while adding a stylish touch. Whether you opt for a sleek satin headband, a trendy knotted one, or a boho-inspired printed style, this hairstyle is as practical as it is chic. Simply throw your hair into a loose bun and slide on your favorite headband. It’s perfect for travel, casual outings, or even Zoom calls when you need to look put together in seconds!
9. Curly Messy Bun – Embrace Your Natural Texture
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If you have curly or wavy hair, the curly messy bun is your best friend. It enhances your natural volume and texture, making the bun look fuller and more voluminous. The best part? This style requires minimal effort since your curls naturally create a lived-in, messy effect. Gather your curls into a loose bun, leaving a few tendrils around your face for a soft, effortless look. If your curls need a little extra definition, apply a curl-enhancing spray before styling.
10. Messy Bun with Scrunchie – The ’90s Throwback
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Scrunchies are making a major comeback, and they’re the perfect accessory for a messy bun. Whether you choose a velvet, satin, or oversized scrunchie, it adds a playful and nostalgic touch to your hairstyle. Simply twist your hair into a loose bun and secure it with a scrunchie instead of a regular hair tie. It’s gentler on your hair, reduces breakage, and adds a fun pop of color to your look.
11. Messy Bun with Bangs – Effortlessly Cool
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Pairing a messy bun with bangs is the ultimate effortless, Parisian-chic hairstyle. Whether you have curtain bangs, blunt bangs, or wispy layers, letting them frame your face softens the look and adds an instant touch of elegance. This style works beautifully for both casual and formal occasions, and it’s a great way to keep your hair up while still showing off your bangs.
12. Space Buns – Edgy and Fun
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Space buns are a playful take on the classic messy bun, making them perfect for festivals, concerts, or casual hangouts. To create this look, split your hair into two sections and create two high messy buns. You can keep them loose for a soft, effortless vibe or sleek for a more polished effect. If you want to add a little extra fun, try incorporating glitter hair gel or small accessories for a festival-ready look.
13. Boho Messy Bun – The Free-Spirited Look
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A boho messy bun is all about soft, undone waves and delicate accessories. This style works beautifully for weddings, outdoor events, or when you simply want to channel a relaxed, romantic vibe. To achieve this look, start with loose, textured waves, pull your hair into a messy bun, and leave some strands out for a natural, effortless feel. Adding small braids or floral pins enhances the boho aesthetic.
14. Sleek-to-Messy Bun – The Best of Both Worlds
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If you love the clean girl aesthetic, try a sleek-to-messy bun. This style starts with a sleek, polished base at the crown or nape of your neck, transitioning into a messy, voluminous bun at the back. The contrast between sleek and tousled creates an effortlessly chic style that’s perfect for work, date nights, or any event where you want to look polished but relaxed.
15. Half-Up Messy Bun – Casual and Cute
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For a low-maintenance, playful look, the half-up messy bun is an ideal choice. This style is great for days when you want to keep your hair out of your face without fully committing to an updo. Simply pull the top half of your hair into a loose bun while letting the rest flow freely. It’s perfect for medium to long hair and works well with straight, wavy, or curly textures.
16. Messy Bun with Hair Wrap – Stylish and Protective
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Adding a silk scarf or hair wrap to your messy bun not only makes the style more interesting but also protects your hair from breakage. This is especially great for those with textured or curly hair, as it helps lock in moisture and prevent frizz. Wrap the scarf around the base of your bun or weave it into a braid for a stylish twist.
17. Messy Bun with Claw Clip – The Lazy Girl’s Hack
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If you’re looking for a quick, no-fuss messy bun, using a claw clip is the easiest trick in the book. Instead of securing your bun with a traditional hair tie, simply twist your hair up and clip it in place. This style is perfect for lazy mornings, casual outings, or even an effortlessly chic office look. A large, sturdy claw clip keeps everything secure while still giving your bun that soft, undone appearance. Bonus? It’s gentle on your hair, prevents breakage, and avoids the creases caused by tight elastics.
18. Messy Bun with Side Braid – A Romantic Twist
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Adding a side braid to your messy bun instantly gives it a more polished and intricate look while keeping the overall effortless vibe intact. To achieve this style, create a loose French or Dutch braid along one side of your head, then gather all your hair into a messy bun at the back. This style is perfect for romantic dates, wedding guests, or even an everyday look that feels slightly elevated. If you want extra boho vibes, leave out a few face-framing strands and lightly curl them for a soft, ethereal effect.
19. Messy Bun for Short Hair – Chic and Playful
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Don’t think short-haired girls can’t rock a messy bun! Even if you have a bob or lob, you can still achieve a cute, effortless bun by working with your hair’s natural texture. The trick is to gather the top and middle sections of your hair into a bun while letting the shorter layers naturally fall for an undone, tousled effect. If you need extra volume, tease your roots slightly before styling. If your hair is too short for a full bun, you can use a small clip-in bun extension to add more fullness and texture.
20. Messy Bun with Volume – Big and Bold
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If you love big, voluminous hairstyles, then this messy bun with volume is for you. The secret to achieving a full, dramatic bun is adding extra lift at the roots before putting your hair up. Use a volumizing powder or dry shampoo to add texture, tease the crown slightly, and then loosely pull your hair into a messy bun. Let a few strands fall naturally for a soft touch. This look is ideal for events, night outs, or even an everyday glam style that doesn’t require a salon visit.
21. Messy Bun with Hair Rings – Edgy and Trendy
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For those who love a little edge in their hairstyle, adding hair rings to your messy bun gives it a bold, modern twist. You can braid a few sections before styling the bun and then slip the small metallic rings into the braids for an eye-catching detail. This is a perfect festival hairstyle, street-style look, or even an everyday statement style for those who love experimenting with their hair.
22. Messy Bun with Loose Waves – The Ultimate Soft Look
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For an ultra-feminine and romantic hairstyle, try pairing your messy bun with soft, loose waves. Before pulling your hair into a bun, curl the lengths lightly with a wand or flat iron. This adds dimension and texture, making your messy bun look naturally full and airy. Let a few face-framing pieces fall for an effortless, dreamy finish. Whether you’re going on a date, attending a wedding, or just want to feel extra pretty, this style works for every occasion.
