Messy buns are the perfect hairstyle for any occasion, offering a blend of casual elegance and effortless style.
In this article, I’ll share 30 inspiring messy bun hairstyles that are easy to create and suit all hair types.
Let’s begin!
30 Messy Bun Hairstyles
1. Classic Messy Bun
This style works best with long hair, giving you a chic look without much effort. It’s perfect for both casual days and slightly formal events.
To create this look, you should gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it loosely around the base, and secure it with an elastic.
Pull out a few strands around your face to soften the look and add that effortless charm. It’s ideal because it’s quick, easy, and versatile.
2. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
Adding face-framing pieces to your messy bun gives it a touch of elegance and softness. This style is great for showcasing your natural hair texture and works well for both everyday wear and special occasions.
First, you should pull your hair into a loose bun and let a few strands fall around your face. This not only frames your face beautifully but also adds a relaxed and stylish vibe.
3. Smooth on Top
The smooth on top messy bun offers a sleek and polished appearance while keeping the bun itself casual and relaxed.
This style is excellent for work or any formal setting where you still want to maintain a bit of personality.
Start by smoothing the top part of your hair with a brush or a bit of gel, then gather the rest into a loose bun at the back. Secure with pins and pull out a few strands if desired.
4. One-Minute Braided Chignon
The one-minute braided chignon is perfect for those who love braids but are short on time. This quick style adds a touch of sophistication with minimal effort.
Simply braid a small section of your hair and wrap it into a bun at the nape of your neck. Secure with a hair elastic and some pins.
This style is ideal for adding a bit of flair to your everyday look and works well for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
5. Messy Top-Knot with Scarf
Adding a scarf to your messy top-knot instantly upgrades your look with a pop of color and texture. This style is perfect for festivals, casual outings, or even a stylish day at the beach.
First, gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with an elastic. Wrap a colorful scarf around the base of the bun and tie it in a knot or bow.
This look is fun, playful, and easy to achieve, making it a great choice for any casual event.
6. Messy Bun with Bangs
Incorporating bangs into your messy bun works well for both long and short hair, making it versatile for different hair types.
Pull your hair into a bun, leaving your bangs out to frame your face. This style is perfect for adding a bit of edge to your everyday look while keeping things simple and stylish.
It’s especially great for those with naturally textured hair as it embraces the natural flow and movement.
7. Braided Messy Bun with Scarf
Combining a braid with a messy bun and a scarf creates a unique and bohemian look that’s perfect for casual outings and festivals.
First, braid a section of your hair, then pull all your hair, including the braid, into a messy bun. Wrap a scarf around the base of the bun and secure it.
This style adds texture and interest to your hair, making it a fun and stylish option for those who love to experiment with their looks.
8. Low and Loose Messy Bun
The low and loose messy bun is the epitome of effortless elegance. This style is perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions where you want to look put-together without trying too hard.
To create this look, gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck, twist it loosely, and secure it with an elastic. Pull out a few strands to frame your face and add softness.
9. Upside Down Braid and Bun
The upside-down braid leading into a messy bun is a creative and stylish option that stands out.
You should first, flip your head upside down and braid from the nape of your neck up to the crown.
Once you reach the top, gather the rest of your hair into a bun and secure it. This look combines the elegance of a braid with the casual feel of a messy bun.
10. Tousled Low Chignon with Side Braids
The tousled low chignon with side braids is a romantic and elegant style perfect for weddings or formal events.
Begin by braiding small sections of hair on either side of your head, then gather all your hair into a low chignon at the nape of your neck.
Twist and pin the hair loosely, allowing some tendrils to fall out naturally. This style combines the intricate look of braids with the effortless charm of a messy bun.
11. Intertwined Half-Up Messy Bun
This romantic style blends the elegance of an updo with the casual vibe of loose hair. It’s perfect for creating a soft, whimsical look.
To achieve this style, take the top half of your hair and twist sections into small buns, securing each with bobby pins.
Leave the rest of your hair down, creating a beautiful half-up, half-down effect. This look works well for any occasion, from casual outings to more formal events.
12. Textured Updo with High Bun
This style is ideal for those with thin hair, this style adds much-needed volume and texture. First, you should apply dry shampoo or a texturizing spray to your roots to create lift.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, secured with an elastic. Pull out a few strands to enhance the messy look and add more volume.
This updo is perfect for both day and night, providing a chic yet effortless appearance that holds well throughout the day.
13. Loose Messy Space Buns
This style is perfect for a playful and fun look, loose messy space buns are great for festivals or casual outings.
First, divide your hair into two sections and create high ponytails. Twist each ponytail into a bun, leaving the ends loose for a carefree, messy finish.
Secure with elastics and bobby pins as needed. This style adds a youthful, energetic vibe and works well with various hair textures.
14. Playful Messy Bun with a Scarf Headband
Adding a scarf headband to a messy bun can transform your hairstyle into a vibrant and playful look.
First, curl the ends of your hair for added texture. Gather your hair into a loose bun, allowing some curls to fall out. Secure with an elastic.
Then, wrap a colorful scarf around your head, tying it at the nape of your neck or on top for added flair.
This style is perfect for summer outings or music festivals, giving a fun and stylish twist to a simple bun.
15. Undone Wrapped Around Messy Bun
For a laid-back yet stylish appearance, the undone wrapped around messy bun is ideal. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail at the desired height.
Wrap the hair around the base of the ponytail loosely, letting the ends stick out for a casual, messy effect.
Secure with bobby pins and gently tousle the bun for more volume and texture. This effortless style is great for everyday wear.
16. Soft and Massive High Messy Bun
Create a high bun with impressive volume for a standout look. You should use dry shampoo and a teasing comb to add texture to your hair.
Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a large bun, securing it with invisibobbles for a firm hold.
Pull out a few strands around your face and the bun to soften the look. This style is perfect for those with long hair.
17. Wedding Messy Bun with Stacked Braid
This style is best for brides or formal events, this style combines a messy bun with an elegant French braid.
You should start by braiding a section of your hair, then gather all your hair into a low ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with elastic and bobby pins.
The braid adds a sophisticated touch, making this messy bun a beautiful choice for special occasions, ensuring you look stunning and elegant.
18. Intricately Looped Low Messy Bun
For a full and textured look, try the intricately looped low messy bun. This style is perfect for those with long, thick hair.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail and twist sections into loops, securing them with bobby pins around the base of the ponytail.
The result is a voluminous, intricate bun that appears effortlessly chic. This style is ideal for formal events or any time you want to showcase your hair’s natural volume and beauty.
19. High Messy Bun for Medium Hair
It is perfect for shoulder-length hair, this high messy bun is both stylish and easy to achieve. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it, and tuck it under, securing it with an elastic.
Pull out a few strands for a more relaxed look. This style is great for casual and formal occasions, providing a versatile and chic option for medium-length hair.
20. Quick No-Frills Top Knot
The quick no-frills top knot is perfect for those busy days when you need a stylish yet simple hairstyle.
First, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun at the top of your head. Secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins.
This style is great for any occasion, from running errands to attending a casual event. It’s a fuss-free option that still looks put together.
21. Fancy Chignon with Braiding
The fancy chignon with braiding is a sophisticated hairstyle that blends the elegance of a low bun with the intricate beauty of a crown braid.
You should begin by parting your hair in the middle and braiding each side into a French braid. Secure the braids at the nape of your neck, then twist the remaining hair into a low chignon.
Wrap the braids around the bun and secure with bobby pins, ensuring a seamless and elegant finish.
22. Messy Bun with Loose Ends
This style adds volume and a relaxed vibe to your look by leaving the ends of your hair loose. It’s perfect for casual outings or when you want to look effortlessly chic.
Create two low pigtails at the back of your head. Twist each pigtail loosely and secure them with elastics, letting the ends stick out.
Use bobby pins to pin the twists together at the nape of your neck, ensuring the loose ends remain visible for that perfectly messy finish.
23. Half Messy Bun Style
The half messy bun is great for both short and long hair, offering a trendy and casual look that’s versatile for various settings. It keeps hair out of your face while allowing some length to flow freely.
First, part the top section of your hair and gather it into a bun at the crown or slightly lower, depending on your preference.
Secure the bun with a clear elastic and let the rest of your hair hang loose. Pull out a few strands around your face to soften the look.
24. Messy Bun with Volume
Adding a bouffant to your messy bun gives your hairstyle an instant lift, making it glamorous and stylish. It’s perfect for events where you want to stand out.
Tease the crown of your hair to add volume. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, then twist it into a bun.
Secure with elastic and bobby pins. Gently pull on sections of the bun to enhance the volume and finish with a bit of hairspray.
25. High Bun with Flat Twists
This style combines the sleekness of flat twists with the height of a high bun, creating a unique and fashionable look. It’s ideal for those seeking a blend of structure and messiness.
First, you should section your hair and create flat twists on each side of your head. Gather all the hair into a high ponytail at the crown.
Twist the ponytail and wrap it into a bun, securing it with elastic and bobby pins. Pull on the twists slightly for added texture.
26. Messy Twisted Bun
The messy twisted bun is casual yet chic, making it a great everyday hairstyle. It’s easy to create and adds a touch of elegance to your look.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail. Twist sections of the ponytail and wrap them around the base, securing with bobby pins.
Let some strands fall out naturally to achieve the messy effect. Finish with a light hairspray.
27. Parisian Chic Hairstyle
Inspired by Parisian elegance, this high messy bun exudes sophistication and charm. Adding pearls elevates the look, making it suitable for both casual and formal settings.
You should gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure with an elastic and bobby pins.
Add small pearls or pearl hair pins around the bun for a touch of elegance. Use a bit of hairspray to keep everything in place.
28. Long Side Braid Updo
This romantic hairstyle combines a side braid with a messy bun, creating a whimsical and fairytale-like look. It’s perfect for weddings or special occasions.
You should start by braiding a section of hair on one side of your head. Pull the braid to the back and gather the rest of your hair into a low bun, secured with an elastic.
Wrap the braid around the bun and secure with bobby pins, leaving a few strands loose for softness.
29. Crimped Messy Bun
The crimped messy bun adds texture and a retro feel to your hairstyle. It’s a fun and unique option for those who love vintage vibes. First, you should use a crimping iron to crimp sections of your hair.
Gather the crimped hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing with an elastic. Pull out a few strands to enhance the messy look and finish with a light hold hairspray.
30. Afro Messy Bun
Embrace your natural curls and volume with a high, textured afro messy bun. This bold style is perfect for showcasing your natural beauty.
You should first, pull your natural curls into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Twist the ponytail loosely and wrap it into a bun, secured with bobby pins.
Let some curls fall out naturally to maintain the volume and texture. Use a bit of styling cream to define your curls.
