17 Messy Bun Tutorials That Actually Work
There’s something timeless and effortlessly cool about a messy bun. It’s the hairstyle equivalent of your favorite oversized sweater — cozy, relaxed, and perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re heading to work, lounging at home, going on a date, or just trying to keep your hair out of your face, the messy bun has your back. But despite its casual appearance, not all messy buns are created equal. That “just threw it up” look? It often takes a few tricks and techniques to nail.
Here’s a deep dive into 17 messy bun tutorials that actually work — for every hair type, length, and occasion. These aren’t just quick fixes. They’re easy-to-follow, stylish, and made to look like you didn’t try too hard (even if you kind of did).
The Classic Lazy Messy Bun
The classic lazy messy bun is probably the first style most people think of. It’s the kind you throw together when you’re still half-asleep but somehow ends up looking charming and undone in the best way. To create this look, start by flipping your head over and gathering your hair at the crown using only your hands — skip the brush entirely to keep the texture natural and imperfect. Twist your ponytail loosely, wrap it into a bun, and secure it with a hair tie. Then, gently pull at the sides of the bun and around your crown to give it volume and messiness. Pull out a few face-framing strands, and don’t worry if it’s a little lopsided — that’s part of the charm. This bun is perfect for running errands, coffee dates, or working from home in style.
Messy Bun With a Scrunchie
This variation takes the classic messy bun and gives it a retro twist with a scrunchie. Not only are scrunchies gentler on your hair, but they also add a pop of personality and nostalgia. After gathering your hair into a loose ponytail, twist it slightly and wrap it into a bun, securing it with a colorful or velvet scrunchie. The scrunchie itself becomes part of the look, adding softness and a little flair. It works especially well on hair that has a bit of wave or curl, and looks great with casual outfits or sporty looks. The bun doesn’t have to be perfect — in fact, the more tousled, the better. This style is also ideal for hiding greasy roots on day three hair.
Low Messy Bun With a Middle Part
A low messy bun with a center part offers a more polished but still laid-back vibe. It’s great for when you want something that feels mature yet effortless. Start by parting your hair in the center and smoothing it back loosely with your fingers. Gather it at the nape of your neck and twist it gently into a bun, securing it with pins or a hair tie. Let a few wispy pieces fall out near your ears for a softer finish. This look works well for professional settings, dinners out, or times when you want to look like you made an effort without overdoing it. Bonus: it’s a fantastic way to keep cool on hot days while still looking refined.
Messy Bun for Short Hair
If you have short hair, don’t count yourself out — messy buns are still totally possible with a little creativity. Instead of gathering all of your hair, try creating a half-up messy bun by collecting the top half and securing it into a small, loose bun at the back or crown of your head. Any shorter strands that don’t make it into the bun can be left as they are or secured with bobby pins. This style adds instant volume and works great for those with bobs or lobs. To give it extra texture, use a salt spray or light mousse before styling. It’s playful, cute, and a great go-to for busy mornings or casual hangouts.
Messy Bun With Braids
When you want your messy bun to feel a bit more special, adding a braid or two is a gorgeous touch. You can start by creating small braids along your hairline or from the sides of your head, then pull all your hair, braids included, into a loose bun. Wrap the braids around the base or let them blend naturally into the bun itself. This look has a romantic, boho vibe and is perfect for festivals, beach days, or even a relaxed wedding guest look. Braids add visual interest, especially on lighter or highlighted hair, and they help give the bun structure without looking too done.
Curly Hair Messy Bun
Curls bring their own magic to a messy bun. Rather than trying to smooth them down, let them shine. Start by moisturizing your curls with a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz and enhance shape. Then, loosely gather your curls into a bun high on your head or at the back. Be gentle — you don’t want to disturb the curl pattern too much. Use a soft scrunchie or a few pins to hold everything in place. Allow a few curls to fall around your face naturally, and don’t fuss with the bun too much. The volume and texture of curls make the bun look full and lush with minimal effort. This style is easygoing and flattering, whether you’re dressing up or winding down.
Voluminous Top Knot Messy Bun
If you like drama and volume in your bun, the top knot messy bun is your best bet. Start by teasing the crown of your hair to create lift. Flip your head over and pull your hair into a high ponytail. You can use a bun donut or even a rolled-up sock underneath for extra volume, especially if your hair is on the finer side. Wrap your hair loosely around the base, pinning it into place and fluffing out the bun with your fingers. This style draws attention to your face and looks amazing paired with bold earrings or statement makeup. It’s high-impact but still feels effortless, perfect for a night out or a brunch where you want to look put together.
Twisted Messy Bun
This elegant variation looks complicated but is surprisingly easy to do. Divide your hair into two large sections. Twist each one away from your face, then cross them over each other and wrap them into a bun at the back of your head. Pin everything in place and pull at a few sections to create volume and softness. The twists add a bit of structure while still keeping the overall look relaxed. It’s a great choice for weddings, garden parties, or anytime you want something a bit more unique than the usual bun. This one works especially well on medium to long hair with a bit of natural wave or texture.
Messy Bun With a Headband
On days when your hair feels wild and unmanageable — or you’re dealing with greasy roots — a headband can be your secret weapon. Start by styling your hair into a loose messy bun wherever feels most comfortable: high, mid, or low. Then, slide a soft headband or fabric wrap over your hairline, pushing the volume of the bun slightly forward to balance the look. This adds a bohemian flair and is also super functional, keeping everything in place without pulling too tightly. It’s perfect for beach days, workouts, or lazy Sundays when you still want to look cute.
Messy Bun With Clip-In Extensions
For those who want a fuller-looking bun or have trouble achieving volume naturally, clip-in extensions can make all the difference. Start by clipping in a few wefts at the back of your head, focusing on the lower layers. Gather your now-thicker hair into a ponytail and form it into a bun. Because you have added hair, the bun will look more voluminous and textured. You can then gently pull it apart for that soft, undone finish. The key here is blending — make sure your natural hair and the extensions flow seamlessly together. This look is perfect for special occasions or photoshoots where you want that extra “wow” factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my messy bun stay in place all day without it feeling too tight?
Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo before styling to give your hair grip. Secure your bun with bobby pins rather than relying on a tight hair tie, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without creating stiffness.
Why does my messy bun always fall flat after an hour?
Flat buns are often due to slippery hair or not enough support. Teasing the roots or using a volumizing powder can help create lift. Using accessories like a bun donut or scrunchie also helps add structure.
Can I do a messy bun on freshly washed hair?
Yes, but freshly washed hair can be too soft and silky to hold shape. Add some texture with dry shampoo or a salt spray to make it more moldable. Dirty hair usually holds styles better, but product can create the same effect.
What should I do if my hair is too short to reach a full bun?
Try a half-up messy bun or use small elastics to secure sections that don’t quite make it. Bobby pins will also be your best friend for holding down flyaways or shorter layers.
Is it okay to sleep with a messy bun?
Sleeping with a bun is fine if it’s loose and secured with a soft scrunchie. Avoid tight styles overnight, which can cause breakage or scalp tension. A satin pillowcase also helps reduce friction.
Conclusion
Messy buns are a style that refuses to go out of fashion — and for good reason. They’re adaptable, stylish, low-effort (or at least they look that way), and endlessly customizable for your mood, schedule, or hair type. Whether you’re rolling out of bed late or prepping for a big night out, there’s a version of the messy bun that works for you. The key is to embrace imperfection. Let those strands fall out. Let that volume be a little uneven. Because that’s what makes it real — and really beautiful.
