Buzz
The messy bun is a versatile hairstyle suitable for any occasion or event, and it is a simple high bun that can easily be done at home. Whether you're aiming for an elegant wedding look or a quick 'salon-style' updo, the messy bun gives every hair length a unique and effortless style in seconds. You'll want to try various ways to create the perfect messy bun, but remember - it’s a ‘messy bun’! Relax and get creative while styling your new look. No matter how you create the messy bun, the final result will leave you feeling comfortable and charming.
Steps
Prepare to Create the Messy Bun Hairstyle
Choose the Perfect Styling Products. Below is a short list of items you may already have at home. If you don’t have these, don’t worry as you can still create a messy bun with just your hands and a hair tie. Additionally, you can easily find these items at your local supermarket. If you're styling the messy bun for an important event like a wedding or gala, you might want to plan ahead and visit a store that specializes in hair products and accessories.
- For a quick and simple messy bun, you only need your hands and a hair tie, and you can get it done in 5 minutes.
- If you have more time, you might want to prepare a soft round brush, a wide-tooth comb, and an elastic band for a ponytail. It’s best to choose a hair tie without metal clips to avoid hair damage.
- The messy bun style works best on hair that has been washed two days ago.
Creating a more elaborate hairstyle. Choose a light mousse that helps style hair easily while maintaining a soft, natural feel. For thicker hair, opt for mousse that enhances volume. You can find this information on the mousse bottle. If your hair is soft and thin, or if you want a messy bun to stay in place all day, select a styling product that locks in the shape you prefer to ensure the bun remains secure.
- For the most natural look, choose a styling product with a fine mist that prevents buildup on your hair, allowing you to spray multiple times without needing to wash your hair.
- If you want a stronger hairstyle, pick a hair spray that adds thickness without making the hair stiff.
- If you have super soft hair or just washed it, you can try dry shampoo or a salt spray to add texture. (optional)
Add a unique, alluring, or intricate touch to your messy bun. Purchase some regular bobby pins, decorative flowers, hairpins with sparkling beads, or small clips with patterns, or other similar hair accessories. When shopping for these accessories, make sure to select elegant and refined items. (optional)
Creating a simple messy bun hairstyle
Achieve an elegant, simple, and quick hairstyle. Use your fingers to comb through your hair, pulling it back or to one side of your head to tie it into a ponytail. Have a hair tie ready, or slide the tie onto your wrist while holding your hair. Once you’ve gathered all your hair, secure it with the hair tie, but don’t pull too tight.
Forming a bun. Next, twist your hair like a rope and then wrap it around the ponytail holder, tucking the ends underneath the band. Alternatively, when forming your ponytail, on the final tie, leave a loop of hair that creates a voluminous bun.
- Gently pull the loop of hair out through the hair tie to make the bun larger and/or allow a few strands to fall out to create a messy look.
- Expand the sides of the bun by carefully pulling the edges to widen it. Gently tug at the center of the hair loop to form a U-shaped section.
- Pull the loose ends underneath the hair tie towards the left and right so the strands spread out against the head. Tuck any stray hairs inside the hair tie. If desired, you can wrap a few of the loose strands around the band and secure them with bobby pins.
Positioning the bun at different heights. To achieve a higher bun, tilt your head down and gather your hair with your hands. This will add volume to your hair and help you avoid any lumps. For a lower bun, gather the hair at the back of your head, close to the nape. The ponytail can be tied high or low, depending on your preference. Note that the bun will be located at the spot where you tie your ponytail (for example, if your ponytail is high, your bun will also be higher).
Creating a messy bun with a different technique
Achieving a more elegant look with a more intricate hairstyle. Use a wide-tooth comb and a soft round brush to detangle your hair and remove any leftover hair accessories (such as pins or clips).
- Spray mousse onto your hands and begin distributing it from the roots to the tips of your hair.
- Comb your hair backward to create volume and texture. Smooth the front section of your hair over your forehead, and then gently backcomb using the round brush, moving it from the midsection of the hair to the roots. Repeat until you achieve the desired amount of volume.
- Repeat this process on the side sections of your hair by lifting and backcombing them again.
Avoiding lumps in your hair. Brush your hair to make the ponytail smooth, and use your hands to flatten any lumps. If you can't smooth them effectively with your hands, use a wide-tooth comb. Hold the hair with one hand and use the other to form the bun.
Creating a ballerina-style bun. Tie one or two elastics into your hair to form a ponytail. Roll the hair around the ponytail holder as if you're making a ballerina bun. Make the bun close to the head and secure it with the same elastic or add another one (alternatively, use bobby pins; this will help secure the style once finished).
Tease the hair used for the bun. Use an elastic band to secure the ponytail, lift the hair at the back of your head, and tease it by brushing it backward toward the ponytail. If desired, use a hairspray to hold the style in place, then wrap the hair and use another elastic band to secure it. Continue wrapping the outer sections of hair around the bun and twist the band around once more to secure the entire bun. Pull the ends of the hair out to make them stick out of the messy bun.
Creating a bun with longer hair. For those with hair about 2.5-5 cm longer than shoulder length, wrap the hair and secure it with an elastic band. Wrap the remaining hair around the bun to create a second loop. Make sure to hold the hair tightly to prevent the second loop from slipping off. (Note that the first loop will feel tighter when you pull the hair to create the second loop.) Secure the remaining elastic around both loops to hold the bun in place.
- Alternatively, if your hair is quite long, wrap it around the ponytail holder, then loosely tie it with a second elastic band. Wrap the hair again and secure it with an additional loop of the elastic band.
Finishing the hairstyle. Once done, gently brush the hair backward towards the crown to smooth it out and comb the edges to reduce any tangling. Spray a little hairspray if you want to keep your messy bun intact for hours or through challenging conditions.
Add a highlight to the finished bun (optional)
Adding volume. Slip your fingers into the front section of hair and gently pull it away from the elastic band to create volume. This will give your hairstyle a fuller, more classic look, making it perfect for a professional setting.
Add one (or two) headbands. Use your favorite headband or one that complements your outfit, wearing it about 5cm from your hairline. If you have blonde hair, opt for two dark or black headbands. For brown or black hair, try white or another lighter color headband.
Add decorative clips, hairpins, or jewelry. A touch of sparkle or a bold flower can enhance your hairstyle. Just be careful not to overdo it. A messy bun is meant to be simple and charming. Too many accessories could make it look gaudy and unnatural.
Find the style that suits you best. Try various hairstyles until you perfect your messy bun. Leave some hair out before gathering the rest into a ponytail. Once you've made the bun, divide the leftover hair into smaller sections, twist each part, and wrap them around the bun, securing each section with a bobby pin. Gently pull out some strands from the front and sides to create a playful or soft look. You can also pull the hair at the back of the bun to make it appear slightly loose and natural.
Spray a hair-setting product all over your hair. Hold the spray bottle about 18-20cm from your hair. If you're looking for a bolder look, you can use glitter hairspray to add sparkle and shine to your hair.
Finish your messy bun. There are numerous ways to style your messy bun. The more styles you try, the more you'll find the look that works best for you. The key to a perfect messy bun is keeping it looking natural—not too flashy or too tight. A messy bun should feel comfortable, alluring, and playful. As you practice, you'll learn to control the style so others think you have a naturally perfect bun.
Advice
- Avoid over-teasing your hair when styling. This can cause breakage and split ends.
- For soft curls in the morning, tie your hair into a bun after showering, then sleep on it.
- If your bun is too loose, simply add bobby pins at the front, back, and sides to keep it in place.
- Braid your hair at night for soft waves, then quickly style it into a loose bun in the morning. You can pull out some strands if needed. Finish the look with a headband or hat, or simply leave the bun as is.
- If your hair won’t stay in place, dampen your hands and apply some water to help smooth it down.
- This style can easily transform into a romantic look by gently curling a few strands to create small, soft waves.
- Remember, the messy bun doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to look natural.
Warnings
- Don’t tie your hair too tightly with an elastic band, as it can cause breakage or damage.
- Be patient when teasing your hair. Use a paddle brush for the best results and to save time.
What You Need
- Hair tie for ponytail
- Wide-toothed comb
- Soft round comb
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Optional tools:
- Mousse
- Hair setting spray
- Paddle comb
- Bobby pins
- Colored headband
