7 Stunning Messy Bun Styles for Every Hair Length

Photo: Ivan Babydov/Getty Images

The Timeless Messy Bun

To achieve this style, start with second-day hair. 'Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to remove tangles,' says Brager. 'Add a drop of oil to the ends, followed by a bit of dry shampoo at the roots to refresh and boost volume.'

Gather your hair into a high ponytail

and secure it with a hooked elastic. 'There's no need to make it a tight ponytail; let it be messy and bumpy in all the right spots,' Brager suggests. 'You can also pull out some loose strands around your face and use the T3 Curl ID to create polished waves.' Adjust the barrel to the midsection of the strand you want to define, twist, and pull the iron down. 'This creates a messy yet polished wave.'

Tame any stray frizz with a pomade or wax for hold, then divide your ponytail into two sections. 'Twist the two pieces together, then wrap the twists around the base of the ponytail and secure them with hairpins,' Brager explains. 'Pull apart the bun to make it fuller or keep it tighter. Finish the look with texture spray or a light-hold hairspray!'

Messy Low Bun or Messy Top Knot

'To make a messy top knot, start by pulling your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head and securing it with a scrunchy, like Kitsch Pro Satin Scrunchies ($8, amazon.com), or a bungee, like Kitsch Pro Bungee Hair Ties ($7, amazon.com),' says celebrity stylist Jana Rago. 'Split the ponytail into two pieces like you're tying shoelaces, continuing until you reach the end.' Roll the ponytail around the base of the fastened ponytail and secure the bun with hairpins until it's firmly in place.

For this style, Rago recommends loosening the thicker sections of the bun to achieve the perfect messy, undone look. 'To tame frizz, take a large makeup brush and lightly spritz the tip with flexible-hold hairspray—then use the brush to smooth down any flyaways around the bun without disturbing its shape.'

To create a low knot, part your hair either in the center or on the side, then bring the hair back to where your ear meets the top of your head. 'Sweep the hair down to the nape of the neck using the same steps as the top knot and secure with pins,' says Rago. 'For a pop of color or texture, wrap a silk scarf, like the UO Silky Neck Scarf ($16, urbanoutfitters.com), around your head for a chic look. A dark leather wrap can also add a stylish touch for evening.'

Double Buns for Short Hair

Have short hair? According to Brager, short-haired folks can also rock a messy bun—or even two. Begin by applying your favorite dry shampoo or texture spray to the mid-lengths and ends for added volume. 'If you want more texture and fullness, try adding a slight bend or wave,' she suggests. 'Next, gather as much hair as possible and secure it in a ponytail at the top of your head—create a mini loop bun by tying the hair, but leave a small top knot for the last loop.'

Leave the ends loose and sweep them around the base of the loop. 'Grab your bobby pins and start pinning pieces around the base in a haphazard way,' Brager advises. 'Repeat these steps for the second bun, securing as much hair as you can at the back of your head or at the nape of the neck.' Don't worry about perfection—embrace the messiness. Finish with some texture spray for added hold.

Messy Low or High Bun with Braid

Start by parting your hair down the middle with a comb and securing it into a low bun near the nape of your neck. 'Braid the hair in your ponytail, using a scarf, ribbon, or leather cords to add some personality and style to your messy bun,' says Rago. 'Once the braid is secure, wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun and pin it with French pins, like Glamlily U Shape Pins ($13, amazon.com).'' For a high bun version, pull the hair up without the middle part. In both styles, loosen the thicker parts of the bun for that effortless, messy look. Both are quick and easy hairstyles for work.

Wide Bun on Long Hair

To achieve this style, start by applying texture spray from roots to ends. 'Part your hair down the middle (it doesn't need to be perfect) and create two ponytails on either side of the part, like pigtails,' advises Brager. 'Then, use a brush to lightly backcomb for volume, and spray the lengths of each ponytail with texture spray.'

Next, twist the ponytails around each other in a figure-eight shape and secure them at the base of each ponytail. 'To add more texture, gently pull the buns apart,' says Brager. 'Finish the look with a light-hold hairspray for lasting hold.'

Top Knot with a Middle Part

Start by leaving two thick sections of hair around your face, then gather the rest of your hair at the crown into a high ponytail, following an imaginary line from your cheekbone to the top of your head. Secure it with an elastic or bungee. 'Wrap the ponytail in one direction to form a bun and secure it with pins,' says Rago. 'Next, take the two larger strands of hair and bring them loosely back to pin them beneath the base of your ponytail—keep them loose for a relaxed look, or pull them back tighter, but don't worry about bumps, as the messy bun style thrives on imperfection.'

Bun with Curtain Bangs

With a middle part, sweep your hair back, covering the ears, and gather it into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. 'Twist the ponytail and secure it into a bun using a bungee or elastic,' says Rago. 'Next, twist the ponytail into a rope, and while holding it, push upward on the hair shaft to create flyaways; this trick will give your bun the desired messy effect once everything is secured.'

Wrap the twisted ponytail into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins. 'To lock the bobby pins in place, position the rigid side of the pin towards your head, leaving just enough space for the hair to be swept back,' she advises. 'For the short strands in front, use hairspray or styling product to keep the bangs or strands softly framing your face for a gentle and natural look.'