35 Messy Bun Hairstyles to Refresh Your Casual Look

It’s everywhere on your Instagram feed, you’ve heard of it, your friends are wearing it, and you’re probably itching to upgrade yours. You guessed correctly: the messy bun is the topic of discussion. Come along with us as we search for innovative ways to wear your hair in a bun that is anything but typical.

Although a bun updo is nothing new, the sparkle in each of the following hairstyles compels you to look twice.

1. Fringed Donut Style

This one is ranked highly on our list of adorable messy buns. It is, after all, a power combination of messy meets donut meets fringes, and it is just as simple to make as it appears. All you have to do is use your fingers to gently curl and twist little hair strands as you go. Also works with short bangs.

Source

2. Not-So-Messy Bun

It’s not as impossible to be organized and messy as your supervisor would have you think. If you have curly hair, this bun will give you the best of both worlds. It will be necessary for you to learn how to create a messy bun and refine it over time. The outcome is trustworthy enough for a meeting of the board.

Source: @hairbyjaxx

3. Peony Blossom Updo

This messy bun will transform the back of your head into a flourishing vase. Everything begins with a low ponytail, a few looped hair strands, and bobby pins. Next, hair fixators come along to help your hair grow from day to night.

Source: @kellymccormickhair

4. Curly Pastel Purple Bun

With this magical hairstyle that will turn heads wherever you go, you can embrace your inner child. A hint of green is the ideal complement to the purple, and the white flower hairpin is the ideal way to bring out the color. All year long, the thin braid will have you ready for spring.

Source

5. Low Bun with Medieval Braid

Buns and braids have been popular for a while; the inspiration for this hairstyle came from a time when there was no tutorial available. If you remember that the braiding strand is only decorative and should be the final step, it’s actually much easier than it looks. Simply tuck the braid’s tip inside your previously completed low bun before you are done.

Source

6. Messy Bun with Embellishment

There are many ways to style a messy bun, but this swept look with a flower is the cutest. A little glitz can be added to your final appearance with a variety of accessories, such as barrettes, jewels, flowers, butterflies, and bows.

Source: @nicoledrege

7. Side Braid Into Bun

Try this hairstyle on for size if you have unmanageable hair that you still love to wear long despite the drama involved. Beginning with a side braid, wrap the remaining hair around to the back of the head and create a low bun. Use bobby pins and a hair elastic to secure. What makes this style the best? You can let certain natural strands and tendrils hang loose.

Source: @christinagunnell

8. Crowned with a Colored Bun

While there are many uses for hair color, none are quite as much fun as creating a striking look. When you’re prepared to show off your unique style, dye the bottom part of your hair a vibrant color while keeping the roots natural. Twist your hair appropriately to highlight the color when you pull it up into a high bun.

Source: @detrashalee

9. Double Braid Messy Bun

Ladies with long hair know how important it is to have a variety of messy bun hairstyles on hand for those days when your mane just won’t cooperate. This elegant and seemingly complex style suits a wide range of hair textures and is perfect for every season.

Source: @alexsismae

10. Tucked Chignon

This chignon hairstyle is simple, sweet, and easy to achieve. Start by backcombing all of your hair roughly after brushing it straight back. After pulling hair back into a low ponytail, create a haphazard knot by crisscrossing and twisting sections of hair. Bobby pins are used to hold each section in place until the hair elastic is fully hidden. Wet hair makes this style easier to achieve. Additionally, air-dried hair naturally has a fun, messy vibe.

Source: @theprettyparlour

11. Business Bun

Should you spend most of your days in the office, you’ll need a go-to look that’s classy and professional without being overly complicated. Let me introduce you to the high bun hairstyle, which is a high ponytail wrapped around itself. To avoid looking overly harsh, leave a few loose strands on the sides and in the back.

Source: @rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty

12. Messy Bun with Bangs

Bangs are always in, so if you have long, medium-to-thick hair, you can definitely pull this style off. Instead of using a brush or comb, finger comb your hair into place for the ultimate messy bun. To complete the ensemble, add a bandana, headband, or ribbon.

Source: @headstudio

13. Twisted Style for Long Hair

Because you can easily modify hair twists to fit the length and texture of your own hair, they’re a great option. After brushing out hair, create a ponytail by twisting small or large sections of hair. Using hair pins, bind the remaining hair into a bun. For hair that stays in place all day, use a premium setting spray.

Source: @elstilespb

14. Voluminous Bun with Teased Roots

When it comes to high style with little effort, this hairstyle wins. This style, which is perfectly coiffed without drastically slicking down the hair, looks best on long, thin, or medium-textured hair. When it’s time to enjoy the nightlife, dress it up with darker makeup and jewelry or wear the bun during the day.

Source: @tonyastylist

15. Ageless Messy Bun

Not only are messy buns great for younger women, but people of all ages can pull them off. Try styling your hair in a low bun using just your fingers and no brush if you have more mature hair. It’s all about showcasing your free spirit, so don’t worry about making it perfect.

Source: @kykhair

16. Side Bun with Braided Headband

There are many ways to style messy buns beautifully, but if you want something different, try wearing a side bun with a braided headband. Your hair’s length and thickness will determine whether this style results in a bold, chunky look or a more understated, wispy beauty.

Source: @alliedoeshair

17. Braided Low Bun Updo

This hairstyle begins with a French braid that runs down the back of the head. The lower portion of the braid is twisted and tied into a low bun to finish the look. Why is it thrilling? the striking color contrast—bright purple against jet black—and the untidy vibe. There are tons of amazing color combinations; the only way to find your favorite is to give it a try.

Source: @stephhstyles

18. Crimped Messy Bun

Having trouble creating a messy bun that looks completely different? Bring back the crimped hairstyle of the 1980s by curling your hair before styling it. If you don’t have access to one of these irons, sleep with wet hair divided into tiny braids throughout your head.

Source: @shelleygregoryhair

19. Mini Messy Style

If you’re growing out your hair, you are aware of how frustrating it can be to have too few wearable styling options. If your hair is at least chin length, low buns can come to the rescue. Don’t worry if some strands or layers fall out; it will only enhance the overall fashionable, disheveled look you’re going for.

Source: @circlesofhair

20. Braids into Top Knot

Once more, attempt this top knot variation if your hair is thin or not too long. Restyle hair in a ponytail, leaving a few front sections free for braiding. After pulling the braids back, gather the remaining hair into a loose knot.

Source: @rootedhairstudiolq

21. Upside Down Braid and Bun

Turn your hair upside down and create a French braid that extends from the nape of your neck to the nape of your head. After wrapping your hair around an elastic, use a light setting spray. Simple or elaborate, cute messy buns are all lovely in their own unique ways.

Source: @anniesforgetmeknots

22. Side Swept Low Bun

Using just your fingers, divide the hair into three sections. Each section should be twisted and pinned in several places, ending with a sloppy bun twisted to one side. How ideal a mess!

Source: @ramsaymarstonhair

23. Messy Bun with Volume

This elegant style gives the hair more volume without going overboard. The messy bun look is instantly elevated from casual to formal with a bouffant. Highlights are a lovely added bonus when working with hairstyles that involve twisting and wrapping.

Source: @ellasbridalhair

24. High Bun with Flat Twists

Are you wondering how to add more creativity to a messy bun? The clue lies in the interwoven details. The key to making a statement with your hair is to combine a fishtail top bun with rope twist braids running the length of the head!

Source: @stephhstyles

25. Messy Twisted Bun

To add a delicate yet elegant detail to the straightforward style, gather all of the dried strands into a low bun and twist a section over the hair elastic. To soften this knot, wear it with side tendrils or bangs.

Source: @duyenhuynh

26. Parisian Chic Hairstyle

This appears to be a natural look. Take a cue from Parisian luxury and wear your messiest bun to an elegant gathering. Remember to apply your preferred hair fixator to ensure that your hair will remain intact throughout the day. To look put together and effortlessly Parisian chic, wear it with pearls and sunglasses.

Source

27. Long Side Braid Updo

This untidy bun for long hair will elevate your side braid to a new level. We realize it is difficult to believe, but this hairstyle serves as evidence that a braid and a bun can coexist peacefully. Try it at least once if you have highlights or different color shades.

Source

28. Cotton Candy Hairstyle

Is there a color degradation that is more captivating? This low bun conjures up images of unicorns and cotton candy with all of its twists and color depth. Once the color is decided upon, pay attention to the length. The loose hair that will frame your face shouldn’t reach your shoulders.

Source

29. Chunky Bun with Flowers

This hairstyle requires more creativity than technical proficiency. This is the messy bun hairstyle that allows the most creative freedom out of all of them. Consider it a garden; you can use real flowers fastened to bobby pins (you’ll need a lot of them) or hunt for hairpins with various flowers on them.

Source

30. Shades of Blue on the Side

Ideal for those days when you feel like making a bold statement. Simply show off with this simple side bun hairstyle. You’ll look good enough to pass for a movie star. Invites to appear in music videos and motion pictures will be showered upon those who dare to embrace the hues of silver, blue, and purple.

Source

31. Bohemian Chic Low Bun

This kind of messy bun always has an ethereal quality to it. We enter a different dimension when we combine neon colors with bohemian hair jewelry made of leather and metal. This is not a hairstyle you should wear every day; instead, save it for special events. Indeed, we find it sufficient that you feel an urgent need to flaunt how your rings complement your hairstyle.

Source: @liz.colors

32. Inverted Braid and Bun

You can wear this hairstyle in one of two ways: either your hair is very long or you don’t mind wearing hair extensions. This is where length matters most. You need enough hair to create a massive messy bun on top of your head and a thick inverted braid staring from the base of your head.

Source

33. Double Braided Side Bun

For girls with long hair who are sick of ponytails and plain donut buns but really need to refresh the neck area on sunny days, this style is perfect. Starting with the braids, we advise beginners to leave the remaining hair loose so that the ends of the braids can easily mesh to create the messy bun’s falling effect.

Source

34. Braided Casual ‘Do

Not every messy bun can claim to be 50% braid and 50% bun, but this one does. Simply begin your waterfall braid as usual, going slower and looser, and when you reach the halfway point, tie everything up in an untidy knot. Keep in mind that the hairband will be visible, so you may want to coordinate or contrast it with your attire.

Source

35. Twisted Messy Bun

Let’s perform the twist, come on. With this deep, twisted bun updo, you can rock any dance floor. If your highlights are as different as the one in the photo, your hair will look delicious—we’re talking ice cream swirl delicious—as well as rhythmic.

Source: @chitabeseau
Scroll to Top