Sometimes, the best hairstyles are the ones that look like you barely tried. The messy hair bun is the perfect example of effortless style. It’s that go-to look for busy mornings, a quick fix for second-day hair, or a chic choice for a night out. It’s forgiving, fast, and somehow manages to look both put-together and perfectly undone.
If you’ve ever struggled to get that just right amount of casual texture, you’re not alone. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s a beautiful, slightly rumpled look that feels personal and easy. Let’s walk through how you can create your own perfect messy bun in just a few simple steps.
Creating Your Effortless Messy Bun
Start with hair that isn’t freshly washed. Day-old hair has more natural texture and grip, which helps the bun hold its shape. If your hair is very clean or slippery, a light spritz of texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots can add the necessary grit.
Flip your head over and gather all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Don’t worry about making it neat—a few stray pieces are welcome. Instead of using a regular hair tie, consider a coiled or spiral hair tie; they are gentler and help create a looser, fuller bun.
The Simple Twist and Tuck Method
Hold the base of your ponytail with one hand. With your other hand, gently twist the length of your hair. Don’t twist it tightly; a loose, relaxed twist is what we’re after. Next, begin wrapping the twisted hair around the base of the ponytail.
As you wrap, let the hair coil naturally. Don’t try to force it into a perfect circle. Once you’ve wrapped all the hair, use your other hand to gently pull at the edges of the bun. Loosen sections to make it look fuller and more textured. The key is to create a soft, cloud-like shape rather than a tight, compact one.
Securing Your Style with Flair
Now, secure the bun with the hair tie. You only need to loop it two or three times to keep it in place without making it too tight. For extra hold and a bit of decorative flair, you can slide a few bobby pins into the underside of the bun where they won’t be seen.
This is the most important step for the messy part. Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces around your temples and forehead. Then, using your fingertips, gently tug on small sections all over the bun to create volume and a beautifully undone effect. The more you pull and loosen, the more effortless it will look.
Finishing Touches for a Lasting Look
If you have flyaways or pieces that won’t stay, a light-hold hairspray or a dab of hair serum can smooth them without making your hair look stiff. For an even more textured, piecey look, you can lightly backcomb the crown of your hair before you start, or use a texturizing spray all over for extra grip and volume.
The beauty of the messy bun is its versatility. It works for straight, wavy, and curly hair alike, and it’s a style that truly gets better the less you fuss with it. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create this easy, stylish look in under a minute, making it your new secret weapon for looking great with minimal effort.