You’ve always admired the effortless beauty of a messy bun hairstyle, but never quite knew how to create it yourself. Well, fret no more! In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to achieve the perfect messy bun hairstyle. Whether you’re heading to a casual outing or a special event, this hairstyle is versatile and can be easily customized to suit any occasion. So, grab your hair tie and get ready to master the art of the messy bun!
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Choosing the Right Hair Length
When it comes to achieving a perfect messy bun hairstyle, one of the first things to consider is your hair length. The length of your hair will determine how easy or challenging it is to create the desired look.
Consider your hair length
If you have long hair, you have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to styling your messy bun. On the other hand, if you have shorter hair, you may need to get a bit creative to achieve the desired look. Let’s explore suitable hair lengths for a messy bun hairstyle and some options for shorter hair.
Suitable hair length for a messy bun hairstyle
For a classic messy bun, hair that reaches at least the nape of your neck is ideal. This length allows you to gather all the hair easily and create a voluminous bun. However, don’t worry if your hair falls a bit shorter or longer than that. With some styling techniques and accessories, you can still achieve a fabulous messy bun regardless of hair length.
Options for shorter hair
If you have shorter hair, don’t despair. While a traditional messy bun might be more challenging to achieve, there are still plenty of options for you to explore. One popular choice is the half-up messy bun, where you gather only the top half of your hair into a bun, leaving the rest down. This style works well with shoulder-length to chin-length hair and adds a touch of casual chic to your look.
Prepping Your Hair
Before diving into creating a messy bun, it’s essential to prepare your hair properly. Proper hair preparation sets the foundation for a long-lasting and stylish messy bun.
Wash and condition your hair
Start by washing and conditioning your hair with products suitable for your hair type. Clean hair provides a better canvas for styling and ensures that your messy bun stays fresh throughout the day. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water, avoiding any rough towel rubbing that may lead to frizz.
Apply styling products for texture
For added texture and hold, apply a styling product to your damp hair before blow-drying or air-drying. Texturizing mousse or sea salt spray can work wonders for creating a messy bun that has enough grip and volume. Focus on the mid-length to ends of your hair, avoiding the roots to prevent the hair from looking greasy.
Consider using dry shampoo
If you have fine or oily hair, dry shampoo can be a game-changer for creating a textured and voluminous messy bun. Apply dry shampoo to your roots, focusing on the crown area, and gently massage it into your scalp. This will soak up any excess oil and add instant lift to your hair, making it easier to work with.
Comb or brush your hair
Before starting the messy bun creation process, comb or brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. This step ensures that your hair is smooth and manageable, making it easier to gather and style. Use a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush to minimize breakage, especially if you have curly or textured hair.
Creating the Messy Bun
Now that your hair is prepped and ready, it’s time to dive into creating the actual messy bun. There are several steps you can follow to achieve the perfect messy bun hairstyle.
Gather your hair in a high or low ponytail
Start by gathering your hair into a ponytail, either at the crown of your head for a high messy bun or at the nape of your neck for a low messy bun. Use a hair tie that matches your hair color to secure the ponytail tightly. Make sure to leave a few loose strands at the front for a more relaxed and effortless look.
Twist or wrap the ponytail
Once you have secured the ponytail, twist it loosely or wrap it around the base of the ponytail to create a bun shape. The key here is to keep the bun loose and undone. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the messier, the better!
Secure the bun with bobby pins
To ensure that your messy bun stays in place, use bobby pins to secure it. Start by inserting a few bobby pins around the base of the bun, making sure to hide them underneath the hair for a seamless look. If needed, use more bobby pins strategically to secure any loose sections or flyaways.
Add hair accessories (optional)
If you want to elevate your messy bun and add a touch of flair, consider adding some hair accessories. Hairpins with pearls or barrettes with decorative designs can instantly transform your messy bun into a more stylish and eye-catching hairstyle. Experiment with different accessories to find the one that suits your personal style and the occasion.
Adding Volume and Texture
To take your messy bun to the next level, adding volume and texture is key. These tips will help you achieve a more lived-in and effortless look.
Tease your hair
Teasing or backcombing your hair can create instant volume and texture, perfect for a messy bun. Take small sections of hair at the crown area and gently tease them with a fine-toothed comb or a teasing brush. This technique helps build a strong base for your messy bun and creates the illusion of thicker hair.
Use a texturizing spray
Another way to add texture and grip to your hair is by using a texturizing spray. This product adds a bit of grit to your hair, making it easier to style and giving your messy bun a more undone look. Spray the texturizing spray onto your hair, focusing on the roots and mid-length to ends, and scrunch your hair with your fingers to distribute the product evenly.
Curl or wave your hair
If you have straight or slightly wavy hair, adding some curls or waves can amp up the texture and dimension of your messy bun. You can use a curling iron, a flat iron, or even heatless curling methods like braiding or twisting damp hair before going to bed. Once you have created the curls or waves, lightly tousle them with your fingers to loosen them up and create a more effortless look.
Loosen the bun for a more relaxed look
To make your messy bun look even more laid-back and natural, gently pull at the bun’s edges to loosen it up. This step adds volume and creates a more relaxed silhouette. Be careful not to pull too hard or mess up the bun’s shape; the goal is to create controlled messiness.
Making it Secure
While a messy bun is meant to look effortless, you still want it to stay in place throughout the day. Here are some tips to make your messy bun secure and long-lasting.
Use more bobby pins for extra hold
If you find that your messy bun tends to unravel easily, using more bobby pins can provide the extra hold you need. Insert additional bobby pins around the bun, focusing on the loose sections or any areas that feel unstable. Make sure to hide the bobby pins well within the hair for a seamless finish.
Spray with hairspray
To set your messy bun and ensure it stays in place, give it a spritz of hairspray. Choose a hairspray with medium to strong hold and hold the can about 12 inches away from your head. Lightly mist the hairspray over your entire bun, focusing on the roots and any areas where you added bobby pins. This will help secure your messy bun and prevent it from shifting or coming undone.
Try using a hair tie with hooks
If traditional hair ties tend to slip out of your hair or fail to provide enough hold, consider using a hair tie with hooks. These specialized hair ties have hooks or clasps that secure the hair in place more effectively, making it easier to create a secure messy bun. Look for these types of hair ties in beauty supply stores or online.
Avoid using elastics alone
While elastics are commonly used for creating ponytails, they may not provide the necessary hold for a messy bun hairstyle. Opting for bobby pins, hair ties with hooks, or a combination of both ensures that your messy bun stays secure and intact throughout the day.
Styling Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the classic messy bun, it’s time to explore some styling variations to keep things interesting. These variations can add a unique touch to your hairstyle and suit different occasions or personal preferences.
Half-up messy bun
The half-up messy bun is the perfect hairstyle for those who want to show off both their bun and their flowing locks. Start by sectioning off the upper half of your hair, leaving the rest down. Create a messy bun with the top section, following the steps mentioned earlier. This style is versatile and works well for both casual and more formal settings.
Messy top knot
The messy top knot is a chic and effortless hairstyle that adds a touch of sophistication to your look. To create this style, gather all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Twist the ponytail into a bun shape and secure it with bobby pins. This variation works well for both casual and dressier occasions.
Braided messy bun
If you want to take your messy bun to the next level, incorporating braids can add visual interest and texture. Start by creating a traditional messy bun, leaving a small section of hair out. Braid the small section and wrap it around the base of the bun, securing it with bobby pins. This style adds an element of boho-chic and works well for outdoor events or casual gatherings.
Side-swept messy bun
For an elegant twist on the classic messy bun, try a side-swept variation. Gather your hair to one side of your head and create a messy bun slightly above your shoulder. This style adds a touch of romance and sophistication, making it ideal for weddings, parties, or any formal event.
Suitability for Different Occasions
One of the great things about the messy bun hairstyle is its versatility. It can be worn for various occasions, from casual everyday looks to formal events or weddings.
Casual everyday look
The messy bun is perfect for achieving a casual and carefree look on a day-to-day basis. Whether you’re running errands, meeting friends for brunch, or simply lounging at home, a messy bun adds a stylish touch to any outfit. Pair it with your favorite jeans and a cozy sweater for an effortlessly chic ensemble.
Work or office hairstyle
The messy bun can also be appropriate for the workplace, depending on the dress code and your personal style. To make it office-friendly, ensure that your messy bun looks polished and controlled. Avoid leaving too many loose strands or flyaways and keep the overall look neat. Pair your bun with tailored trousers and a crisp blouse for a professional yet stylish appearance.
Event or party hairstyle
For social gatherings, parties, or events, the messy bun can be dressed up with the right accessories and styling techniques. Consider adding decorative hairpins, sparkly barrettes, or a flower crown to elevate your messy bun and make it more glamorous. This hairstyle pairs well with cocktail dresses or dressy tops and skirts, adding a touch of effortless elegance to your look.
Wedding or formal occasion
The messy bun can also be a beautiful and romantic hairstyle choice for weddings and formal occasions. With the right styling, you can create a messy bun that complements your dress and adds a touch of whimsy to your overall bridal look. Pair it with delicate hair accessories or a veil to complete the bridal ensemble.
Face Shape Considerations
When choosing a hairstyle, including the messy bun, it’s essential to consider your face shape. Certain variations of the messy bun can complement different face shapes and enhance your natural features.
Round face shape
If you have a round face shape, a messy bun with some height at the crown can help create the illusion of length. Avoid sleek and low buns, as they may make your face appear rounder. Instead, opt for variations with volume at the top or side-swept styles that visually elongate your face.
Oval face shape
Those with an oval face shape are fortunate, as they can pull off almost any hairstyle, including the messy bun. Whether you choose a high, low, or side-swept bun, it is likely to flatter your facial proportions. Feel free to experiment with different variations and find the one that suits your personal style.
Square face shape
For a square face shape, a messy bun with soft and wispy tendrils can help soften the angles of your face. Avoid tight hairstyles or sleek buns that accentuate the squareness. Instead, opt for variations with a bit of looseness and texture, as they can create a more balanced and harmonious look.
Heart face shape
If you have a heart-shaped face, a messy bun with some volume around the jawline can help balance out the narrower forehead. Consider adding some loose strands around your face to soften the appearance. Avoid slicked-back or tight styles that accentuate the heart shape, opting instead for softer and more relaxed messy buns.
Fixing Common Issues
While creating a messy bun is generally a simple process, some common issues may arise. Here are some tips to tackle these challenges and maintain a flawless messy bun.
Dealing with shorter layers
If you have shorter layers that tend to fall out of your bun or create a messy appearance, don’t fret. Use bobby pins strategically to secure these shorter layers into the bun or around its edges. You can also experiment with smoothing them with a bit of hair wax or styling cream to help them blend in seamlessly.
Fixing loose sections
Sometimes, certain sections of your messy bun might feel loose or unraveled. Use additional bobby pins to secure these sections and anchor them more firmly. If needed, lightly mist the loose sections with hairspray before pinning them down to create a stronghold.
Taming frizz and flyaways
Frizz and flyaways are common enemies when styling a messy bun. To combat these issues, use a small amount of anti-frizz serum or hair oil and lightly smooth it over your hair. Alternatively, you can spritz some hairspray onto a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush and gently comb down any flyaways or frizzy sections.
Creating balance and symmetry
Creating a messy bun that looks intentionally messy rather than disheveled can be a fine line to tread. To achieve balance and symmetry, step back from the mirror and assess your bun from different angles. Make any necessary adjustments by pulling on the bun’s edges, rearranging loose strands, or inserting bobby pins strategically to achieve the desired look.
Accessorizing Your Messy Bun
To add an extra touch of style and personality to your messy bun, consider incorporating hair accessories. These accessories can elevate your hairstyle and make it more unique and eye-catching.
Using hairpins or barrettes
Hairpins and barrettes are great for adding a touch of sparkle or sophistication to your messy bun. Choose accessories with delicate designs, pearls, or crystals to enhance your hairstyle. Place them strategically around your bun or use them to secure loose strands for added flair.
Decorative hair combs
Decorative hair combs are an excellent choice for larger events or special occasions. They can be used to hold your messy bun in place while adding a beautiful and intricate design element to your hairstyle. Look for combs with flowers, gemstones, or vintage-inspired designs to achieve a stunning look.
Headbands and scarves
Headbands and scarves are versatile accessories that can be used to enhance your messy bun. Opt for headbands with decorative details, such as bows or embellishments, that complement your outfit. Scarves can be tied around the base of your messy bun or used as a headband, adding a pop of color or pattern to your hairstyle.
Flower crowns or hair vines
For a bohemian or romantic touch, flower crowns or hair vines can be the perfect accessory for your messy bun. Choose crown or vine designs that match your personal style and the occasion. These accessories can add a whimsical and ethereal element to your messy bun, making it truly unforgettable.
By following these steps, tips, and variations, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect messy bun hairstyle. Whether you’re rocking it casually or for a special occasion, the messy bun is a versatile and effortlessly chic option that suits a wide range of hair lengths and face shapes. Embrace the controlled chaos and enjoy the stylish and carefree vibe that a messy bun brings to your look!
