15 Easy Messy Bun Hairstyles

Styling Tips

• Use a slightly stretched scrunchie to avoid denting the hair.
• Loosen the bun by gently pulling at the crown for instant lift.
• Pin stray pieces with bobby pins to keep shape without tightening the style.

⚠️ Avoid: Pulling the elastic too tight turns a messy bun into a tight knot; keep the hold relaxed. Skipping pins can make the style fall apart by midday.

🔄 Try Also: For a softer look, leave more face-framing pieces and curl them lightly. Twist one side into the bun for a tucked, romantic variation.

Items Used

• scrunchie
• bobby pins

Styling Tips

• Backcomb the ponytail base for extra hold and texture.
• Use a small hair elastic to secure the ponytail before knotting.
• Pull a few strands loose around the hairline for softness.

⚠️ Avoid: Wrapping the knot too tightly flattens the crown and looks severe; keep loops loose for a messy appearance. Neglecting to secure loose ends can make the bun unravel.

🔄 Try Also: Turn the top knot into a half-up top knot for a shorter look, or wrap a thin scarf around the base for playful color. Add a headband to tame flyaways.

Items Used

• hair elastic
• bobby pins

Styling Tips

• Loosen the braid as you go to create a fuller effect.
• Tuck braid ends into the bun and pin discreetly with bobby pins.
• Use a mini elastic to finish the braid before wrapping into the bun.

⚠️ Avoid: Making the braid too tight removes the relaxed look; keep it loose and pancake the sides for volume. Forgetting to secure braid ends can cause slipping.

🔄 Try Also: Try a double small braid before wrapping for more detail, or braid the opposite side for asymmetry. Swap a French braid for a Dutch braid for edge.

Items Used

• bobby pins
• small hair elastic

Styling Tips

• Tease the crown slightly before securing for subtle lift.
• Choose a decorative claw clip to make the bun feel intentional.
• Loosen strands around the face for a soft, lived-in look.

⚠️ Avoid: Making the half-up section too small looks unbalanced; take enough hair to visibly lift the crown. Over-tightening the clip removes the messy charm.

🔄 Try Also: Try a tiny braid integrated into the half-up section or swap the claw clip for a ribbon for a feminine twist. Let the bun sit lower for a relaxed vibe.

Items Used

• claw clip

Styling Tips

• Work with dry, defined curls to avoid frizz during styling.
• Secure with pins that match hair color to stay discreet.
• Pull small sections out to create a rounded, airy silhouette.

⚠️ Avoid: Squeezing curls into a tiny bun removes their natural volume; aim for a loose shape. Skipping discreet pins can let heavy curls slip out.

🔄 Try Also: Try a low messy bun for a softer profile, or add a thin headband to frame curls. For extra flair, weave a small braid into the bun.

Items Used

• bobby pins
• hair elastic

Styling Tips

• Choose a donut size slightly smaller than desired and loosen the hair around it for messiness.
• Use long pins or U-pins to secure heavier sections.
• Allow shorter layers to fall out naturally for softness.

⚠️ Avoid: Over-stretching hair over the donut makes the bun look too round and tight; keep sections loose. Skipping secure pins can cause slipping.

🔄 Try Also: Use two smaller donuts for a stacked bun look, or place the donut lower for a low sock bun variation. Twist a thin strand around the base for detail.

Items Used

• hair donut
• U-pins

Styling Tips

• Create loose waves beforehand to add texture and help pins grip.
• Anchor the bun with a few strong bobby pins near the nape.
• Loosen the bun by gently pulling sections for a softer look.

⚠️ Avoid: Placing the bun too high negates the side-swept effect; keep it low for romantic flow. Not hiding pin ends can make the style look messy unintentionally.

🔄 Try Also: Add a small braid along the hairline into the bun for detail, or tuck in a decorative pin for sparkle. Try a looser chignon for a refined option.

Items Used

• bobby pins

Styling Tips

• Work with dry, slightly texturized hair for grip during knotting.
• Secure each knot with discreet bobby pins or U-pins as needed.
• Loosen knots after pinning to create softness and movement.

⚠️ Avoid: Making knots too tight removes the messy aesthetic; keep twists loose and airy. Skipping pins at strategic points causes the style to sag.

🔄 Try Also: Create just two knots for a simpler version or add tiny braids into sections before knotting for extra detail. Place knots low for a softer profile.

Items Used

• bobby pins
• U-pins

Styling Tips

• Use a narrow scarf or silk ribbon to avoid bulk at the bun base.
• Let a few face-framing strands fall loose for softness.
• Secure the scarf with a hidden pin if needed to stop slipping.

⚠️ Avoid: Using a heavy scarf can weigh the bun down and look clunky; pick a light fabric. Wrapping too tightly removes the messy aesthetic.

🔄 Try Also: Try a patterned scarf for color or a solid ribbon for a minimalist look. Place the scarf off-center for asymmetry.

Items Used

• hair scarf
• bobby pins

Styling Tips

• Brush sides smooth but avoid flattening the crown to keep a soft shape.
• Insert the hair stick at a slight angle for hold and a modern look.
• Tuck shorter layers into the bun or let them softly escape.

⚠️ Avoid: Forcing the stick through too-thick sections can split the bun; use smaller sections or add a pin. Over-smoothing removes the relaxed feel.

🔄 Try Also: Use two thin sticks crossed for a statement, or leave a loose wisp near the ear for softness. Place the stick higher for a different silhouette.

Items Used

• hair stick
• bobby pins

Styling Tips

• Choose a non-slip headband to prevent shifting throughout the day.
• Place the headband slightly back for more crown volume.
• Let a few small strands fall forward for a softer look.

⚠️ Avoid: Putting the headband on before shaping the bun can mess the form; assemble the bun first. Using a slick headband may cause sliding—pick textured fabric.

🔄 Try Also: Swap the headband for a thin metallic band for dressier occasions or a patterned fabric for casual days. Try a low band placement for a vintage vibe.

Items Used

• headband

Styling Tips

• Start with slightly wavy or textured hair for better pin grip.
• Hide pin ends under tucked sections to keep the look seamless.
• Loosen the roll after pinning to reveal soft, messy loops.

⚠️ Avoid: Tucking every end tightly creates a severe look; leave some ends loose for softness. Not using enough pins can make the chignon slip out of shape.

🔄 Try Also: Place the chignon slightly to the side for an off-center feel, or add a thin ribbon at the base for subtle detail. Create two tucked loops for added texture.

Items Used

• bobby pins
• U-pins

Styling Tips

• Use clear or hair-colored elastics for a cohesive finish.
• Pancake each bubble by pulling at the sides for softness.
• Wrap the tail loosely into a bun to keep the playful vibe.

⚠️ Avoid: Making bubbles too tight makes the style look forced; keep them soft and rounded. Skipping pins at the bun base can let the tail slip loose.

🔄 Try Also: Create fewer, larger bubbles for a minimalist feel, or add a small braid into the tail before wrapping for detail. Place the bun lower for a softer silhouette.

Items Used

• small hair elastics
• bobby pins

Styling Tips

• Work with textured or slightly waved hair for better pin grip.
• Use short pins and bobby pins at varied angles for stronger hold.
• Keep twists loose and pancake them for perceived volume.

⚠️ Avoid: Tight twisting shrinks the visual volume; keep rotations loose. Using too-large pins can slip out of shorter layers—choose petite pins instead.

🔄 Try Also: Add a tiny braid at the temple before twisting for extra detail, or use a thin decorative elastic to gather the center. Place the knot slightly off-center for flair.

Items Used

• bobby pins
• short hair pins

Styling Tips

• Use a wide-tooth comb to keep waves natural before styling.
• Loosen the bun and tug at the crown for casual volume.
• Let lighter ends fall out for a lived-in, beachy finish.

⚠️ Avoid: Over-brushing waves removes the texture that makes the bun look beachy; handle gently. Tight bun formation will lose the relaxed vibe.

🔄 Try Also: Add a small braid near the temple for seaside flair, or place the bun high for a sporty beach look. Tie a bandana for a retro twist.

Items Used

• scrunchie
• bobby pins