How Do I Make A Messy Bun Hairstyle - Hair Style Inspirations

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’ve probably stared at those effortlessly chic messy buns on Instagram and thought, “How the heck do they make that look so good without looking like they just got caught in a windstorm?” Same.

Well, you’re not alone. I’ve been there frustrated, bobby pins in my mouth, hair tie snapping like it’s out for blood. But hey, after more trials than I’d like to admit, I’ve figured out the messy bun magic. And I promise, it’s not that hard. So let’s get into it, friend to friend.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Messy Buns

Let’s be honest messy buns are the sweatpants of hairstyles. Cozy, cute, effortless (when done right), and they go with pretty much anything. Whether you’re hitting brunch or pretending to be productive while binge-watching Netflix, this look just works.

But wait what is a messy bun, really?

It’s not a bird’s nest. It’s not “I just rolled out of bed and gave up.” A proper messy bun is:

Loose but intentional
Voluminous yet secure
Stylishly undone not actually undone

Basically, it says, “I care, but like… not that much.” And that’s the vibe, right?

What You’ll Need (Yes, Tools Matter)

Let’s gather the essentials before you start yanking your hair around like a maniac:

Hair tie: Preferably one that doesn’t snap mid-bun.
Bobby pins: Your new BFFs.
Texturizing spray or dry shampoo: Adds grip and volume.
Comb or brush: For teasing and taming flyaways.
Optional: Hair donut, scrunchie, or claw clip for alternate styles.

FYI: You don’t have to use all these, but having options never hurt anyone.

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Messy Bun Like You Know What You’re Doing

Let’s break it down like a TikTok tutorial but without the 100 takes and dramatic transitions.

Step 1: Start with Dirty (or Textured) Hair

I’m not saying skip showers. But messy buns love second- or third-day hair. It’s got the grip and volume that squeaky clean strands just don’t.

No texture? No problem:

Use dry shampoo to fake it.
Spray on texturizing mist and give it a little tousle.

Step 2: Pull Your Hair into a Ponytail

Decide how high or low you want your bun. IMO, high buns = bold and sassy, low buns = casual and chill.

Use your fingers instead of a brush for that messy, lived-in look.
Don’t stress about bumps. They’re kinda the point.

Step 3: Twist, Loop, and Flop

Yep. That’s the official terminology (okay, not really).

Twist your ponytail loosely.
Wrap it around the base to form a bun shape.
Secure with a hair tie, but don’t wrap it too tight—we want volume, not a ballet bun from 4th grade.

Pro Tips to Upgrade Your Messy Bun Game

Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s get a little fancy.

Add Volume with Teasing

Want that Pinterest-worthy puff? Tease the ponytail before wrapping it. Just backcomb lightly with a fine-tooth comb, and you’re golden.

Pull, Pin, Fluff

After securing the bun:

Pull out a few face-framing strands for that soft, romantic vibe.
Pin down any weird loops or flyaways that look more “static shock” than stylish.
Fluff the bun by gently tugging at sections. It gives dimension without making it fall apart (hopefully ).

Quick Messy Bun Variations (Because One Style Isn’t Enough)

Tired of the classic? Try these spins:

The Half-Up Messy Bun

Perfect for lazy days when you still want to look like you tried.

Pull the top half of your hair into a bun.
Leave the rest down curled, straight, or somewhere in between.

The Claw Clip Bun

Because 90s vibes are back and thriving.

Twist hair up.
Clip with a chunky claw.
Pull a few pieces loose. Done and done.

The Bedhead Bun

AKA: The “Oops, I forgot I had a Zoom meeting in 2 minutes” bun.

Flip your head upside down.
Tie a loose bun on top.
Pull out strands and pretend you meant to look this disheveled.

Common Messy Bun Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Let’s be real, some messy buns look like chaos. Here’s how to dodge that disaster:

Too tight = not messy. Loosen up, babe.
Too many bobby pins? It shouldn’t feel like armor.
Over-teased hair becomes a rat’s nest. Tease lightly.
Wrong hair tie = breakage. Use fabric ties or scrunchies when possible.

Pro tip: If you look in the mirror and think, “Did I just fight a raccoon?”—start over.

So… Is the Messy Bun Worth the Hype?

In a word? Yes. It’s the holy grail of “cute without effort” hairstyles. And once you nail it, you’ll start doing it for everything errands, date nights, impromptu selfies, you name it.

And hey, worst case scenario? You slap on some big sunglasses, call it “model off-duty,” and no one’s the wiser.

Final Thoughts: You Got This, Bun Queen

Look, making a messy bun isn’t about perfection. It’s about embracing the perfectly imperfect. Some days it’s going to work on the first try. Other days, you’ll threaten to shave your head (been there). But with a little practice and a lot of dry shampoo, you’ll totally master it.

Next time you stare in the mirror wondering “How do I make a messy bun hairstyle look good?” remember this: you already know how. You just needed a friend (me ) to talk you through it.

Now grab that hair tie and show that bun who’s boss.