Messy buns are the ultimate go-to hairstyle for a casual yet chic look. They are perfect for busy days, lazy weekends, or even a quick outing. Here are 20 of the best messy buns to try that will keep you looking stylish without much effort.
1. Soft Messy High Bun
For a look that feels both feminine and relaxed, the soft but messy high bun is your go-to. Start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail, but don’t pull too tight—let it stay soft around the crown for a more romantic vibe. Twist the ponytail into a loose bun and pin it in place, leaving a few pieces of hair out to frame your face. This style is perfect when you want an easy, effortless look that still feels polished, making it ideal for casual outings or even a low-key date night.
2. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Pieces
This style involves leaving out some face-framing pieces while creating a messy bun. It adds softness to your look and is easy to achieve without heat tools.
3. Classic Messy Bun
The classic messy bun is a timeless favorite. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Let a few strands fall out for that effortless vibe.
4. Smooth On Top Messy Bun
For a polished look, keep the top of your hair smooth while allowing the back to be messy. This style combines elegance with casual flair.
5. Braided Chignon
This quick style involves braiding a section of hair before twisting it into a bun. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of texture without spending too much time.
6. Low and Loose Bun
For a more relaxed vibe, go for a low messy bun. This one sits at the nape of your neck and gives off an effortlessly chic, boho feel. It’s perfect for casual days when you want to keep things simple but stylish.
7. Half-Up Messy Bun
If you want to keep some hair down, the half-up messy bun is a great option. Gather the top half of your hair and loosely secure it into a messy bun, leaving the bottom half free for a more laid-back, fun look.
8. Braided Messy Bun
Add a little something extra to your messy bun by incorporating a braid. Start by braiding a section of your hair and then wrap the braid into a loose bun. It’s an easy way to take your bun to the next level while still keeping it casual.
9. Twisted Low Bun
For a quick and easy style that looks way more polished than it actually is, try a twisted low messy bun. Simply twist sections of your hair, pull them back into a bun, and let a few pieces fall loose around your face for a casual, beachy look.
10. Double Messy Buns
Why have one messy bun when you can have two? Double messy buns—think space buns, but messier—are perfect for when you want a fun and playful look. Just divide your hair in half and twist each section into a loose bun on either side of your head.
11. Messy Bun with Headband
Add a little accessory to your messy bun by pairing it with a cute headband. The headband keeps the front of your hair sleek, while the bun stays relaxed and casual. It’s a great way to dress up a simple messy bun.
12. Messy Bun with Bangs
If you’ve got bangs, embrace them with a messy bun. Gather your hair into a loose, high bun, letting your bangs frame your face. It’s a cute, casual look that’s great for showing off your fringe while keeping the rest of your hair out of the way.
13. Curly Messy Bun
Messy buns are perfect for curly hair because the natural texture adds even more volume and dimension to the look. Just pile your curls into a loose bun and let some ringlets fall out to keep it casual and carefree.
14. Side-Swept Messy Bun
For a slightly different take on the classic messy bun, sweep your hair to one side and secure it into a low, loose bun just behind your ear. It’s a soft, romantic style that still feels effortless and casual.
15. Messy Bun with a Scarf
Add a fun pop of color or pattern to your messy bun by tying a scarf around it. Wrap the scarf around the base of your bun and tie it into a bow or let the ends hang loose. It’s a super easy way to dress up your casual look.
16. Textured Messy Bun
For a messy bun with a little extra volume, tease your hair before pulling it into a bun. The added texture makes the bun look fuller and gives you that effortlessly undone, lived-in look.
17. Messy Top Knot
A top knot is a sleek variation of the high messy bun, but in this case, keep it loose and undone. Twist your hair into a knot on top of your head, leaving some strands out to soften the look and keep it casual.
18. Messy Bun w/ Hair Clip
A cute hair clip can totally elevate a messy bun. Pull your hair into a low, loose bun and secure it with a pretty claw clip. It’s an easy way to make your bun look more put together without losing that casual vibe.
19. The Slept-In Messy Bun
For those days when you want your hair to look like you just woke up (in a chic way), go for the slept-in messy bun. Pull your hair into a loose, high bun without worrying about making it perfect. Let some strands fall out naturally for that “I didn’t even try” vibe.
20. The Undone Bun
Bring back a little ‘90s flair with a messy bun secured with a scrunchie. Choose a bold, colorful scrunchie to give your bun a playful, retro vibe. The soft fabric of the scrunchie keeps the bun casual and fun while adding a touch of personality.
Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments xx!
