70s Hairstyles for Updo Messy Buns That Look Like Effort but Feel Like Freedom

Introduction: Why the ’70s Messy Bun Still Rules Today

When it comes to hairstyles that echo both elegance and liberation, few rival the updo messy buns inspired by the 1970s. This decade wasn’t just about bell-bottoms, disco, and flower power—it was a cultural movement that translated rebellion, femininity, and individuality into beauty trends. And at the center of it all? Hair that looked like effort but felt like absolute freedom.

From bouffants to curtain bangs, from shaggy layers to boho buns—the ‘70s weren’t just about style, they were about statement. And in today’s fast-paced world, women are rediscovering the charm of hairstyles that don’t demand perfection but rather celebrate authenticity.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the art of messy buns with a retro twist. Whether you want a voluminous bouffant bun or a soft, face-framing chignon with curtain bangs, you’re about to get a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide on how to revive the most iconic ‘70s updos—with a modern breath of fresh air.

The 1970s Messy Bun Philosophy: Intentional Imperfection

The ‘70s was the first time mainstream beauty embraced imperfection as a choice. Messy wasn’t careless—it was intentional. It was that “I woke up like this” energy before it became a hashtag.

What Makes the ‘70s Messy Bun So Special?

• Effortless Volume: Teased roots and fluffy crowns gave buns that exaggerated yet elegant height.
• Natural Texture: Curls, waves, and frizz weren’t hidden—they were highlighted.
• Soft Face Framing: Wispy strands and curtain bangs softened strong updos.
• Personal Flair: From floral clips to paisley scarves, accessorizing became personal branding.

The essence of these buns? They didn’t lock your hair into place—they set it free.

Getting Started: What You’ll Need for the Perfect ‘70s Messy Bun

Before diving into styling techniques, it helps to have the right tools and mindset.

Essential Styling Products:

• Volumizing Mousse or Spray: For building structure from the roots.
• Texturizing Spray or Dry Shampoo: To enhance grip and create “second-day hair” feel.
• Strong Hold Pins & Hair Elastics: These keep your bun secure while allowing soft movement.
• Boar Bristle Teasing Brush or Fine-Tooth Comb: Crucial for gentle backcombing.
• Soft Hair Accessories: Think silk scarves, velvet headbands, or vintage combs.

Prep Step: Embrace the Imperfect Base

Second-day hair or slightly damp hair with mousse works best. If your hair is too clean or too silky, use dry shampoo to add texture. The ‘70s bun thrives on grit, texture, and volume.

1. The Classic Voluminous ’70s Messy Bun

The queen of all retro-inspired buns. Equal parts bouffant and undone elegance.

How to Create It:

1. Start With Volume: Apply mousse at the crown and blow-dry upside down.
2. Tease the Roots: Backcomb the top and crown area in small sections.
3. Loosely Gather Hair Into a High Ponytail: Don’t smooth the surface too much.
4. Twist and Coil Hair Into a Bun: Secure with pins, letting ends stick out naturally.
5. Pull Out Face-Framing Pieces: Lightly curl them for that effortless vibe.
6. Set With Flexible Hairspray: You want hold, not helmet.

Pro Tip: Tug slightly at the top of the bun to create an undone puff that screams vintage cool.

2. The Bouffant Bun: Volume Meets Romance

This is where the elegance of the ‘60s meets the boho rebellion of the ‘70s.

Why It Works:

• Enhances the profile with dramatic height.
• Great for weddings, parties, or statement events.

Styling Breakdown:

• Backcomb the Entire Crown Section: This is your bouffant base.
• Use a Hair Padding or Sock Bun if needed for fullness.
• Smooth the Top Layer Over the Teased Sections: Use a bristle brush.
• Twist Remaining Hair Into a Low Bun: Secure with U-pins or bobby pins.
• Accent With Accessories: Velvet ribbon or a pearl clip does wonders.

3. Bohemian Messy Buns With Braided Elements

Think music festivals, barefoot dancing, and daisies in your hair.

Create the Look:

1. Section Out Two Small Front Pieces: You’ll braid these later.
2. Tease the Crown Lightly: Not too much—boho is more relaxed.
3. Gather Hair Into a Loose Low Bun: Let layers fall out naturally.
4. Braid the Front Pieces and Wrap Them Around the Bun: Pin in place.
5. Finish With a Floral Clip or Scarf Tie: Flower child approved.

This look feels romantic, youthful, and grounded in natural texture.

4. The Curtains & Curls Combo: Soft & Chic

Pairing curtain bangs with loose curls in a bun captures the soft, feminine energy of the decade.

Steps:

• Style Curtain Bangs First: Blow-dry using a round brush for that iconic swoop.
• Curl the Rest of Your Hair Loosely: Use a 1.25-inch barrel.
• Tease Lightly at the Crown: Add volume without going full bouffant.
• Twist into a Mid-Height Bun: Keep the curl pattern visible.
• Let a Few Curls Fall Around Your Face: The more natural, the better.

This combo flatters nearly every face shape and works beautifully for medium to long hair lengths.

5. The Shaggy Bun: Wild Meets Polished

If your hair is layered or you have a modern shag haircut, this one’s made for you.

Why It Works:

• Uses your natural layers as an advantage.
• Creates volume and movement effortlessly.

How-To:

• Add Dry Shampoo at the Roots: Lift and separate the strands.
• Tease Mid-Lengths for Fuller Texture: Especially if hair is fine.
• Twist Into a Loose, Low Bun: Pin it loosely.
• Let Layers Pop Out Around the Bun: This gives that carefree texture.
• Add Curtain Bangs or Wispy Tendrils to highlight cheekbones.

It’s controlled chaos—and that’s the point.

6. Adding Accessories With Retro Personality

Accessories made a statement in the ‘70s, and they still do today.

Must-Try Add-Ons:

• Silk Scarves: Tie around the bun or use as a headband.
• Statement Hair Clips: Think metallics, tortoiseshell, or floral.
• Oversized Sunglasses: Add instant glam if you’re on the go.
• Vintage Hair Combs or Barrettes: Anchor your look with character.

Pro Styling Tip:

Choose one statement accessory rather than multiple. The bun should be the canvas—your accessory is the art.

7. Embracing Natural Texture: Coils, Waves & Everything In Between

One of the greatest gifts of the 70s was the freedom to let your hair just be. The best messy buns often come from texture that’s unforced.

For Curly Hair:

• Moisturize Before Styling: Use a leave-in or curl cream.
• Use Fingers, Not Brushes: Preserve the curl pattern.
• Form the Bun With Gentle Twists: Secure in place without flattening.

For Wavy or Coarse Hair:

• Enhance Texture With Sea Salt Spray.
• Don’t Overwork the Hair: Let your hair find its natural shape.
• Tuck & Pin Loosely: Embrace volume and softness.

8. Face-Framing Layers: The Unsung Hero of Every Updo

Want a messy bun that flatters your face every time? Ask your stylist for long layers that graze your cheekbones and jawline.

Why Layers Matter:

• Add movement to updos.
• Prevent a heavy or bulky appearance.
• Highlight your features subtly.

Maintenance Tip: Get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep your layers fresh and avoid split ends from stealing the spotlight.

9. Modern Twists on the Retro Bun

Even though these buns are inspired by the past, you can always make them your own with subtle updates.

Modern Takes:

• Mini Top Knot with Messy Texture: Especially flattering on short hair.
• Half-Up Half-Down Messy Bun: Combines movement with structure.
• Bubble Buns with Retro Bangs: Playful and Instagram-worthy.
• Low Twisted Bun with a Sharp Middle Part: The modern minimalism of the ‘70s.

10. How to Make It Last All Day

A messy bun shouldn’t mean a messy experience.

Longevity Checklist:

• Start With Product-Ready Hair: Mousse, dry shampoo, or salt spray.
• Secure Strategically: Crisscross bobby pins for hold.
• Use Hairspray With Flexibility: Keeps shape without stiffness.
• Pack Emergency Pins in Your Bag: For quick touch-ups.
• Avoid Touching It Constantly: Let it be, let it move.

Final Thoughts: Freedom, Femininity & Fearlessness—All in One Bun

A messy updo in the spirit of the ‘70s is more than a hairstyles—it’s a declaration. It says you value effort but not perfection, comfort but not compromise, and expression over convention.

Whether you’re throwing it up before a busy day, styling for a summer wedding, or channeling boho vibes at a music festival, remember that your bun doesn’t have to be flawless to be fabulous.

Let it fly, let it frame, let it feel like you. That’s what true style—especially vintage style—is all about.