Messy Bun Hairstyles That Let the Wind In and Still Look Like Love

Intro: Where Whimsy Meets Romance

You know that feeling when the wind brushes through your hair and you don’t even care because you’re glowing in a perfectly imperfect bun? That’s what a messy bun can do—especially when love is in the air.

Whether you’re walking down the aisle, stepping into a summer garden party, or simply craving something that whispers romance and effortless elegance, the messy bun remains the queen of casual glam. And here’s the secret—it doesn’t take hours to create, and the less perfect it looks, the more magical it becomes.

This guide is more than a collection of hairstyles—it’s a love letter to texture, spontaneity, and the kind of hair that moves with you. Get ready to explore 14 stunning messy bun hairstyles that are both enchanting and achievable. Plus, we’ll give you pro tips, step-by-step breakdowns, ideal hair types, accessory ideas, and style pairings to make your look unforgettable.

Let’s let the wind in, shall we?

🌸 1. Romantic Low Messy Bun

Ideal For: All hair textures, shoulder-length and longer
Best Paired With: Lace gowns, veils, vintage jewelry

This style is the embodiment of elegance that’s soft, tender, and touched with grace. Positioned low at the nape, it allows face-framing curls to softly sway with every breeze.

How to Achieve It:

1. Prep your hair with a light curl using a wand or iron.
2. Gently tease the crown for volume.
3. Pull hair into a loose ponytail near the nape and secure with a clear elastic.
4. Twist and wrap sections around the base, pinning softly.
5. Let tendrils fall out naturally—or tug gently to create them.

Pro Tip: Apply a flexible-hold texturizing spray to keep it airy without stiffness.

🌿 2. Twisted Crown Messy Bun

Ideal For: Medium to long hair
Vibe: Boho bride meets Grecian goddess

If you want a halo of romance encircling your bun, this one’s for you. The twisted crown brings a soft regal feel while the loose bun keeps things grounded in effortless beauty.

Step-by-Step:

• Part your hair on one side.
• Create two twist sections, starting at the temples and moving back.
• Secure both twists at the back of your head.
• Gather the remaining hair into a messy bun below the crown.
• Pin and tug for softness.

Accessories: Add baby’s breath, gold pins, or sparkly clips for a whimsical touch.

✨ 3. Messy Bun With Pearl Accessories

Best For: Brides or formal events
Face Shape: Oval, heart, round

Pearls are the epitome of grace and adding them to a textured messy bun creates a harmony of luxury and minimalism.

How to:

• Form a messy bun (high or low).
• Pin random pearl clips or use pearl-tipped bobby pins.
• Lightly curl face-framing tendrils for softness.

Why It Works: Pearls reflect light subtly and elevate even the most tousled buns.

🎞️ 4. Vintage Glam Messy Bun

Perfect For: Retro-themed weddings, garden soirées
Recommended Hair: Medium-thick, with or without bangs

This bun is structured, but still soft. Think Grace Kelly meets wind-kissed romance.

How to Get the Look:

• Use a volumizing mousse and blow dry with a round brush.
• Create soft waves with a wide-barrel curling iron.
• Backcomb the crown slightly for lift.
• Form a low bun, twist sections like ropes and pin under.
• Accessorize with a vintage pin, brooch, or lace ribbon.

Pro Styling Tip: A side-swept bang adds a dramatic vintage flair.

🍃 5. Delicate Vine Wrap Messy Bun

For: Whimsical outdoor weddings
Pairs With: Floral crowns, garden gowns

If you’re dreaming of ethereal energy, this vine-wrapped bun brings the magic. It mimics nature’s own rhythm with wrapped strands and soft, curled pieces escaping for movement.

Steps:

• Curl your hair with a wand.
• Create a loose low bun.
• Weave a vine-style accessory through and around the bun.
• Tug and twist to make the shape feel organic and soft.

Add-On: Small flowers or crystals in the vine will amplify the fairy-tale vibe.

🖤 6. Sleek and Messy Bun Combo

For the Modern Bride
Great With: Satin gowns, off-the-shoulder dresses

This style plays with contrast. The crown is smooth, polished, and clean—while the bun is free, airy, and romantic.

How-To:

• Flat iron the top half for a glassy finish.
• Pull hair into a tight ponytail.
• Use dry shampoo and teasing to create volume in the pony.
• Form a messy bun using pins and twists.

Insider Tip: Add gel only to the crown for long-lasting sleekness without stiffening the bun.

💫 7. Textured Updo Messy Bun

Ideal Hair: Medium to thick with layers
Look: Effortless elegance

If you want depth, movement, and a little “undone” chic, a textured updo delivers. It works especially well for engagement photos and semi-formal events.

Instructions:

• Spray dry shampoo for texture.
• Use fingers to gather sections and pin randomly into a bun shape.
• Pull out side tendrils and back strands for a halo effect.

Style Match: Flowy dresses or open-back gowns

🕊️ 8. Elegant Chignon Messy Bun

For: Classic and minimalist brides
Hair Type: Straight or wavy

The elegant chignon bun stays close to tradition but lets loose a little with gentle twists and soft framing.

How to Create It:

• Smooth the hair into a low pony.
• Twist the length and wrap into a chignon at the base.
• Loosen the twist slightly for texture.
• Pull 1–2 strands to frame the face.

Finishing Touch: Use a light shine mist for a polished finish without stiffness.

🐚 9. Messy Bun With Fishtail Braid

For: Artistic, playful brides
Ideal Hair: Long and thick

A fishtail braid woven into a messy bun adds fantasy and flair.

How-To:

• Create a fishtail braid with one section from the front or side.
• Pull the rest of the hair into a low messy bun.
• Wrap the braid around or through the bun and pin.

Upgrade It: Thread in small flowers or delicate rings into the braid.

🎀 10. Classic Low Messy Bun

Simple, Sweet, Timeless

If you’re a “less is more” kind of romantic, this is the bun for you. It’s universally flattering and ideal for both formal and casual events.

Steps:

• Pull hair into a low ponytail.
• Loosely twist and secure with pins.
• Let layers fall freely and tug the top for height.

Perfect With: Veils, cathedral dresses, or minimalist looks

🌪️ 11. Messy Bun With a Twist

Whimsical. Romantic. Playful.

Adding literal twists gives your bun visual intrigue and an extra layer of romantic energy.

DIY Steps:

• Separate hair into two or three sections.
• Twist each, then wrap together into a bun.
• Pin randomly and let wisps fall naturally.

Accessory Idea: Use gold wire wrap or pearl pins through the twist paths.

☁️ 12. Half-Up Messy Bun

Great For: Casual weddings, rehearsal dinners, elopements
Hair Type: All types

Half-up styles blend structure with free movement. This one gives you the breeziness of a messy bun while keeping some hair down.

Instructions:

• Separate the top third of your hair.
• Twist it into a messy bun and pin.
• Curl the remaining hair for romantic waves.

Wear With: Boho dresses, cottagecore themes, beach weddings

🎉 Bonus: High Messy Bun for Volume Queens

If you love height and drama, the high messy bun is bold, flirty, and just the right amount of rebellious.

How to:

• Flip your head and gather all your hair at the crown.
• Use a soft scrunchie or clear elastic.
• Tease the ponytail and wrap into a voluminous bun.
• Tug gently for shape and fluff the top.

Finish It Off: Add a ribbon or crystal pin for elevation.

🎯 How to Choose the Right Messy Bun

🌺 Final Thoughts: Let Your Hair Dance With You

The messy bun isn’t just a hairstyle—it’s a feeling. It says: “I’m here, I’m romantic, I’m effortless.” Whether you’re exchanging vows under a weeping willow or dancing barefoot on a cobblestone path, let your hair be a reflection of that joy.

Choose the style that matches your vibe. Twist it. Tug it. Adorn it. Most importantly, own it.

Let the wind in. Let the bun fly. Let it all look like love.