Messy Bun Hairstyles for Long Hair That Fall Apart in All the Right Ways

Introduction: The Art of the Beautiful Mess

I’ve spent years perfecting the art of the perfectly imperfect messy bun. And here’s the truth: it’s not about following rigid rules or trying to tame every strand. It’s about embracing the chaos while maintaining just enough control to look effortlessly put together. Whether you’re running late to work, heading out for brunch, or getting ready for a last-minute date, a messy bun can be your go-to look.

This guide will walk you through every version of the messy bun — from high buns to low-slung romantic knots, from double buns to festival space buns, and everything in between. Whether your hair is fine, thick, curly, or straight, you’ll find a style that works — and stays — all day long.

Essential Tools and Products for Messy Bun Mastery

Before you even touch your hair, stock up on these must-have tools:

• Elastic Hair Ties: Choose snag-free ones for long-lasting hold without breakage. Thick, durable ones are a must for long or heavy hair.
• Bobby Pins: Grab a handful because you will lose a few mid-style.
• Texturizing Spray or Powder: This is the game-changer. It adds grip, volume, and that sought-after undone finish.
• Dry Shampoo: Not just for dirty hair — it adds structure and makes buns hold better.
• Fine-Toothed Comb: For teasing volume at the crown and taming flyaways.

Pro Tip: Keep a mini hairspray and a pack of pins in your bag for touch-ups on the go.

The Classic High Messy Bun

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Prep the Hair
   Mist your roots with dry shampoo or texturizing spray. Flip your head upside down and give it a shake — volume starts here.
2. Create a High Ponytail
   Use your hands (not a brush) to pull your hair into a high ponytail. This keeps the texture natural and soft.
3. Twist and Wrap
   Twist your ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base. Leave the ends out or tuck them in, depending on your mood.
4. Secure and Fluff
   Use bobby pins to secure your bun in place. Gently pull on sections to loosen the look and add volume.
5. Optional Touches
   Pull out face-framing tendrils and finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray.

This is your go-to “model off-duty” look. Casual, elevated, and chic.

The Romantic Low-Slung Messy Bun

How to Create It

Low buns are perfect for romantic occasions or when you need your hair out of the way but still stunning.

1. Gather Hair at the Nape
   Pull hair into a loose ponytail at the base of your neck.
2. Loosely Twist and Wrap
   Wrap your hair into a bun, keeping tension light. It should look like it might fall apart (but won’t).
3. Secure with Pins
   Use bobby pins to anchor your bun and shape it as needed.
4. Add Face-Framing Pieces
   Gently pull out strands around your face. Twist them for a soft, lived-in feel.

Ideal for weddings, garden parties, and candle-lit dinners.

The Double Messy Bun (Space Buns)

Playful & Practical

Double messy buns are youthful, energetic, and totally festival-approved.

1. Part Your Hair
   Use a comb to split your hair into two equal sections down the middle.
2. Create Two High Pigtails
   Secure them just above your ears or at the crown.
3. Twist into Buns
   Twist each pigtail into a messy bun and pin in place.
4. Let Loose Ends Fall
   Don’t over-pin. A few stray hairs make this look better.

Perfect for concerts, music festivals, or any time you want to show off your fun side.

Messy Buns for Fine Hair

Fine hair struggles with volume and hold, but that doesn’t mean messy buns are off-limits.

Volume-Boosting Tricks

• Use Texturizing Powder: Sprinkle at the roots for instant grip and lift.
• Tease the Crown: Backcomb sections at the crown to prevent flatness.
• Try Hot Rollers: Set hair for 20 minutes before styling for long-lasting body.
• Layer Hairspray: Mist lightly between steps instead of one heavy spray at the end.

These techniques give your messy bun the fullness and shape it deserves.

Braided Messy Buns

Add a Twist (Literally)

Braids bring a touch of intricacy to messy buns — perfect for dressy occasions.

• Crown Braid Bun: French braid your hair from one temple to the other before pulling it into a bun.
• Accent Braids: Weave one or two small braids into your ponytail before wrapping it into a bun.
• Twist and Braid Combo: Braid the ponytail before twisting it into a bun for added texture.

Braided messy buns are ideal for weddings, proms, or even an elevated work look.

Second-Day Hair Messy Buns

Greasy roots? Flat crown? Second-day hair might just be perfect for a messy bun.

Quick Fix Method

1. Apply Dry Shampoo
   Massage into your scalp to absorb oil and add volume.
2. Shake and Tease
   Tease your crown for volume, especially if your hair is limp.
3. Create Your Bun
   High, low, or double — go with what feels right.
4. Secure and Style
   Let some strands fall naturally, then mist with hairspray.

Embrace the texture — it’s what makes it effortlessly sexy.

Quick 5-Minute Messy Bun Routine

For Busy Mornings

1. Flip your head, gather hair into a ponytail
2. Twist hair and wrap into a bun
3. Use pins to secure it loosely
4. Pull out a few tendrils
5. Set with hairspray

Boom. You’re done in less time than it takes to brew coffee.

Seasonal Messy Bun Style Swaps

Adapt Your Look Year-Round

• Spring: Add fresh flowers or floral clips
• Summer: Keep it high and off your neck with wispy tendrils
• Fall: Add texture and volume, maybe a velvet scrunchie
• Winter: Low bun under your beanie with sleek, controlled sides

Adjusting for the weather keeps your look fresh and functional.

Accessories That Upgrade the Look

• Silk Scarves: Wrap around the bun’s base
• Hair Vines: For weddings and glam moments
• Pearl Pins: Subtle elegance
• Velvet Scrunchies: Instant upgrade
• Metal Clips & Chains: Edgy and unexpected

The right accessory can take your bun from “cute” to “stunning.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using flimsy hair ties that slip or snap
• Skipping texturizing spray for grip
• Overbrushing and removing natural texture
• Ignoring flyaways and stray pieces
• Making the bun too perfect — messy is the point

Trust the imperfection — it’s the secret ingredient.

Styling Tips From Professional Hairstylists

Straight from behind the scenes:

• Always start with textured hair
• Use two hair ties for extra support
• Pin in an “X” formation for stronger hold
• Let some strands escape intentionally
• Tug lightly on the bun for volume and softness

Messy buns aren’t just about style — they’re a statement of relaxed beauty.

Final Thoughts: Your Messy Bun, Your Rules

I’ve learned that the messy bun isn’t just a hairstyle — it’s an attitude. It says you’re confident, low-maintenance, and in control even when things feel chaotic. Whether you’re styling it for a wedding, workday, or wine night with friends, trust your instincts. Pull out that one extra strand. Let a few flyaways live their best life. Let your bun be wild, free, and perfectly imperfect.

Because sometimes, falling apart in all the right ways is what makes you look—and feel—your absolute best.