Curly hair can be a blessing, but when it comes to styling it, it can sometimes be a challenge. One of the most popular and versatile hairstyles for long curly hair is the messy bun. Not only is it easy to create, but it also exudes a relaxed and chic vibe, perfect for both casual and formal occasions. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a perfect messy bun with long curly hair, as well as tips to make sure it stays looking fabulous all day long.
Why Choose a Messy Bun for Curly Hair?
Curly hair has a natural volume and texture that can make other hairstyles look a bit too structured. The beauty of a messy bun lies in its ability to embrace the wild, carefree nature of curls while still looking put-together. For those with long curly hair, a messy bun is the ideal way to showcase your natural curls without too much fuss.
A messy bun works well for:
- Casual Day Looks: When you want to look stylish without spending too much time.
- Formal Events: With a few adjustments, a messy bun can be dressed up for events like weddings, parties, or even professional settings.
- Hair Health: It allows you to keep your curls in place without heavy heat styling or chemicals.
What You Need to Create a Messy Bun
Before you dive into the steps, gather the necessary tools to ensure that your messy bun turns out perfectly. Here’s a list of what you will need:
- Elastic Hair Bands: Choose a sturdy, non-slip band to hold your curls in place.
- Bobby Pins: These are essential for securing stray pieces and giving your messy bun that undone, yet intentional, look.
- Texturizing Spray or Mousse: This adds volume and enhances the natural texture of your curls.
- Curl Cream or Mousse: To keep curls defined and prevent frizz.
- A Comb or Brush: A wide-toothed comb is the best option for curly hair to prevent frizz and breakage.
- Hairspray: To keep your messy bun in place throughout the day.
The 6 Ultimate Guide to Creating a Messy Bun with Curly Hair
Now that you have your tools ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating a messy bun with your long curly hair. This style is all about embracing your natural texture and adding just enough structure to keep it looking chic.
1. Prep Your Hair
Before you start styling, it’s important to prep your hair properly.
Shampoo and Condition
Clean hair gives you a fresh canvas to work with. Wash your curly hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain the health of your curls. If your curls tend to be dry, use a moisturizing conditioner to keep them hydrated.
Apply Curl Cream or Mousse
After washing, apply a curl cream or mousse to your damp hair. This helps to define your curls and reduce frizz, which is especially important when you’re creating a messy bun. Use a generous amount of product to ensure even coverage.
Dry Your Curls
You can either let your hair air dry for a more natural look or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to speed up the process. Make sure your hair is completely dry before styling, as this ensures better hold and definition for your curls.
2. Add Volume and Texture
Messy buns look best when the hair has volume and texture, and curly hair naturally provides that. However, if you want to enhance this even further, here are a few tips:
Texturizing Spray
Lightly spritz your hair with a texturizing spray. This will give your curls a boost and add body to your hair. Focus on the roots and mid-lengths, but avoid the ends to prevent your curls from becoming too frizzy.
Scrunch Your Curls
If you want more volume and texture, gently scrunch your curls with your hands. This helps enhance the natural bounce and gives your hair a more relaxed, effortless look.
3. Create the Base for Your Messy Bun
Section Your Hair
To create a messy bun, you don’t need to gather all of your hair at once. Start by sectioning your hair into two parts: the top and the bottom. This gives you better control over the final shape of your bun.
Tie the Bottom Section
Gather the bottom section of your hair into a loose ponytail. You want this section to be relaxed, so don’t pull it too tight. The goal is to create a base that is free-flowing and voluminous.
Pin the Top Section
Now, take the top section of your hair and pin it up loosely. This will help create layers that add to the messiness of the bun. Make sure the top section is higher than the bottom, but leave some curls to fall naturally around your face.
4. Twist and Wrap the Hair
Now comes the fun part—twisting and wrapping your hair to form the bun.
Twist the Bottom Section
Take the bottom ponytail and twist it loosely around the base of the ponytail. This twist should be relaxed and not too tight to give it that effortless look.
Secure with Bobby Pins
As you twist, secure the hair with bobby pins. You can pin it loosely in several places around the bun to keep it in place. For the most natural look, allow some strands of hair to fall free around your face and neck.
Take the Top Section and Loosely Wrap It
Next, take the top section of your hair and wrap it around the base of the bun. Again, don’t worry about making it perfect. The goal is to make it look voluminous and slightly undone.
5. Adjust and Secure the Bun
Mess It Up
Once the bun is formed, gently pull at the sides and loosen it up. You can do this by tugging at random sections of hair to add volume and texture. The more messiness, the better!
Pin Stray Curls
Use bobby pins to secure any loose curls or strands that might be falling out. Make sure that the pins are hidden under the hair for a more seamless look.
6. Final Touches
Spray with Hairspray
Once your messy bun is secure and looking fabulous, finish it off with a light mist of hairspray. This will keep your curls in place without making them stiff. Choose a flexible hairspray that allows your curls to move naturally.
Add Hair Accessories (Optional)
To elevate your messy bun, consider adding a cute hair accessory, like a decorative pin, ribbon, or headband. This adds a bit of flair and personal style to your look.
Maintaining Your Messy Bun Throughout the Day
One of the challenges of a messy bun is keeping it intact throughout the day, especially with long curly hair. To ensure your bun stays put, follow these tips:
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Avoid touching it too much: The more you adjust your bun, the more likely it is to fall apart.
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Use strong, flexible pins: Opt for hairpins that are designed to hold up under movement.
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Keep a small bottle of hairspray handy: A quick touch-up can keep your bun looking fresh.
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Embrace flyaways: The beauty of a messy bun is that it’s supposed to look undone. A few flyaways can add to its charm.
Conclusion
Creating a messy bun with long curly hair doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a stunning, carefree hairstyle that enhances the natural beauty of your curls. Whether you’re heading to work, going out with friends, or attending a formal event, the messy bun is the perfect choice for curly-haired individuals. Embrace the messiness, have fun with it, and make it your own!
