The messy bun has been a timeless favorite, symbolizing effortless chic for as long as we can remember. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant red-carpet look or a laid-back evening at home, this versatile hairstyle is the epitome of casual glamour. Recently, celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian have been spotted sporting the messy bun, showcasing its perfect blend of relaxed beauty and intention.
However, achieving the messy bun isn’t as careless as it might seem. This style requires just the right touch—an artful balance between purpose and mess. The modern messy bun is more refined than a hasty, post-workout updo, and creating it can be surprisingly easy when you follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Add Texture to Your Hair
To start, texture is key to achieving that perfectly undone look. Many prefer creating waves for added volume and grit, which can be easily done with a curling iron or wand, such as the T3 SinglePass Curl or the GHD SoftCurl. If you have freshly washed hair, spritzing some texturizing spray, like the Amika Un.done Volume & Matte Texture Spray or Verb Volumizing Texture Spray, onto the mid-lengths and ends will help enhance the texture, making the messy bun stay in place and look more natural.
For those with curly or textured hair, enhance your natural curl pattern with a curl cream or mousse. For an extra boost of volume, consider using a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer, such as the Pattern Beauty Blow Dryer.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
To secure your bun, you’ll need a few hair essentials. Hair ties, like the Kitsch Nylon Hair Ties, offer flexibility and come in multiple shades to match your hair color. You may also prefer using bobby pins or U-shaped pins to keep the bun in place without disrupting its carefree look.
Step 3: Create the Bun
There are several ways to shape your messy bun, and your approach can depend on the look you’re going for.
For a Pamela Anderson-inspired bun, pull your waves into a ponytail, leaving some face-framing strands or bangs free. Twist the ponytail into a bun, ensuring some ends are left out for a relaxed vibe. Pin in place, curl the loose ends, and tuck them back into the bun for a messy, voluminous finish. Add some extra volume to the bangs with a hot roller or curling iron and finish with hairspray.
If you’re aiming for Hailey Bieber’s signature style, start by sectioning off some face-framing strands. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail and twist it to create a small “cinnamon roll” shape. Secure the roll with a hair tie, leaving the ends exposed. For more volume and mess, use bobby pins to secure the loose ends around the roll, and smooth out any bumps with a fine-toothed comb. A final spritz of hairspray will set your look in place.
Step 4: Set the Style
Finish off by ensuring your messy bun has the perfect balance of volume and texture. Give the bun a gentle pull to fluff it up and add that signature “messy” appearance. Apply a final mist of hairspray to keep everything intact without losing that effortless charm.
The messy bun is the perfect combination of chic and carefree, and with these four easy steps, you can master the look no matter the occasion.
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