The effortlessly chic messy bun has remained a staple hairstyle for decades, balancing casual charm with an elevated aesthetic. While often associated with relaxed, everyday wear, the look has experienced a resurgence, gracing red carpets and social media feeds alike. Celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian have embraced the undone elegance of this iconic updo, proving its versatility for any occasion—from weddings to cozy nights in.
However, mastering the perfect messy bun requires more than simply throwing your hair up into a knot. The key lies in intentional styling, ensuring the final look appears artfully tousled rather than haphazard. Fortunately, achieving this sophisticated yet effortless updo is easier than it seems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a flawless messy bun.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair for Texture and Volume
A well-structured messy bun starts with the right texture. For those with straight or fine hair, adding waves with a curling iron—such as the T3 SinglePass Curl or GHD Soft Curl—creates movement and grip. If your hair is freshly washed, enhance its hold with a texturizing spray like the Amika Un.Done Volume & Matte Texture Spray or the Verb Volumizing Texture Spray to give it the desired “gritty” feel.
For individuals with naturally curly or textured hair, defining the curl pattern is key. A curl-enhancing mousse or cream works well, and using a diffuser hairdryer, such as Pattern Beauty’s The Blow Dryer With Four Attachments, adds volume and structure.
Step 2: Gather and Secure Your Hair
Once your hair has the right texture, it’s time to form the bun. The method varies depending on the desired look. Essential styling tools include Kitsch Nylon Hair Ties, which offer secure hold and blend seamlessly with various hair colors, and bobby pins or U-shaped hair pins for additional support.
For a Pamela Anderson-inspired bun, gather your hair into a loose ponytail, leaving out face-framing strands. Twist the ponytail into a bun, securing it with pins while allowing some strands to remain loose for an undone effect. Enhance the volume by gently pulling the bun apart and curling the loose ends before pinning them back into place.
Step 3: Create the Perfect Shape
For a sleeker, Hailey Bieber-inspired messy bun, start by sectioning out a few face-framing pieces before loosely twisting the hair into a ponytail. Coil the twist into a “cinnamon roll” shape and secure it with a hair tie, leaving the ends out for a relaxed effect. Adjust the volume by gently pulling sections apart and pinning them in place as needed.
Step 4: Finishing Touches for a Lasting Hold
Once your bun is in place, refine the final look by smoothing out bumps with a fine-tooth comb. For added structure, use a hot roller, curling iron, or blow-dryer to shape the face-framing strands. A generous mist of hairspray ensures the style remains intact throughout the day.
Whether styled with polished elegance or left casually tousled, the messy bun continues to prove its timeless appeal. With these simple steps, you can achieve a runway-ready look in minutes—effortless, chic, and always in style.
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