Messy buns have always been a go-to style for effortless chic, but in 2025, they’ve made a big comeback, embraced by celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Kim Kardashian. Whether you’re headed to a wedding, a glam night out, or just want a trendy look, a messy bun gives off that perfect “I woke up like this” vibe—but with a little more intention. Here’s how to perfect the messy bun updo in four simple steps:
Step 1: Add Texture
For the ideal messy bun, you need some texture to your hair. Waves with grit are key, so if you’re working with straight hair, use a curling wand like the T3 SinglePass Curl or the GHD SoftCurl to create alternating waves. If your hair is freshly washed, boost the texture with a texturizing spray, such as Amika Un.done Volume & Matte Texture Spray or Verb Volumizing Texture Spray. These products will help the messy bun hold its shape and stay voluminous throughout the day.
Step 2: Enhance Your Curl or Wave Pattern
If your hair is naturally curly or textured, enhance your curl pattern with a curl cream or mousse. To add extra volume, use a diffuser hair dryer like Pattern Beauty’s The Blow Dryer with Four Attachments. This will help define your curls while adding bounce and lift, creating the perfect base for the messy bun.
Step 3: Create the Bun
Gather your textured hair and pull it into a ponytail using a Kitsch Nylon Hair Tie (which is stretchy and available in various colors). Depending on your style, you can either leave a few face-framing pieces or pull them back into the bun. For a Pamela Anderson-inspired bun, loop the ponytail into a messy bun and pin it, leaving some ends out. Afterward, curl the ends, pin them back into the bun, and gently pull apart to add volume and messiness.
For a Hailey Bieber-inspired bun, section off face-framing pieces and loosely twist your hair into a ponytail, creating a small cinnamon roll. Secure it with a hair tie, leaving the ends out for that casual, untidy look. Use bobby pins to secure the ends around the cinnamon roll for added volume and messiness.
Step 4: Finish and Set the Look
To finish, add some volume to your bangs (if you left them out) using a hot roller, curling iron, or blow dryer. For that extra hold and long-lasting messiness, spray your messy bun liberally with hairspray. This will keep your look intact without sacrificing that effortlessly chic vibe.
With these easy steps, you can achieve a messy bun that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re channeling Pamela Anderson’s voluminous waves or Hailey Bieber’s relaxed, undone style.
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