How to Get the Instagram – Worthy Messy Bun (Without Trying Too Hard)

Who doesn’t love a hairstyle that’s equal parts effortless and chic?

The messy bun is the ultimate go-to look, whether you’re running errands, heading to the office, or even dressing up for a fancy night out.

This versatile style works for nearly every hair type and hits that perfect balance between polished and carefree.

In this article I am going to show the easiest way to do the messy bun.

Let’s jump into it!

What Is a Messy Bun?

A messy bun is casual hairstyle where you gather your hair and loosely secure it, usually on top or at the back of your head.

Unlike neat or polished buns, it looks relaxed and slightly undone. Some strands are left loose, and the shape is not perfect.

The goal is to keep it soft and effortless while still feeling secure and put together.

Related: How to do a Slick Back Bun

Different Variants of Messy Bun

There are a lots of variants for this bun you can try. Here’s the examples:

1) Low Messy Bun

A low messy bun rests at the nape of your neck. It is simple, secure, and works perfectly for both casual outings and workdays.

2) High Messy Bun

A high messy bun sits at the crown or top of your head. It creates a lifted look and can make your face appear longer.

To make it even more romantic you can leave a few strands loose at the front or nape.

3) Side Messy Bun

A side messy bun rests just behind one ear. It gives a soft, asymmetrical shape that adds charm without extra effort.

4) Half-Up Messy Bun

A half-up messy bun is created by tying the top half of your hair while leaving the rest down.

It is quick and practical, and perfect for you if you want to add volume without committing to a full updo.

5) Braided Messy Bun

A braided messy bun starts with a small braid added to your hair before twisting it into a bun. This style brings texture and extra detail to your look.

Prep Your Hair for Grip and Hold

Messy buns do not hold well on clean or slippery hair. That is why it is important to add some texture before you start.

If your hairs are washed, then you must have to try a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to give your hair some grip.

For people who have curly or frizzy hair, they can use a small amount of curl cream or leave-in conditioner to define it without weighing it down.

Now gently brush or finger-comb your hair to remove tangles, but do not overdo it you have to let them stay slightly rough.

Related: How to Do a Slick Back Ponytail

Step-by-Step Guide for Messy Bun

Step 1: Start with Dry Hair

Messy buns stay in place better when your hair is dry. Hair that was washed the day before works even better because it grips more easily than freshly cleaned strands.

Step 2: Apply Dry Shampoo or Texture Spray

Spray dry shampoo or texturizing spray onto your roots. This adds grip to your hair, which is especially useful if your hair is freshly washed or very soft.

Step 3: Gather Hair into Ponytail

Use both of your hands to gather your hair into a relaxed ponytail. Decide whether you want your bun to sit high, in the middle, or low.

Step 4: Loosely Twist the Ponytail

Take your free hand and gently twist the full length of your ponytail. Make sure the twist stays loose and soft, not tight.

Step 5: Wrap the Twist Around the Base

Take the twisted ponytail and wrap it around itself. Start at the base where you are holding the ponytail.

Step 6: Secure with an Elastic or Pins

Wrap a hair tie around the bun once or twice to hold it in place. If you feel a need, then use a few bobby pins to keep it stable.

Step 7: Tug and Loosen the Bun Gently

Use your fingers to gently pull on small sections of the bun and the crown. This will add volume and create a soft, messy look.

Step 8: Release the Front Pieces

Take out the strands near your face by unclipping them or pulling them free. You can leave them straight, add soft curls, or keep their natural texture.

Step 9: Smooth Any Frizz

To control flyways you can apply a small amount of styling cream, hair oil, or a wax stick. Use just enough to smooth your hair without making it look greasy.

Common Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes you try to do a messy bun is overthinking it – maybe you are trying too hard makes it look forced.

Most of people skip texture that is another common issue; because freshly washed hair is too slippery, so you have to use dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip.

There are many who place the bun too high or too low and that throw off their look, so you have to adjust it to suit your face shape.

Further more if you may pull the bun too tight that is another misstep; so, loosen it up for a softer, more natural vibe.

Last but not the least, don’t forget to secure it properly with bobby pins to keep it from falling apart.

Conclusion

And there you have it – your ultimate guide to master the messy bun!

If you are heading out for a casual day or just need a quick fix for a bad hair day this style covers you.

The most important thing is messy bun is all about imperfection, so you do not have to stress about getting it just right.