7 Stunning Messy Bun Hairstyles for All Hair Lengths

In terms of casual cool-girl style, nothing compares to the messy bun. It's one of those stunning bun hairstyles that the #balletcore movement inspired. It's not only easy to accomplish at home, but it also looks great on all hair types. There is an art to making a messy bun, though, if you want it to appear a little more...intentional. No two sloppy buns are made equal.

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The Classic Messy Bun

To get this look, start with second-day hair. First, comb through any tangles using a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush. Add a drop of oil to the ends, then use a bit of dry shampoo at the roots to freshen up and add some volume.

Next, gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with a hooked elastic. Don’t worry about making it perfectly neat; leave it a little messy and bumpy in all the right places. If you want, pull out some loose strands around your face and use the T3 Curl ID to add soft, polished waves. Set the barrel to the mid-length of the hair you want to define, twisting as you pull the iron down. This creates the perfect messy wave—casual but still put-together.

To tame any frizz, dab on some pomade or wax for hold. Then, split your ponytail into two sections, twist them together, and wrap them around the base of your ponytail, securing with pins. Depending on your preference, you can make the bun looser or keep it tighter. Finish off with a bit of texture spray or light-hold hairspray to lock everything in place!

Messy Low Bun or Messy Top Knot

To create a messy top knot, start by gathering your hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head and securing it with a scrunchy or bungee. Next, split the ponytail into two sections, like you’re tying shoelaces, and continue until you reach the ends. Then, roll the ponytail around the base of the secured ponytail, fastening the bun with hair pins until it feels stable.

For a more undone look, gently loosen the thicker sections of the bun. To keep frizz at bay, spray a flexible hold hairspray onto the tip of a large makeup brush and use it to smooth down flyaways around the bun without disturbing its shape.

For a low knot, part your hair either in the middle or to the side and gather it halfway back, just past where your ear meets the top of your head. Sweep the hair toward the nape of your neck, following the same steps as the top knot, and secure with pins. For a stylish finish, you can accessorize with a silk hair scarf in light spring colors or a dark leather wrap for a chic, textured look.

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Double Buns for Short Hair

Got short hair? No problem! You can still rock a messy bun—or even two. Start by applying dry shampoo or texture spray to the mid-lengths and ends for some added volume and texture. If you want extra fullness, consider adding a slight bend or wave to your hair. Then, gather as much hair as you can and secure it into a ponytail on top of your head. Create a mini loop bun by tying off the hair, but leave the ends out to form a small top knot.

Take the loose ends and wrap them around the base of the loop. Then, grab some bobby pins and start securing random pieces around the base, creating a messy, undone look. For the second bun, repeat the steps, securing the hair toward the back or nape of your neck. Don't worry about being too neat—messiness is key. Finish with a bit of texture spray for the perfect laid-back style.

Messy Low or High Bun With Braid

Start by parting your hair down the middle with a comb, then secure it into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Next, braid the hair in your ponytail, using a scarf, ribbon, or leather cords to add texture and personality to your messy bun. Once the braid is secured, wrap it around the base of the ponytail to form a bun, fastening it with French pins.

For a high bun version, simply sweep the hair up without parting it down the middle. To give both styles that effortless, messy vibe, gently loosen the thicker rounded sections. Both of these braided bun looks are quick and easy, perfect for a workday hairstyle.

Wide Bun on Long Hair

Start by using texture spray on your hair from the roots to the ends to get this look. Secure two ponytails, similar to pigtails, on either side of the middle part you've created at the top of your head (it doesn't have to be flawless). Apply texture spray to each ponytail's lengths after placing them and lightly backcombing them with a brush to give volume.

Next, secure the ponytails at the base of each one by twisting them around one another in a figure-eight fashion. Gently separate the buns to add texture. Light-hold hairspray is the last step for a long-lasting, disheveled style.

Top Knot With a Middle Part

Start by leaving two thick strands of hair framing your face, then gather the rest of your hair at the crown into a high ponytail, following an imaginary line from your cheekbone to the top of your head. Secure the ponytail with an elastic or bungee. Next, twist the ponytail in one direction to form a bun and pin it in place.

Take the two face-framing strands and gently pull them back, pinning them beneath the base of the ponytail. You can leave these strands loose for a relaxed vibe, or pull them back more tightly if you prefer. Remember, it’s okay if the bun has some bumps—you want to keep that messy, undone look rather than a sleek style.

Bun With Curtain Bangs

Start by creating a middle part and sweeping your hair back, tucking it behind your ears. Gather the hair into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist the ponytail and secure it into a bun using a bungee or elastic.

Next, twist the ponytail clockwise into a rope. Push the rope upward with one hand to create some flyaways—this trick helps achieve the messy, undone look once the hair is secured.

Wrap the twisted ponytail into a loose bun and fasten it with bobby pins. For better hold, position the rigid side of the pin toward your scalp, leaving it just open enough to scoop the hair back. Finally, take the short strands around your face and use hairspray or styling product to softly frame your face and keep the bun looking natural.