Messy Bun Hairstyle: 20 Trendy Style for All Hair Length & Type

Sophin C

20 JUN ‘25

Buns

Hair Trends

Haircuts

Fringes

Buns

Hair Trends

Haircuts

Fringes

Keep reading to know...

01 Messy Bun Hairstyle for Short Hair
02 Messy Bun Hairstyles for Long Hair
03 Messy Bun hairstyles for Curly Hair
04 Messy Bun Hairstyles for Thin Hair
05 Messy Bun Hairstyles for Thick Hair
06 Messy Bun Hairstyles for Wedding or Special Occasions
07 FAQs About Messy Buns

The messy bun: equal parts effortless and elegant, chaotic yet chic. It's the hairstyle that suits every mood—whether you're heading to brunch, the boardroom, or a wedding . The beauty of a messy bun hairstyle lies in its adaptability. You can tailor it to your hair type, your vibe, and your schedule. In this ultimate guide, we've created a toolkit of 20 step-by-step messy bun styles —specially crafted for short, long, curly, straight, fine, and thick hair . You'll also find pro tips on maintaining the bun, minimising damage, and elevating your look for special occasions (yes, including your big day). Whether you're after a casual cool look or a romantic updo, there's a messy bun hairstyle here just for you.

01Messy Bun Hairstyle for Short Hair

Creating a messy bun for short hair can be surprisingly simple with the right styling and a few tricks up your sleeve.

1. The Mini Top Knot

How to style:

Pull the top half of your hair into a high ponytail.
Twist and wrap it into a mini bun.
Use a small clip or pins to secure.
Tug lightly at the crown for volume.

2. Nape Knot

How to style:

Create a low ponytail at the nape.
Twist the hair and coil into a messy bun.
Pin in place and pull out a few face-framing strands.

3. Braided Messy Bun

How to style:

Braid the sides of your hair.
Gather at the back and pin the lengths into a textured bun.
Great for short lobs or bobs!

4. Twisted Crown Bun

How to style:

Twist front sections from both sides toward the back.
Pin them together into a messy mini bun.
Works wonders on layered or angled cuts.

Pro Tip: Short hair needs care. Use the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask once a week to add manageability and shine without weighing strands down.

02Messy Bun Hairstyles for Long Hair

Having long locks means more volume to work with—but that can also mean more tangles. A good bun can tame and flaunt it all at once.

1. The Boho Bun

How to style:

Backcomb the crown for volume.
Pull hair into a high ponytail and twist loosely.
Wrap into a bun and secure with pins.
Add a silk scarf for flair.

2. Bubble Messy Bun

How to style:

Create a high ponytail.
Tie off sections with elastics.
Loosen each "bubble," then fold and pin to form a textured bun.

3. Messy Bun with Braided Base

How to style:

Braid a section of hair along the nape.
Pull the rest into a mid-level messy bun.
Wrap the braid around the base.

4. Double Twist Bun

How to style:

Divide hair into two sections.
Twist each and wrap around one another into a low bun.
Pull out pieces for softness.

Long hair deserves gentle cleansing—wash with Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Shampoo to maintain healthy roots and strengthen strands naturally.

No products available

03Messy Bun hairstyles for Curly Hair

Curly girls, rejoice! Your texture gives messy buns that extra volume and bounce that others have to fake.

1. Curly Pineapple Bun

How to style:

Flip your head over and tie a loose high ponytail.
Let curls spill and secure loosely with a scrunchie.
Ideal for preserving curl patterns overnight.

2. Crown Braid Bun

How to style:

Braid the front hairline.
Gather the rest into a mid-bun.
Let curls naturally puff out for volume.

3. Side Sweep Bun

How to style:

Sweep curls to one side and tie into a bun just above the ear.
Let a few curls escape for that soft romantic feel.

4. Curly Low Twist Bun

How to style:

Twist small sections and pin them low.
Great for natural and 3C–4A curl types.

Keep curls hydrated post-style with Tresemme Keratin Smooth Conditioner to lock in moisture without disrupting curl definition.

04Messy Bun Hairstyles for Thin Hair

Volume-challenged? No problem. The right styling tricks can give your messy bun for thin hair a major impact.

1. Sock Bun with Texture

How to style:

Use a bun donut or rolled sock for volume.
Backcomb roots, pull hair into a ponytail, roll over the donut, and secure.
Tousle and tug for an imperfect finish.

2. Twisted Bun with Headband

How to style:

Twist sections back and pin into a low bun.
Add a velvet or beaded headband to dress it up.

3. Half-Up Messy Mini Bun

How to style:

Take the crown section, tease lightly, and tie into a mini bun.
Let the rest fall naturally.

4. Double Mini Buns

How to style:

Divide hair into two parts.
Create two small buns near the crown for a youthful, edgy twist.

05Messy Bun Hairstyles for Thick Hair

Thick hair holds buns well, but taming it is key. The right techniques can turn bulk into brilliance.

1. Textured High Bun

How to style:

Use a texturising spray or light mousse.
Pull into a high ponytail, twist, and wrap.
Pin and fan it out for controlled chaos.

2. Braided Mohawk Bun

How to style:

Braid down the centre.
Gather the rest and coil into a messy bun at the top or back.

3. Half-Top Bun

How to style:

Take the top third of your hair and wrap it into a bun.
Let the rest hang down in soft waves.

4. Low Chignon with Texture

How to style:

Create a low chignon.
Backcomb underneath for fullness.
Great for more formal events.

06Messy Bun Hairstyles for Wedding or Special Occasions

Whether you're dressing up a basic bun or making it the look of the day, these enhancements make a difference:

For a wedding: Try a low, loose chignon with added accessories—floral pins, pearl combs, or a delicate veil. A well-placed messy bun for a wedding is romantic and modern all at once.
For work: Go for a sleek base with a loosely pinned bun. Spritz a finishing spray to keep flyaways in check.
For casual days: Don't overthink it. The charm of bun hairstyles is in their imperfection. A few strands out of place = effortlessly cool.

Final Thoughts

The messy bun hairstyle is a universal classic for a reason. It's one of the few looks that effortlessly blends form and function—whether your hair is curly or straight, short or long, fine or thick. So go ahead—experiment, play, and personalise. From laid-back Saturdays to once-in-a-lifetime ceremonies, there's a messy bun that will suit the moment and your mane. Just don't forget to care for your hair in the process. With a nourishing routine that includes the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Mask , a gentle cleanse with Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Shampoo , and the smoothing benefits of Tresemme Keratin Smooth Conditioner, you can rock every bun confidently—mess and all.

07FAQs About Messy Buns

How do I make my messy bun last all day?

Use pins and elastics that grip well. Prep your hair with texture spray or dry shampoo, and finish with light-hold hairspray.

Can I do a messy bun on freshly washed hair?

Yes---but second-day hair actually holds better. If freshly washed, use mousse or styling cream to add grip.

How do I avoid damage from frequent buns?

Avoid tight elastics and give your scalp breaks between styles. Deep condition once a week with the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Mask to strengthen strands.

Are messy buns suitable for formal occasions?

Absolutely. Add detail with braids or accessories, and smooth the front for a polished finish.

Messy Bun Hairstyle: 20 Trending Looks for All Hair Types and Lengths