Whether you have short, long or medium hair, a messy bun is one of the easiest and most versatile of all hair updos. The best part about messy buns is that there’s one for every occasion and you can never go wrong with it. All it takes is two minutes to grab your hair up, twist it around, make a bun and secure with your favourite hair accessory. However, there are a lot of ways to style this updo, want to know how? Read on as we list the various types of messy buns along with a step-by-step guide to ace them all.
New mom bun
The new mom bun has been named so due to its simplicity and how quickly you can make it. However, it is not limited to just new moms and anyone can try this messy bun style.
Step 1: To start with this new mom messy bun, comb your hair thoroughly with a comb or hairbrush to remove knots and tangles.
Step 2: Grab all your hair into a high ponytail and while securing with a hair tie only pull half of your hair in the second loop.
Step 3: Now gather all the hair hanging loose from below, twist it around the hair tie and finally tuck it into the hair tie or use bobby pins to keep it in place.
Bouffant bun
The bouffant bun is a classic that looks messy but you can also wear it to work. Once you learn how to ace it, this might actually become your favourite messy bun hairdo.
Step 1: Slightly dirty hair (like second or third day hair) will give you the best finish. To start, draw a vertical line from one ear to the other and section your hair into two parts.
Step 2: Clip the front section for later.
Step 3: Grab the back section, twist around and loosely form a messy bun and secure with bobby pins. You do not have to be too neat; just make sure no hair is hanging loose.
Step 4: Remove the clip from the front section and divide this section into four parts.
Step 5: Smooth out the bottom section and wrap it under and up over the bun, using pins to secure. Repeat the same step on the other side.
Step 6: For the final step take the front section and tease it to add volume. Place it diagonally over your head taking it on the opposite side and tucking it in with some bobby pins. Repeat the same on the last section.
Braided bun
Going out on a romantic date? Give this braided messy bun a try because we know you’re going to love it!
Step 1: Part your hair at the centre to get two equal sections.
Step 2: Now braid both sections into a loose regular braid.
Step 3: Take the left braid and secure its end below the left ear with bobby pins, the braided part should rest above the nape of your neck.
Step 4: Repeat the same on the right braid. If you have long hair tuck the extra hair away with some pins. Your braided messy bun is ready!
Reversed braided bun
Bored of your plain old messy bun? This reversed braided bun is sure to up your hair game like no other. It may look a little difficult but is quite easy to create.
Step 1: Brush your hair thoroughly to remove knots and tangles.
Step 2: Flip your hair upside-down and comb again.
Step 3: Begin at the nape of your neck, create an inside-out French braid.
Step 4: As you reach the crown of your head, use a hair tie to secure the rest of your hair.
Step 5: Now use the ponytail to create a messy bun.
Step 6: Pull out sections of hair to make it look a little loose and messy.
Scarf bun
Do you like wearing those soft and bright scarves around your head or on your ponytail? Well, guess what! You can also add it to your messy bun! Here’s how…
Step 1: Gather all your hair into a high ponytail; ensure that it is a little loose.
Step 2: Now create a classic messy bun and tuck the ends under the hair tie and secure with bobby pins.
Step 3: Grab your scarf and tie it loosely around your messy bun or wear it like a headband and tie a knot near the nape. Complement with your favourite outfit and rock this look!
Knotty bun
Before you give up on trying this, let us tell you that yes it involves knots but it takes only 2 minutes to create this knotty messy bun!
Step 1: Part your hair at the centre and divide it into two equal parts.
Step 2: Now divide them further into two more parts so as to get 4 sections – keep the lower ones thicker whereas the front sections thinner.
Step 3: Grab the two sections at the back and tie a knot, depending on your hair length keep tying knots till you reach the end. Secure using bobby pins.
Step 4: Now take the two smaller sections from the front below the knotted bun and tie smaller knots until you get your knotty messy bun.
Step 5: Pin the ends and you’re good to go!
Flipped-in bun
One of the most fun buns out there, you will not only enjoy creating this messy bun but you will also love the end result!
Step 1: Gather all your hair at the nape and tie a loose ponytail. Keep it messy and leave out a few strands hanging in the front.
Step 2: Now create a small gap above the hair tie and flip and pass your ponytail through it completely.
Step 3: Repeat the above step until you have no hair left to flip and pass through. Secure the ends with a hair tie and go about your day sporting this stylish yet easy flipped-in messy bun.
Frequently asked questions about messy buns
1. Does a messy bun look professional enough?
Well, a messy bun may not be the best choice of hairstyle if you are going for an interview, a professional meeting or work in a strict formal environment. But if a half messy bun that has a few loose front tendrils or a little bit of texture would end up looking amazing with smart casuals as well as formals.
2. Can girls with short hair wear a messy bun?
Yes, of course! Buns are a very versatile hairstyle and look stunning on everyone, irrespective of their hair length. The key to nailing the messy bun for short hair is keeping a lot of bobby pins handy. You could probably skip the hair elastic and just use the bobby pins as short hair isn't really heavy and doesn't require both an elastic as well as bobby pins for support.
3. What is the easiest way to secure a bun?
After you've wrapped your hair in a bun, secure it in place with an elastic if you have medium to long hair. The loosen up some strands from the bun to make it look bigger and more voluminous. Then add some bobby pins in strategic places to ensure that the elastic doesn't come undone.
Image courtesy: Pinterest
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Jun 03, 2019
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.