33 High Messy Bun Ideas for Every Occasion in 2024: Wedding, Prom, Easy Tutorials for All Hair Types

The high messy bun is back in vogue for 2024, blending effortlessly chic aesthetics with practicality. Whether you’re aiming for a casual day out, an elegant wedding, or a formal prom night, this versatile hairstyle offers a myriad of styles to suit various occasions and hair types. In this article, we explore 33 distinct high messy bun hairstyles that cater to different face shapes, hair textures, and personal styles. With detailed tutorials and maintenance tips, you’ll be able to recreate these looks at home with ease.

High Messy Bun with Braided Accents

The high messy bun with braided accents is a modern twist on a classic updo. This style incorporates intricate braids that wrap around the bun, adding texture and visual interest. Ideal for weddings and prom hair, this hairstyle suits oval and heart-shaped faces and complements all eye colors. The braids provide a whimsical touch, making it perfect for outdoor events or bohemian-themed weddings.

To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Divide a section of the ponytail and braid it, securing the end with a small elastic. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins. Then, loosely twist the remaining hair into a bun and pin it in place, allowing some strands to fall naturally for a messy effect. Use a lightweight hairspray to hold the style without making it stiff. To maintain the braids, a smoothing serum like John Frieda Frizz Ease can keep them sleek and frizz-free.

Textured High Messy Bun for Curly Hair

Curly hair adds a natural volume and texture to the high messy bun, creating a stunning and effortless look. This style is particularly flattering for round and square face shapes, as it adds height and elongates the face. Perfect for casual outings or a stylish day at work, this bun is both practical and fashionable.

To do a textured high messy bun for curly hair, start by applying a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, ensuring not to flatten the curls. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins, allowing some curls to spill out for a messy effect. A diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can help set the curls. To keep the curls defined and frizz-free, use a curl cream like DevaCurl SuperCream.

Sleek High Messy Bun for Straight Hair

The sleek high messy bun for straight hair offers a polished yet relaxed look. This style is perfect for professional settings or formal events, making it a versatile choice for both day and night. Best suited for oval and rectangular face shapes, this bun emphasizes the length and angles of the face.

To make a sleek high messy bun, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic. Smooth any flyaways with a fine-tooth comb and a bit of hair gel. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. To maintain the sleekness, use a shine serum like Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum. This will keep your hair looking smooth and glossy throughout the day.

High Messy Bun with Floral Accessories

Adding floral accessories to a high messy bun brings a touch of nature and romance to your hairstyle. Ideal for weddings and garden parties, this style is perfect for round and heart-shaped faces, enhancing their softness and femininity.

To create this floral high messy bun, start by curling your hair with a curling iron to add texture. Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a loose bun, securing it with bobby pins. Choose fresh or artificial flowers and strategically place them around the bun, securing them with hairpins. To keep the flowers fresh, lightly mist them with water before placing them in your hair. A flexible hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin can help keep the bun in place without making it stiff.

High Messy Bun for Black Women

The high messy bun for black women celebrates natural texture and volume, making it a stunning choice for any occasion. This style works beautifully with natural hair or braids, offering a versatile and stylish look. It suits all face shapes and is perfect for both casual and formal events.

To create this bun, start by moisturizing your hair with a leave-in conditioner like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, using a wide-tooth comb to avoid breakage. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins, allowing some curls to fall naturally. To add extra volume, you can fluff out the bun with your fingers. Finish with an edge control gel to smooth the edges and keep the style neat.

High Messy Bun with Bangs

Incorporating bangs into a high messy bun adds a youthful and playful element to the hairstyle. This look is perfect for medium hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces, highlighting the eyes and cheekbones. Ideal for casual outings or a day at the beach, this bun is effortlessly chic.

To do a high messy bun with bangs, start by sectioning off the bangs and securing the rest of your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins, allowing some strands to fall out for a messy effect. Style the bangs by either straightening them or curling them slightly with a flat iron. To maintain the bangs and keep them in place, use a light-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Micro Mist.

High Messy Bun with a Twist

The high messy bun with a twist adds a unique and elegant touch to the classic bun. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Ideal for weddings and formal events, the twist adds sophistication and charm to the hairstyle.

To create this twisted high messy bun, start by dividing your hair into two sections. Twist each section separately and then twist them together into a single rope. Wrap the twisted hair into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Allow some strands to fall out for a messy look. To keep the twist intact, use a styling cream like Aveda Control Paste. This will help maintain the shape and add a subtle shine.

High Messy Bun with Loose Waves

The high messy bun with loose waves combines the elegance of waves with the casual appeal of a messy bun. This style is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Ideal for beach outings and summer parties, this bun is both stylish and practical.

To create this look, start by curling your hair with a large-barrel curling iron to create loose waves. Gather your hair into a high ponytail, ensuring not to flatten the waves. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins, allowing some waves to fall out for a messy effect. To maintain the waves and add texture, use a sea salt spray like Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray.

High Messy Bun for Short Hair

Creating a high messy bun with short hair might seem challenging, but it’s entirely possible with a few tricks. This style suits oval and round face shapes and is perfect for casual outings and everyday wear. The bun adds height and volume, making it a great choice for those with shorter locks.

To do a high messy bun for short hair, start by using a texturizing spray like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to add grip and volume. Gather as much hair as you can into a high ponytail, securing it with an elastic. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins, using small sections of hair at a time. Allow some strands to fall out for a messy effect. To keep the style in place, use a flexible hold hairspray.

High Messy Bun for Prom Hair

The high messy bun for prom hair combines elegance with a touch of fun, making it a perfect choice for prom night. This style is suitable for all hair types and face shapes, offering a versatile and glamorous look. The bun can be adorned with accessories like jeweled pins or flowers to match your prom dress.

To create this prom-perfect high messy bun, start by applying a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-drying it for extra volume. Gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Add some sparkle by inserting jeweled pins or small flowers around the bun. To keep the style in place all night, use a strong-hold hairspray like Kenra Volume Spray.

High Messy Bun with a Scarf

Adding a scarf to a high messy bun brings a pop of color and a boho-chic vibe to your hairstyle. This look is ideal for casual outings and summer festivals, providing a stylish way to manage your hair. Suited for all face shapes, this bun works especially well with medium to long hair.

To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Wrap a colorful scarf around the base of the bun, tying it into a bow or a knot. Let the ends of the scarf hang loose for a carefree look. To keep the scarf in place, you can use a few discreet bobby pins. A dry shampoo like Batiste can add volume and texture to the hair before styling.

High Messy Bun with Twisted Sides

Incorporating twisted sides into a high messy bun adds an elegant touch to the hairstyle. This style is perfect for formal events and can suit any face shape. The twisted sections add detail and sophistication, making it ideal for special occasions.

To create this style, start by parting your hair in the middle. Take a small section from each side and twist them towards the back. Secure the twists with bobby pins at the crown of your head. Gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with pins. Allow some strands to fall out for a messy look. Use a medium-hold hairspray like Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray to keep the twists in place.

High Messy Bun with a Fishtail Braid

A high messy bun with a fishtail braid combines two popular styles into one trendy look. This hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair and suits oval and heart-shaped faces. Ideal for beach outings or casual dates, this bun is both stylish and practical.

To do a high messy bun with a fishtail braid, start by creating a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections and create a fishtail braid, securing the end with an elastic. Loosen the braid slightly for a messy effect. Twist the braid into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Use a texturizing spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to add grip and volume.

High Messy Bun with Undercut

The high messy bun with an undercut offers a bold and edgy look. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement and suits all face shapes. Ideal for medium to long hair, the undercut adds a unique touch to the traditional bun.

To create this look, start by sectioning off the hair you want to keep long and shave the rest into an undercut. Gather the remaining hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Allow some strands to fall out for a messy effect. Use a styling wax like Bed Head by TIGI Manipulator to keep the undercut smooth and sleek.

High Messy Bun with a Top Knot

Combining a high messy bun with a top knot creates a playful and modern hairstyle. This look is perfect for casual outings and works well with medium to long hair. It suits all face shapes and adds height and volume to the hair.

To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Divide the ponytail into two sections. Twist one section into a top knot and secure it with bobby pins. Twist the remaining section into a messy bun around the base of the top knot and secure it with pins. Use a flexible hold hairspray like Redken Triple Take 32 to keep the style in place.

High Messy Bun with Hair Wrap

A high messy bun with a hair wrap adds a stylish and protective element to your hairstyle. This look is ideal for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Perfect for casual outings or a day at the beach, the hair wrap adds a unique touch to the bun.

To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a bun and secure it with bobby pins. Wrap a hair wrap or headband around the base of the bun, securing it in place with bobby pins. Allow some strands to fall out for a messy effect. Use a leave-in conditioner like It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to keep your hair soft and manageable.

High Messy Bun with Multiple Braids

Incorporating multiple braids into a high messy bun adds texture and interest to the hairstyle. This look is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Ideal for festivals or casual outings, this bun is both trendy and practical.

To do a high messy bun with multiple braids, start by creating several small braids throughout your hair. Gather all the braids into a high ponytail and twist them into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Allow some strands to fall out for a messy effect. Use a braid spray like African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray to keep the braids smooth and shiny.

High Messy Bun with a Half-Up Style

Combining a high messy bun with a half-up style offers a relaxed and trendy look. This hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Ideal for casual outings or summer parties, this bun is both stylish and practical.

To create this look, start by sectioning off the top half of your hair. Gather the top section into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Leave the bottom half of your hair down for a half-up, half-down style. Use a texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray to add volume and texture to the hair.

High Messy Bun with a Side Braid

Adding a side braid to a high messy bun creates a charming and romantic hairstyle. This look is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Ideal for weddings or formal events, the side braid adds elegance and detail to the bun.

To do a high messy bun with a side braid, start by creating a side part. Take a section of hair from the front and braid it towards the back, securing it with an elastic. Gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Wrap the braid around the base of the bun and pin it in place. Use a medium-hold hairspray like L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin to keep the style in place.

High Messy Bun with Faux Bangs

Creating a high messy bun with faux bangs offers a playful and versatile look. This hairstyle is perfect for medium to long hair and suits all face shapes. Ideal for casual outings or a fun night out, the faux bangs add a unique touch to the bun.

To create this look, start by sectioning off a small section of hair at the front to create the faux bangs. Gather the rest of your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun, securing it with bobby pins. Style the faux bangs by either curling them or leaving them straight, securing them in place with bobby pins. Use a light-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Micro Mist to keep the faux bangs in place.

In conclusion, the high messy bun is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that can be adapted to suit various occasions, hair types, and face shapes. From weddings to casual outings, this timeless updo offers endless possibilities for creativity and personalization. We hope these 33 hairstyle ideas inspire you to try out new looks and experiment with your hair. Feel free to share your favorite styles and tips in the comments below, and let us know how you make the high messy bun your own!