33 Trending Messy Bun Hairstyles for Every Hair Type from Thin to Thick Long to Short
As we venture into 2024, the timeless appeal of the messy bun remains undiminished, continuing to dominate as a versatile and chic hairstyle choice for virtually any occasion. From casual outings to formal gatherings, the messy bun offers a perfect blend of elegance and ease. In this article, we will explore 33 unique messy bun styles that cater to a wide range of hair types and occasions, including weddings, for those with short hair, and styles specifically flattering for black women and those wearing an Indian saree.
The Classic Messy Bun for Long Hair
The quintessential messy bun is an evergreen favorite, especially for those with long hair. Ideal for casual coffee dates or even as a stylish wedding guest hairstyle, this bun suits oval and heart-shaped faces best, enhancing both light and dark eye colors with its universal charm.
To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail, twist it loosely, and secure it with pins. A light mousse or texturizing spray can add volume and grip, making it easier to maintain the style throughout the day.
The Low Messy Bun for Medium Hair
A low messy bun is the epitome of understated chic, perfect for medium hair. This style works beautifully as an everyday look or for more formal settings, like a wedding. It complements round and square face shapes and is particularly striking on those with vibrant eye colors.
Craft this bun at the nape of your neck using a soft tie, allowing strands to fall freely for a relaxed vibe. Secure with bobby pins and apply a smoothing serum to tame flyaways and add a polished finish.
The Braided Messy Bun for Curly Hair
Curly-haired beauties can enhance their natural texture with a braided messy bun. This style is fantastic for any festive occasion or as a creative wedding hairstyle. It’s especially flattering for those with curly hair and suits a variety of face shapes.
Integrate a French or Dutch braid into your messy bun to add interest and hold. Use curl-enhancing cream to define the braids and curls, ensuring the hairstyle holds its shape while looking effortlessly chic.
The Slick Messy Bun for Short Hair
For those with short hair, achieving a messy bun can be a challenge, but a slick messy bun makes it possible and stylish. Ideal for formal events or a sophisticated office look, this bun works well on oval and rectangular faces.
Use a strong gel to slick back the hair into a ponytail before twisting it into a bun. This style may require extra pins or a small hair donut for support. Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
The Bohemian Messy Bun for Shoulder Length Hair
Channel boho chic with a Bohemian messy bun for shoulder length hair. This laid-back style is perfect for outdoor concerts or a beach wedding. It looks stunning on those with wavy hair and complements diamond or pear face shapes beautifully.
Twist sections of your hair before looping them into a loose bun at the back. Secure with pins and pull out a few face-framing strands. A salt spray can enhance the wavy texture, adding to the free-spirited vibe of the hairstyle.
The Elegant Messy Bun for Black Women
An elegant messy bun is a stunning option for black women, showcasing the beauty of textured hair whether it’s natural or extended. This style is perfect for upscale events or a bride’s big day.
Start with a base of cornrows or a sleek brush-back, gathering the hair into a high bun. Use pins to secure and define the bun, letting a few coiled tendrils escape to soften the look. Moisturizing hair butter can keep the hair nourished and glossy.
The Romantic Messy Bun for Wedding Guests
Create a romantic messy bun for an ethereal wedding guest look. This style suits long and medium hair, and flatters all face shapes, making it universally appealing.
Softly pull your hair back into a low bun and twist romantic locks around the base, securing with floral pins for a delicate touch. A light hairspray will keep the style in place while maintaining its breezy appearance.
The Vintage Messy Bun for Thin Hair
A vintage messy bun is ideal for those with thin hair, offering volume and flair. Perfect for themed parties or as a graceful vintage wedding hairstyle, it complements elongated face shapes and light eye colors.
Tease your hair at the roots to add volume before sweeping it up into a high bun, using a bun maker if necessary to add fullness. A spray of dry shampoo can add texture and grip to finer hair.
The Playful Messy Bun for Curly Hair
Lastly, a playful messy bun for curly hair captures a fun, energetic vibe, suitable for lively events or a fun day out. It’s particularly flattering for younger women or those embracing their natural curls.
Use your fingers to rake your curls back into a high, loose bun. Let your curls dictate the shape, using minimal products to keep the look soft and playful. A curl-refreshing spray can help the curls stay bouncy and vibrant.
The Textured Top Knot for Long Hair
The textured top knot is perfect for those with long hair seeking a chic, yet functional hairstyle. This look is particularly striking for an artistic event or a creative workplace setting. The style is most flattering on individuals with angular face shapes and deep eye colors.
Begin by applying a volumizing spray to dry hair, then pull it into a high ponytail. Twist the ponytail into a loose bun, allowing some strands to escape for a lived-in feel. Secure with bobby pins and finish with a texturizing spray to enhance the texture.
The Side-Swept Messy Bun for Medium Hair
A side-swept messy bun offers a romantic and whimsical look suitable for date nights or small social gatherings. It beautifully complements medium hair and suits individuals with round or heart-shaped faces.
Pull your hair to one side and loosely gather it into a low bun at the base of your neck. Allow curls or waves to frame your face for a soft, approachable look. Light hairspray can help maintain the shape without sacrificing the style’s natural movement.
The Layered Messy Bun for Thick Hair
For those with thick, voluminous hair, a layered messy bun creates a dynamic and textured style that’s both practical and trendy. This hairstyle is perfect for outdoor activities or casual outings and flatters all face shapes, especially fuller faces.
Layer your hair by pulling it into multiple ponytails stacked vertically from the nape to the crown. Twist each ponytail into a bun and pin loosely, allowing layers to blend naturally. A light mist of flexible hairspray will keep the layers distinct without looking too stiff.
The Fishtail Braided Messy Bun for Weddings
A fishtail braided messy bun presents an elegant and intricate choice for weddings or upscale events. This hairstyle is particularly enchanting on long hair and complements individuals with elongated or heart-shaped faces.
Start by creating a fishtail braid with half of your hair, then twist the remaining hair and the braid together into a low bun at the nape. Secure with decorative pins for an added touch of sophistication. Use a shine-enhancing hairspray to give the style a polished look.
The Sleek and Slick Messy Bun for Short Hair
This sleek and slick messy bun is an excellent choice for those with short hair who want a clean and polished look. Ideal for professional meetings or formal events, this style works best on square or oval face shapes.
Use a fine-tooth comb and gel to slick back the hair into a small, tight bun at the back of the head. Secure with small pins, ensuring no strands are out of place. A high-shine hairspray will add the finishing touch, providing both hold and gloss.
The Half-Up Messy Bun for Casual Days
The half-up messy bun is a delightful and easy-going style, perfect for casual days or when you’re on the go. It’s especially suitable for medium to long hair and flatters oval or round faces.
Pull the top half of your hair back and secure it into a messy bun, letting the bottom half flow freely. This relaxed look can be enhanced with beachy waves and a spritz of salt spray for added texture.
The Messy Bun with Scarf for Bohemian Flair
Incorporating a scarf into a messy bun adds a bohemian flair and works wonders for any hair length, especially medium to long hair. This style is fantastic for a day out in the city or a relaxed brunch.
Tie your hair into a high or low bun and wrap a colorful scarf around the base, leaving the ends to dangle or tying them into a bow. This style suits all face shapes and is particularly flattering on those with softer facial features.
The Low Twist Messy Bun for Elegant Evenings
A low twist messy bun exudes elegance and is ideal for formal dinners or sophisticated gatherings. This style is particularly flattering for long hair and suits those with rectangular or oval faces.
Twist your hair from the sides to the back and gather it into a low bun at the nape. Allow some strands to escape to soften the look. Secure with ornate pins and apply a light mist of hairspray to ensure the style holds elegantly throughout the evening.
The Upside-Down Braid Messy Bun for Adventurous Spirits
An upside-down braid leading into a messy bun makes a bold statement and is perfect for adventurous spirits looking to stand out. Suitable for workouts or adventurous outings, this hairstyle works best on long hair and fits any face shape.
Flip your head over to braid your hair from the nape to the crown, then secure the hair into a high, messy bun. This look can be maintained with a strong-hold gel to ensure the braid and bun stay intact during active pursuits.
The Double Messy Bun for Creative Personalities
Double the fun with two messy buns positioned on either side of the head. This playful look is great for creative personalities and fits well in informal settings or music festivals. It’s best suited for those with medium to long hair and works well on all face shapes.
Create two high ponytails and twist each into a loose bun. Secure with pins and let a few strands loose for a carefree vibe. Use a light hairspray to keep the buns in place without losing their bounce.
The Minimalist Messy Bun for Professional Settings
For those who prefer a subtle yet stylish look in professional environments, the minimalist messy bun is an ideal choice. This sleek bun is best suited for medium to long hair and flatters individuals with oval and square face shapes.
Gather your hair into a smooth, low ponytail at the nape, then loosely twist it into a bun. Secure with clear elastic and discreet bobby pins. A smoothing serum or light gel can be used to tame flyaways and give the bun a clean, polished appearance.
The Retro Messy Bun with Bangs
Embrace vintage charm with a retro messy bun complemented by bangs. This style is perfect for themed parties or retro fashion enthusiasts. It works particularly well for those with medium hair and suits round or heart-shaped faces.
Pull your hair back while leaving your bangs out, then secure the hair into a high, voluminous bun. Let some strands loosely curl around the ears for a soft, romantic feel. A light mist of hairspray can help hold the style and enhance the volume.
The Messy Bun with Braided Crown for Festivals
A messy bun with a braided crown offers a majestic and enchanting look, ideal for music festivals or outdoor weddings. This hairstyle is great for those with long hair and fits beautifully on all face shapes, particularly those with prominent cheekbones.
Create small French braids on each side of your head and meet them at the back. Secure the remaining hair into a high, loose bun. Tuck the ends of the braids around the bun and pin securely. A floral accessory can add a whimsical touch to the ensemble.
The Sporty Messy Bun for Active Lifestyles
For those with an active lifestyle, a sporty messy bun ensures your hair stays in place while you’re on the move. This practical hairstyle is excellent for workouts or casual day-to-day activities and suits those with short to medium hair.
Pull your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a secure, tight bun. Use elastic bands that match your hair color for a seamless look. Apply a light sports-specific gel or spray to maintain the hairstyle’s hold without it feeling too stiff.
The Elegant Side Bun with Pearls for Evening Events
For a touch of elegance at evening events, an elegant side bun adorned with pearls provides a sophisticated and classic look. This hairstyle is perfect for galas or formal dinners and beautifully complements long hair. It is particularly flattering on individuals with elongated or oval faces.
Sweep your hair to one side and create a loose bun at the base of your neck. Intersperse small pearl pins throughout the bun for a luxurious touch. A light hold hairspray will ensure the style remains elegant and intact throughout the evening.
These 33 messy bun styles for 2024 offer something for everyone, adapting to various hair types, lengths, and occasions. Whether you’re dressing down for a casual day or glamming up for a wedding, these messy buns are designed to inspire and flatter. Feel free to leave comments, share your experiences with these styles, or suggest your own variations. Let’s make 2024 a year of beautiful, effortless hairstyles!
