20 Messy Bun Hairstyles That Are Cute, Easy & Totally Trending

When you think of a messy bun, you probably imagine those mornings when you roll out of bed late and have just five minutes to look put together. What used to be a lazy-day hairstyle has turned into a go-to trend for fashion lovers, professionals, and even brides. The messy bun is no longer just about convenience—it’s about style, personality, and a touch of effortless chic.

The beauty of the messy bun is its versatility. You can wear it at the gym, at a wedding, in the office, or on a coffee run. It’s one of those rare hairstyles that works for every occasion and never feels out of place. The best part? You don’t need professional skills to pull it off. With a few bobby pins, some hair ties, and maybe a spritz of texturizing spray, you can master dozens of variations.

Let’s walk through 20 messy bun hairstyles that are cute, easy, and totally trending right now. I’ll share tips, tricks, and little secrets that I’ve picked up (including the ones from my own last-minute party saves).

1. The Classic High Messy Bun

This is the bun everyone knows and loves. It sits high on your head, giving off casual and chic vibes. The trick is not to overthink it—flip your head upside down, gather your hair, twist it into a bun, and secure.

The beauty of this bun is that it adds instant height and elongates your face. It’s perfect for those days when you need a quick confidence boost. A spritz of hairspray will keep flyaways in check, or you can leave them loose for a truly carefree look.

2. Low Relaxed Messy Bun

If the high bun feels too bold, the low messy bun is its quieter, more romantic sister. This style works beautifully for everyday wear, especially if you’re heading to brunch or running errands.

The key is to gather your hair loosely at the nape of your neck, twist it into a bun, and let a few strands fall out naturally. It’s comfortable enough for all-day wear and looks like you tried—without really trying.

3. Side Messy Bun

Sometimes symmetry isn’t necessary. A side messy bun adds charm and makes you look instantly playful. It’s also a great hack for those with layered cuts or bangs, because the uneven texture blends right in.

Wear it on date nights or outdoor parties—it pairs perfectly with dangly earrings or a one-shoulder dress.

4. Messy Bun with Braids

Adding a braid or two into your messy bun gives it dimension and a touch of sophistication. You can braid your bangs back before gathering your hair, or braid a small section at the side and wrap it around the bun.

It’s a style that looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to do. Plus, braids help keep loose strands in check if you’re planning to wear your bun all day.

5. Double Messy Buns

Think of this as the cool-girl version of pigtails. Double buns are youthful, fun, and perfect for festivals, parties, or days when you want to try something different.

Separate your hair into two sections, tie each into a messy bun, and voilà. Bonus points if you add colorful scrunchies or sparkly clips for extra flair.

6. Messy Bun with Hair Scarf

This look is a lifesaver when you want to add a pop of color or cover up greasy roots. Tie a scarf around the base of your bun and let the ends flow, or weave it into the bun itself.

Scarves make the style look intentional and fashion-forward, even when it took you less than three minutes to put together.

7. Sleek-to-Messy Bun

Here’s a bun that combines polish with chaos. Smooth down the front of your hair with gel or mousse, then let the bun itself stay messy and textured.

This contrast creates a chic, modern vibe and is ideal for nights out or formal events when you want something different from a stiff updo.

8. Textured Messy Bun

A texturizing spray or dry shampoo can take your bun from flat to fabulous. Spray it through your hair before tying it up, scrunch the ends, and then twist into a bun.

This is the secret to those Instagram-worthy messy buns that look effortless but actually have some hidden structure.

9. Messy Bun with Bangs

If you have bangs, use them to frame your face while the rest of your hair is tied up. Curtain bangs, wispy bangs, or even blunt ones all add personality to a messy bun.

This style feels soft and approachable, while also letting you highlight your eyes and cheekbones.

10. Romantic Twisted Messy Bun

For a romantic vibe, twist small sections of hair before securing them into a bun. This creates soft waves and texture, perfect for weddings, parties, or dates.

A few face-framing curls complete the look and make it even more flattering.

11. Messy Bun with Accessories

Never underestimate the power of accessories. A sparkly clip, pearl pins, or even a jeweled comb can turn the simplest bun into a party-ready hairstyle.

This works especially well during the holiday season or weddings, when you want a little extra glam without putting in hours of effort.

12. Half-Up Messy Bun

For those who want the best of both worlds, the half-up messy bun is a winner. Tie the top half of your hair into a bun, and let the rest flow freely.

It’s playful, trendy, and works with every hair length. Plus, it keeps your hair out of your face while still letting you show off your locks.

13. Messy Bun with Curls

Curling your hair before putting it into a bun adds instant texture and volume. The curls peek out of the bun, giving it a bouncy, lively look.

This style is perfect for parties when you want to look polished but not overly formal.

14. Braided Crown into Messy Bun

Start by braiding the front sections of your hair into a crown, then tie the rest into a bun. The braids act as a natural accessory and give the whole style an elegant upgrade.

This is a favorite for weddings, proms, and special events, because it combines effortlessness with detail.

15. The Five-Minute Messy Bun

Sometimes speed is everything. For those moments when you need to dash out the door, the five-minute messy bun saves the day.

Gather your hair, twist, secure with an elastic, and pull a few strands loose. It may not be elaborate, but it always works.

16. Messy Bun with Volume at the Crown

Backcomb or tease the crown of your head before tying your bun. This creates lift and makes the bun look fuller.

It’s a clever trick for anyone with fine hair who struggles to achieve that perfectly imperfect fullness.

17. Messy Bun for Short Hair

Yes, short-haired beauties can rock messy buns too. You might need a few extra pins to hold stray pieces, but that’s what makes it stylish.

The shorter layers that stick out give the bun even more of that “undone” charm.

18. Oversized Messy Bun

If you’ve got long or thick hair, go big. An oversized messy bun looks dramatic and trendy. Use a donut bun insert if you want extra volume without teasing.

This style screams confidence and pairs beautifully with bold makeup or statement outfits.

19. Knotted Messy Bun

Instead of twisting, try knotting sections of your hair together before pinning them into a bun. This creates a textured, woven look that’s unique and eye-catching.

It works especially well for medium to long hair, giving it that boho-chic vibe.

20. Wedding-Ready Messy Bun

Believe it or not, messy buns can be bridal. Add flowers, pearls, or a delicate comb, and you’ve got a hairstyle that’s both romantic and timeless.

The slightly undone look makes it feel natural and soft—perfect for modern brides who want elegance without stiffness.

Why Messy Buns Are Always Trending

According to recent fashion reports, updos like messy buns and ponytails are among the most popular hairstyles worldwide, with searches for “messy bun tutorial” racking up millions on YouTube and TikTok. The messy bun trend keeps evolving because it adapts to every lifestyle—whether you’re a busy mom, a student, or a professional.

Beyond convenience, messy buns allow you to show off accessories, makeup, or even statement earrings. They’re also heatless, which means less damage to your hair compared to constant straightening or curling.

Tips to Perfect Your Messy Bun Every Time

• Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray for grip. Freshly washed hair can be too slippery.
• Don’t overthink it. The more imperfect it looks, the better.
• Have bobby pins on hand. They’re lifesavers for stray pieces.
• Play with placement. High, low, side—it all depends on your mood and outfit.
• Accessorize. Scarves, bows, clips, or flowers can make a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

The messy bun is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a mood, a style statement, and sometimes even a survival tactic on busy mornings. From casual errands to glamorous weddings, there’s a messy bun variation for every occasion.

These 20 messy bun hairstyles prove that looking stylish doesn’t have to take hours. All you need are a few clever tricks, a handful of pins, and the confidence to embrace the perfectly imperfect.