easy hairstyles · hair styling
How to Do a Messy Bun on Long, Medium, orShort Hair
How to do a messy bun in under two minutes on long, medium, short, thin, or curly hair, with high, low, and claw-clip versions that stay put all day.
Hairover Team
To do a messy bun, gather your hair into a ponytail, and on the last loop of the hair tie only pull the hair halfway through to make a loop. Wrap the loose ends around the base, tuck them in, then loosen the bun and pull out a few face-framing pieces. It takes under two minutes and works on long and medium hair, and even on shoulder-length hair with a few pins.
The basic messy bun
- Prep. Use second-day hair or spray texturizing spray. Clean, silky hair slips out.
- Gather. Flip your head forward for a high bun, or tilt it back for a low one. Gather hair with your fingers, not a brush, to keep it relaxed.
- Make the loop. Wrap a hair tie around the ponytail. On the last wrap, pull the hair only halfway through.
- Wrap the ends. Wind the loose ends around the base of the bun.
- Secure. Tuck the ends under the hair tie or pin them with two or three bobby pins.
- Loosen. Gently pull at the bun and crown to make it bigger and softer.
- Finish. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and mist with hairspray.
Versions to try
High messy bun. On top of your head. Casual and lifted.
Low messy bun. At the nape. Softer, more polished, and works under hats and with graduation caps.
Claw clip bun. Twist your hair up and secure it with a claw clip. The fastest option. See claw clip hairstyles.
Half-up messy bun. Only the top half in a small bun. See half-up half-down hairstyles.
Braided messy bun. Braid the ponytail first, then wrap it. Holds better on slippery hair.
By hair type
- Thin hair: tease the ponytail lightly before wrapping, and use a small scrunchie. More tips in how to make hair look thicker.
- Thick hair: split the ponytail in two and wrap each half separately, or use a large claw clip.
- Curly hair: keep it loose and pineapple-style on top to protect the curl pattern.
- Short or layered hair: pin the shorter pieces underneath and let a few fall around your face.
Keep it comfortable
A bun should never hurt. Tight buns worn every day can pull on the hairline. The American Academy of Dermatology lists tightly pulled buns among styles that can cause traction alopecia and suggests switching styles often.
Related guides
- Ponytail Hairstyles
- The Slicked-Back Bun
- Hairstyles for the Gym
- Easy Updos You Can Do Yourself in 5 Minutes
Find a cut that’s easy to put up
The right layers make buns easier and prettier. Hairover lets you upload a clear photo, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio.
FAQ
How do you do a messy bun quickly?
Flip your head forward, gather hair into a ponytail, and on the last loop of the hair tie only pull the hair halfway through. Wrap the loose ends around the base, tuck them in, then loosen the bun with your fingers.
How do you do a messy bun with thin hair?
Spray texturizing spray first, tease the ponytail lightly before twisting, and pull pieces out gently once it's secured. A small scrunchie helps it look fuller.
Can you do a messy bun with short hair?
Yes, if your hair reaches the shoulders or close to it. Gather what you can into a small low bun and pin the shorter pieces underneath. Leave face-framing pieces out.
How do I keep a messy bun from falling out?
Use second-day hair, secure the bun with two or three bobby pins crossed into the base, and finish with a light hairspray.
