Messy Bun Hairstyles: 23 Easy, Effortless Styles In Minutes
Messy bun hairstyles are having a major renaissance in 2025—they’re effortless, chic, and perfect for any occasion. From top knots to braided updos, these 23 styles deliver maximum impact in just minutes. Whether you’re headed to brunch or the office, there’s a messy bun hairstyle for every mood and hair type.
23 Incredible And Easy DIY Messy Buns
Below are 23 DIY-ready messy bun hairstyles—each comes together quickly with minimal tools and practice.
1. Messy Bun With Twisted Sides
What You Need: Comb, elastics, bobby pins.
What To Do: Back‑comb front sections, twist side strands loosely, secure at the back, then gather and wrap the rest into a loose bun.
2. Messy Side Bun With Loose Braid
What You Need: Elastic, pins, optional texturizing spray.
What To Do: Braid a section loosely on one side, sweep hair to opposite side, twist into a side bun and secure—pull tendrils for softness.
3. Messy Knot Bun
What You Need: Hair tie or band, hair spray.
What To Do: Loop hair into a knot around the base of a ponytail, tug loops and ends for volume and undone texture.
4. Messy Sock Bun
What You Need: Sock donut or bun maker, pins.
What To Do: Pull hair through donut, wrap and tuck ends around, loosen loops and pull strands for a textured finish. Adapt for casual but polished messy bun hairstyles.
5. Messy Wrap Around Bun
What You Need: Hair tie, bobby pins.
What To Do: Wrap twisted ponytail around elastic base in circular motion, pin in place, loosen strands throughout for an undone vibe.
6. Messy French Fishtail Bun
What You Need: Elastic, pins, texturizer.
What To Do: Create a loose fishtail braid, wrap it into a bun, pull apart sections gently for fullness and softness.
7. Messy Double Knotted Bun
What You Need: Elastics, hair tie.
What To Do: Divide hair into two loops via elastic passes, loop twisted hair into knots, pinch and pull loop for volume.
8. Messy Double Braid Bun
What You Need: Elastics, pins.
What To Do: French or Dutch braid two sides, combine into a loose bun at back, secure with pins and softly tug loops.
9. Messy Flipped‑In Bun
What You Need: Elastic, styling spray.
What To Do: Create looped ponytail, flip ends under elastic partially, pull apart for floppy unfinished look.
10. Messy Low Side Bun
What You Need: Pins, optionally curl iron.
What To Do: Sweep hair low at one side, loosely twist into bun, leave tendrils and curls out for a relaxed finish.
11. Messy Braid Bun
What You Need: Elastics, comb.
What To Do: Incorporate a single braid into the bun—either around base or part of wrap—for added texture and detail.
12. Messy Braid Wrapped Bun
What You Need: Elastics, pins.
What To Do: Braid a section, wrap it around the base of a bun, pin and loosen outer loops for dimension.
13. Messy Two‑Minute Bun
What You Need: Elastic only.
What To Do: Gather hair into a ponytail, loop elastic around twice leaving a loop, tug and pin ends around the bun.
14. Messy Double Flipped‑In Bun
What You Need: Elastic, pins, spray.
What To Do: Create two loops via ponytail passes, flip strands both times and pull loops loose for maximum texture.
15. Messy Double Dutch High Buns
What You Need: 2 elastics, pins.
What To Do: Dutch braid two pigtails, twist each into messy buns on top, pull loose pieces for softness.
16. Messy Criss Cross Top Knot
What You Need: Pins, elastics.
What To Do: Create top knot, then cross sections over one another before pinning, loosening loops for textured definition.
17. Messy Twisted Top Knot
What You Need: Elastic, swirl spray.
What To Do: Twist ponytail, wrap it around base in knot shape, tug and unwind pieces slightly for messy interest.
18. Loose Messy Top Knot
What You Need: Elastic, texturizer.
What To Do: Pull hair into loose ponytail, wrap once into knot, lightly pull at hair to create volume and casual polish.
19. Messy Knotted Bun
What You Need: Elastic, pins.
What To Do: Gather hair, twist into a knot directly above elastic without looping fully, secure shape with pins, tug edges.
20. The 10‑Second Top Knot
What You Need: Elastic only.
What To Do: Loop momentarily around elastic, pull through once to create a half loop, tuck ends under and tug for instant messy bun.
21. The Perfect Messy Bun
What You Need: Texturizing spray, pins, elastic.
What To Do: Prep hair with spray, loosely tie ponytail, twist into bun, pin loosely, and pull strands for balanced mess and volume.
22. Bow Bun
What You Need: Elastic, pins, small clips if desired.
What To Do: Create bow shape by splitting ponytail, looping halves, and securing ends inside bun—messy loose loops add charm.
Key Takeaways
- Messy bun hairstyles offer instant chic with minimal effort—perfect for casual days or polished events alike.
- You can go from quick two-minute buns to braided or twisted styles that feel intentional yet relaxed.
- Texturizing spray, dry shampoo, and accessories like pins or donuts can elevate any messy bun style.
Infographic: 8 Chic Ways To Flaunt A Messy Bun
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are messy bun hairstyles suitable for thin hair?
Yes—using texturizing spray or back‑combing helps add volume, especially with knotted or braided bun styles. - Can you wear messy buns to formal occasions?
Definitely—a structured twist or the Delaney bun variation adds elegance while keeping the messy charm. - How long do messy buns stay in place?
With pins and a light hairspray, most styles stay intact through half a day, and buildable texture makes them last longer.
Illustration: Stunningly Easy DIY Messy Buns
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