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How to Do a Messy Bun: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Every Hair Type
Updated on June 11, 2026 | 3 min read
Lauren Hannel, Davines Writer
The messy bun is one of those rare hairstyles that works for almost everyone; every hair type, texture, and length. Plus, it takes only a few minutes to pull off. Whether you're running late, headed to the gym, or just want a quick updo that looks intentionally undone, the messy bun has you covered. But don't let the name fool you. Nailing that effortless, lived-in look actually takes a few key steps and the right products. Here's everything you need to know.
Key Takeaways
Breaking Down the Messy Bun
- A messy bun works on virtually every hair type, texture, and length—as long as your hair can reach a ponytail, you're ready.
- Second-day or dirty hair actually holds a messy bun better than freshly washed hair, making dry shampoo your best prep tool.
- Fine, thin hair benefits from texturizing spray and volumizing products before styling; thick hair benefits from extra bobby pins and face-framing pieces pulled out after.
- A light hairspray is the finishing touch that keeps flyaways under control without sacrificing that effortless, lived-in look.
In This Article
How to Do a Messy Bun in 3 Steps
How to Do a Messy Bun With Fine or Thin Hair
How to Do a Messy Bun With Thick Hair
How to Do a Messy Bun With Short Hair
The Best Products for a Messy Bun That Lasts
An Effortless Look Every Time
How to Do a Messy Bun in 3 Steps
As long as your hair is long enough to pull into a ponytail, you're ready. Here's the basic messy bun tutorial to get you started.
Step 1: Pull Your Hair Into a High Ponytail
Gather all of your hair at the crown of your head, prepping for a high bun. Secure it with a hair elastic. You can use a brush to smooth things out, but don't overthink it. A messy bun looks best when it's a little loose.
Expert tip: Second-day or dirty hair is ideal, since the natural texture and oil give your hair more grip and hold than freshly washed strands. If your roots are oily, a quick spritz of dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds the volume and texture you need for a fuller-looking bun.
Stylist-approved finishing products
Perfect your messy bun with a hairspray designed for your hair goals.
Step 2: Twist Your Ponytail Into a Bun
Once your ponytail is secure, twist it into one long coil. Starting at the base, wrap the coil around itself to form the bun shape. The looser you keep this step, the more effortless the finished look.
Step 3: Secure and Finish
Secure the bun with another hair tie, a scrunchie, or a few bobby pins along the edges—whatever keeps it in place without pulling too tight. Then gently loosen the bun with your fingers and pull out a few face-framing pieces or baby hairs to lean into that casual, tousled look. Finish with a light, brushable hairspray to smooth any flyaways while keeping movement and bounce intact.
How to Do a Messy Bun With Fine or Thin Hair
Fine or thin hair can make a messy bun feel like a challenge. Without enough grip or volume, the bun can look limp and fall flat quickly. The fix is in your prep routine. Here are the products that make the biggest difference.
Dry Shampoo: Fine hair tends to show oil faster, and excess oil weighs strands down. Dry shampoo absorbs that oil, adds grip, and leaves hair looking more voluminous and airy—exactly what you need before styling.
Texturizing Spray or Powder: Adding a texturizing product before you style gives fine hair the body and movement it needs to hold a bun. Sprinkle texturizing powder onto your roots and rub in evenly for added fullness, or reach for a dry texturizer for more defined, piecey texture and hold.
Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner: Build your hair foundation from the wash. A volumizing shampoo and thickening conditioner add body and bounce that carries through to your finished updo.
Messy bun must-haves
From prep to finishing, find your perfect haircare essentials.
Volumizing Hair Mist: For an extra boost at the roots, spritz on a volumizing hair mist before styling. It adds support at the base, lifts the hair, and leaves strands soft and shiny without weighing them down.
Hair Extensions: If your hair is naturally very fine or thin, extensions are another option for adding fullness to your bun. Always work with your stylist to find what works best for your hair type and styling frequency.
How to Do a Messy Bun With Thick Hair
Too much hair comes with its own set of challenges: broken elastics, flyaways in every direction, and the weight of a full updo pulling at your scalp. Here are some tips for working with thick hair instead of against it.
Try a Half-Up, Half-Down Bun: If pulling all of your hair up feels like too much, a half-up bun variation is a great alternative. Separate your hair into two sections, pull the top half up into a high ponytail, and follow the rest of the tutorial. You get the look of a messy bun with less weight and strain on your scalp.
Use Extra Bobby Pins and Elastics: Thick hair needs a little more securing than fine hair. Finish your bun with bobby pins along the edges and an extra hair elastic if needed to keep everything in place throughout the day.
Pull Out More Face-Framing Pieces: Having thick hair means you have plenty to work with. After securing your bun, pull out extra wispy tendrils around your face for a more relaxed, effortless look.
Prep Your Hair Beforehand: If thick or frizzy hair makes it hard to pull your hair up smoothly, consider using products for frizzy hair to smooth things out first, or doing a quick blowout before styling. Just make sure to always use a heat protectant before reaching for any hot tools.
How to Do a Messy Bun With Short Hair
Short hair doesn't have to mean skipping the messy bun altogether. For a long bob or shorter length, the key is teasing.
- Pull what you can into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, prepping for a low bun.
- Tease the ponytail thoroughly to create volume and texture.
- Pin sections of the teased hair at the base to recreate the shape of a bun. Bobby pins are your best friend here—use them to pin loose ends and build out the shape.
Let any shorter pieces fall naturally around your face as wispy baby hairs, adding to the effortless look.
The Best Products for a Messy Bun That Lasts
Regardless of your hair type, a few key products make the difference between a bun that holds all day and one that falls apart by noon.
- Dry shampoo for grip, texture, and volume on second-day hair
- Texturizing spray to add body and keep fine hair from going flat
- Hairspray to tame flyaways and secure the finished style without stiffness
- Scrunchie or hair elastic—silk or fabric scrunchies are gentler on hair and less likely to cause breakage or creasing than traditional rubber bands
- Bobby pins to secure loose ends and keep the bun in place
Browse all hair care products from Davines to find the right match for your hair type and styling routine.
An Effortless Look Every Time
The messy bun is one of the most versatile hairstyles around, whether you’re at home, at the gym, the office, or enjoying a night out. Master the basic three-step tutorial, prep with the right products for your hair type, and don't be afraid to pull out a few extra pieces for that perfectly imperfect finish. The more you practice, the more effortless it will look.
Ready for a New Look?
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