The messy bun is the hairstyle most of us reach for without thinking, but small changes in placement, texture and detail turn it into something quite different each time. This gallery gathers forty variations, from a fringed donut bun and a peony-shaped petal bun to a not-so-messy twisted knot polished enough for a meeting, side braids wrapped into low buns, a crimped bun with an ’80s nod, a Parisian top knot, an upside-down braid finished with a high bun and a small bun for chin-length hair.
Length and density decide the size of the knot. Long, thick hair makes big looped or donut buns easy; thinner or shorter hair looks fuller with teased roots, braids worked in before gathering, or a low bun that does not need much length. Textured and wavy hair already has grip, while silky straight hair usually needs dry shampoo or texture spray to stop pins sliding.
Many of the looks also show off colour. Twists, braids and coils reveal balayage, underlights and pastel shades in a way that loose hair often hides.
1. Fringed Donut Style
Donut volume, messy texture and a soft fringe come together in this easy bun. Small sections are lightly curled and twisted with the fingers as you wrap them around the base. It works just as well if your bangs are short, framing the face playfully.
Inspiration: @inspobyelvirall
2. Not-So-Messy Bun
Neat and messy can coexist, as this twisted bun proves. Textured hair gives the best results; smooth the top sections as you work for a clean flow into the knot. The finish is polished enough for a board meeting yet still relaxed.
Inspiration: @hairbyjaxx
3. Peony Blossom Updo
Small loops of hair pinned around a low ponytail form a soft, wispy bun that resembles a peony in bloom. A few bobby pins and some setting spray keep the petals in place from morning to evening. Blonde hair shows off the dimension beautifully.
Inspiration: @kellymccormickhair
4. Curly Bun with Braided Headband
Pastel purple curls gathered into a bun and encircled with a thin braid create a whimsical, fairytale effect. A white flower clip complements the colour, and a touch of green adds contrast. The look feels fresh and spring-like whatever the season.
Inspiration: @lalasupdos
5. Low Bun with Dutch Braid
A Dutch braid and low bun combination looks complex but is easy once you know the trick. Make the bun first, then braid a decorative strand separately and tuck its end inside the bun. The result has a classic, timeless appeal.
Inspiration: @cosmo_camee
6. Embellished Bun Updo
A flower embellishment adds sweetness to a loose, twisted bun on long hair. Other accessories work equally well, from jewelled barrettes and butterfly clips to bows. It is an easy way to make an everyday style feel special.
Inspiration: @nicoledrege
7. Side Braid into Bun
Unruly long hair is tamed with a side braid that wraps around to the back before the remaining lengths are twisted into a low bun. An elastic and pins hold it securely. A few natural tendrils can fall free for a softer finish.
Inspiration: @christinagunnell
8. Fluffy Colored Bun and Tiara
Bright colour on the lower lengths with natural roots makes a bold statement in a high bun. Twisting the hair as you wrap it reveals the vivid shade. A small tiara adds a playful, fashion-forward finishing touch.
Inspiration: @detrashalee
9. Low Bun with Double Side Braids
Two side braids lead into a low knot, creating a pretty, seemingly intricate style. It is a handy fallback for days when long hair refuses to cooperate. The look suits every season and many hair textures.
Inspiration: @alexsismae
10. Tucked Chignon
Brush hair back, backcomb roughly, then pull into a low ponytail before crossing and twisting sections into a messy knot. Pins cover the elastic completely. Damp hair is easier to shape, and air-drying adds natural messy texture.
Inspiration: @theprettyparlour
11. High Voluminous Bun
A high ponytail wrapped around itself creates a voluminous bun that feels classy and professional. Leaving some loose strands at the sides and back prevents it from looking severe. Thick hair gives this style a generous, full shape.
Inspiration: @rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty
12. High Bun with Bangs
Long, medium-to-thick hair with bangs is ideal for this high messy bun. Finger-comb the hair into place rather than using a brush for the right relaxed texture. A ribbon, headband or bandana completes the look with a bit of colour.
Inspiration: @headstudio
13. Twisted Style for Long Hair
Twists adapt easily to any length or texture. Twist large or small sections into a ponytail, wrap the rest into a bun and pin it securely. A good setting spray keeps the shape intact throughout the day.
Inspiration: @elstilespb
14. Voluminous Bun with Teased Roots
Teased roots and a voluminous bun deliver maximum style for minimal effort. The look is best for long hair that is fine or medium in texture. Wear it simply by day, then add statement jewellery and deeper make-up for the evening.
Inspiration: @tonyastylist
15. Effortless Low Bun
Mature wavy hair looks lovely in a low bun shaped with the fingers instead of a brush. There is no need for perfection; the relaxed result is meant to express a free spirit. A light texture spray adds hold without stiffness.
Inspiration: @kykhair
16. Side Bun with Braided Headband
Combining a side bun with a braided headband offers something a little different. Depending on hair length and thickness, the result can be chunky and bold or soft and wispy. Either way, it frames the face beautifully.
Inspiration: @alliedoeshair
17. Braided Low Bun Updo
A French braid runs down the back of the head, with the lower half twisted into a low bun. The ruffled texture and dramatic colour contrast, such as vivid purple against jet black, make it exciting. Many colour pairings work well.
Inspiration: @stephhstyles
18. Textured Crimped Bun
Crimping brings back an ’80s trend and gives a messy bun a distinctive texture. Use a crimping iron before styling, or sleep with damp hair in lots of tiny braids for a heat-free version. The crinkled finish adds plenty of volume.
Inspiration: @shelleygregoryhair
19. Small Bun for Short Hair
Growing hair out can be frustrating, but a small low bun works once your hair reaches chin length. Shorter layers that slip out simply add to the stylishly undone effect. A few bobby pins help keep the shorter pieces secure.
Inspiration: @circlesofhair
20. Braids into Top Knot
Thin or shorter hair gets a lift from braids worked into a top knot. Brush most of the hair back into a ponytail, braid a few front sections and then gather them into a loose knot with the rest. The braids add texture and detail.
Inspiration: @rootedhairstudiolq
21. Upside-Down Braid and Bun
Flip your head forward and French braid from the nape up to the crown, then twist the hair into a bun around an elastic. A light setting spray holds it. This style shows off balayage, ombre or underlights especially well.
Inspiration: @anniesforgetmeknots
22. Side-Swept Low Bun
Divide the hair into three sections with your fingers, then twist and pin each in different spots to form a loose bun sitting to one side. The intentionally sloppy result is relaxed and pretty. It takes just a few minutes.
Inspiration: @ramsaymarstonhair
23. Bun with Small Bouffant
A small bouffant adds volume and lifts a casual bun into a more formal style. Highlights add depth as the hair is twisted and wrapped. It strikes a nice balance between relaxed texture and polish.
Inspiration: @ellasbridalhair
24. High Bun with Flat Twists
Rope twist braids running up the back of the head lead into a fishtail top bun, giving a creative twist to a standard updo. The plaited details make the style unique and keep everything secure.
Inspiration: @stephhstyles
25. Simple Twisted Bun
Fully dry hair gathered into a low bun gets a simple upgrade when a section is wrapped over the elastic. Pair the knot with bangs or face-framing tendrils to soften it. It is easy, pretty and suitable for any day.
Inspiration: @duyenhuynh
26. Chic Parisian Bun
Seemingly natural but carefully put together, this top knot captures Parisian chic. It is smart enough for a formal event; just set it with your favourite hairspray. Add pearls and sunglasses for an effortlessly elegant finish.
Inspiration: @tinajordanclang
27. Long Side Braid Updo
A diagonal braid flows into a side bun, proving that braids and buns pair perfectly. Highlights and multiple shades add dimension, so this style is particularly worth trying if your hair has some colour variation.
Inspiration: @kayleymelissa
28. Vivid Low Side Bun
A pastel pink colour gradation makes this low side bun look dreamy and sweet. Twists reveal the depth of colour. Keep face-framing strands short enough that they do not reach the shoulders for the best balance.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
29. Chunky Bun with Flowers
Improvisation matters more than technique for this chunky bun decorated with flowers. Use real blooms attached to bobby pins or flower hairpins. The loose, tousled texture lets your creativity show, and it suits garden parties and summer weddings especially well.
Inspiration: @bleachandjoan
30. Side Bun with Blue Hues
Silver, blue and purple shades woven into a side bun create a bold, photogenic look. It is an easy style for days when you want to make a statement. Loose curls around the bun add softness.
Inspiration: @xandervintage
31. Bohemian Chic Low Bun
Intense purple highlights and boho jewellery in leather and metal give this low bun an otherworldly, elven feel. It is best saved for special occasions or when you want to show off coordinated accessories such as rings and cuffs.
Inspiration: @liz.colors
32. Inverted Braid and Bun
Length is everything here: you need enough hair for a thick inverted braid from the nape and an impressive donut bun on top. Clip-in extensions help if your natural hair is not long enough. The result is dramatic and eye-catching.
Inspiration: @nicholeciotti
33. Double Braided Side Bun
Two braids flow into a low messy side bun, keeping long hair off the neck on warm days. Beginners should braid first, leaving the rest loose so the braid ends blend into the bun. It is a refreshing alternative to a simple ponytail.
Inspiration: @boglarkaracz
34. Casual Knot with Dutch Braids
Half braid and half bun, this style starts with a low, loose Dutch braid that is rolled into a messy knot partway down. Repeat on the other side. As the hairband may show, match or contrast it with your outfit.
Inspiration: @abbylhoskins
35. Swirled Bun Updo
Twists, rolls and contrasting highlights create a swirling updo with lots of visual texture. The depth makes it a great choice for dancing or evening events. Pin securely and finish with hairspray so the swirl stays in place.
Inspiration: @chitabeseau
36. Bun with Tangled Braids
Tangled braids wrapped into a bun give a relaxed spin on a classic style. It is handy on rainy days when you are often wearing a hood. Small flyaways are part of the charm, so there is no need to smooth every strand.
Inspiration: @raychelirene
37. Neatly Rolled High Bun
A neatly rolled high bun with crimped texture echoes the pretzel shape seen in many formal looks. The detail depends on hair length, with longer hair allowing more intricate rolls. Hairspray and a few U-pins keep it neat.
Inspiration: @mode_hair_artistry
38. Big Looped Bun
A big looped bun magnifies the classic messy knot. Bright chalk colours make it even more striking. The oversized, loose loops give the style a carefree yet bold attitude. Thick, long hair makes the loops look their fullest.
Inspiration: @hairbyamylynn
39. Formal Bun for Medium Hair
A twisted bun with a discreet side fishtail is ideal for family gatherings or meeting new people. It takes some effort, so a friend’s help may be useful. Once done, it holds its shape for many hours.
Inspiration: @modernsalon
40. Elegant Updo with a Bouffant
Forget the sock bun; this twisted low bun with a slight bouffant needs no padding. Thick hair makes twisting and pinning easier, while thinner hair benefits from texturising products. The finish is elegant yet relaxed.
Inspiration: @beautybyoliviag_
Building a messy bun that looks intentional
- Prep the texture: work with second-day hair or add texturising spray, dry shampoo or a quick wave with a curling iron.
- Use your fingers: finger-combing instead of brushing keeps the soft, imperfect texture that defines the style.
- Anchor, then loosen: secure the bun firmly with an elastic and pins first, then gently pull at the edges and crown for volume.
- Leave tendrils last: pull a few pieces out around the face and nape once the bun is in place, so you can judge the balance.
Protecting your hair if you wear a bun every day
Constant tension in the same spot can weaken hair over time. Alternate between high, low and side positions, choose fabric-covered elastics or claw clips, and avoid tying hair up while it is soaking wet. On days off, let it down or switch to a loose braid to give the scalp a break.