Put the Styling Cream Down, the Messy Bun Is Back – Here’s How to Do It
As trends evolve and the reign of the “Clean Girl Aesthetic” and slick back bun slowly fades from our FYPs, it’s time to welcome its effortless counterpart: the messy bun.
The hairstyle dominated the rows of Paris Fashion Week by stars like Zoë Kravitz and slick-back poster girl Hailey Bieber. It’s been a new go-to for some of our favorite creators like Renata D’Agrella Kenen but is also a classic callback to Pamela Anderson’s staple updo.
This time, (most) girls are skipping the thongs Anderson once used—though, to be fair, they did hold the hair in place while adding just the right amount of volume. Instead, a few hair ties and bobby pins are all you need to achieve a look that can be dressed up or down.
So yes, there’s a bit of effort behind the “no-effort” aesthetic, but once you master the simple steps, it’s bound to become your new go-to style.
How to create the messy bun:
- Section off your face-framing pieces – generally from the front of your ears and forward.
- Tie your hair into a high ponytail, near the crown of your head. Where you place your ponytail is where your bun will sit.
- Spread the ponytail over the hair tie to create a donut shape, then secure the mini-bun with a hair tie.
- Begin to pin the excess hair sporadically around the bun and behind your head.
- Pin the face-framing pieces up and behind your head, leaving some money pieces and the tail ends out.
- Spray in place.
TIP: This hairstyle works best with curly or wavy hair, as the added texture, grip, and movement enhance the look—something that straight hair often lacks.
The beauty of the messy bun lies in its effortless charm—achievable in minutes yet polished enough to make a statement. While it may require a few strategic pins and ties, the result is a chic, lived-in look that works for everything from coffee runs to nights out. With a little practice, this low-maintenance, high-impact style will quickly become a staple in your routine.
Writer | Tweet me @brittanyskylerr
