Whether we’re talking busy weekdays or lazy weekends, our hair can quickly become the very bane of our beauty routine. Spending time on styling or—let’s be honest—just taming our locks to look presentable is touch-and-go at best. That’s when easy, low-maintenance hairstyles and dry shampoo come in. For us, messy buns are the savior of all days we’re running late or skipping showers.
Whether you want a quick and easy casual look or a polished messy bun for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered. Find inspiration in these gorgeous and doable messy bun hairstyles that keep you looking pretty and polished on any day.
Classic Messy Bun For Long Hair
Blogger Lauren Davis writes that this is her “favorite way to make a messy bun.” She continues: “It’s my fool-proof go-to. It won’t work on short hair, but if yours is longer this bun will be your new BFF.” Watch her tutorial here.
Messy Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
You don’t need extensive styling tools or skills to pull off a look that feels put together, as hairstylist Veronica Nunez proves here. For a hairstyle that doesn’t feel overdone, leave your natural texture and don’t use heat tools to style any face-framing pieces you leave out of your messy bun.
Smooth On Top
Hairstylist Nikki Lee shows that a messy bun doesn’t mean messy all over. This look is smooth and sleek on top but gets a bit of messy bun flair in the back.
One-Minute Braided Chignon
Blogger Lauren Davis created this messy bun that comes together so easily. The addition of a headband is a cute way to dress it up a bit. Watch her tutorial video here.
Messy Top-Knot With Scarf
Add color and texture to an easy top-knot by simply tying in a scarf, like hairstylist and makeup artist Veronica Nunez did here.
Messy Bun With Bangs
Hairstylist and makeup artist Ashley Antoine created this messy bun to focus on the client’s face-framing bangs instead of the bun itself.
Braided Messy Bun With Scarf
Jazz up your hairstyle by braiding a scarf into it and finishing it with a messy bun at the end, like Lauren Davis does here.
Low And Loose Messy Bun
Hairstylist Veronica Nunez showcases how even the most low-effort messy bun can look totally elegant. Leaving tendrils out in the front softens the whole look, while wrapping hair around the finished product to hide a ponytail holder elevates it.
Rosie The Riveter
Hairstylist Nikki Lee created this cute and casual look that’s perfect for warm days since it gets your hair off your neck. A tied bandana gives a cute but laid back element to this look that can go from working in the garden to a day out.
Double Messy Buns
How cool is this look from hairstylist and makeup artist Ashley Antoine? While you might not recreate the pearls for an everyday look at home, you can style two mini messy buns for a casual but creative style.
Wraparound Braid On A Low Messy Bun
Blogger Lauren Davis showcases two ways to style this look, with a messy bun or a ponytail at the end. Watch her tutorial here.
Curly Top Knot
Hairstylist Veronica Nunez showcases her client’s stunning natural curls with a simple top knot look. She says she used products from Rizos Curls to enhance her texture.
Simple Scarf Style
“Scarves are some of my favorite accessories because they’re so versatile, and this style is so simple,” writes blogger Lauren Davis. Watch her tutorial video and get the written instructions to recreate this look here.
High Messy Bun With Headband
Hairstylist and makeup artist Ashley Antoine used a curling wand for this client’s wavy tendrils and to add texture to her messy bun. A headband adds color, pattern, and a bit of glamour.
High Messy Bun With Scrunchie
Hairstylist Veronica Nunez coordinated her client’s hair accessory with her makeup and clothes for an overall rosy look inspired by the cottagecore trend.
Bunch Of Braids
When in doubt, multiple braids will add tons of texture to a simple messy bun. “Pro tip: If you want to go an extra day between washes, throw in some dry shampoo and a bunch of braids,” writes blogger Lauren Davis.
Classic Top Knot
You can’t go wrong with a classic! This top knot by hairstylist and makeup artist Ashley Antoine is simple, sweet, and puts the emphasis on her client’s glowing skin.
Low Messy Bun With Headband
“The right accessory has the power to take a style from messy to chic,” writes blogger Lauren Davis. This look shows that you don’t need major styling skills, just the right tools, to pull off something that looks professional.
Elegant Messy Bun
A high messy bun that leaves long, wavy tendrils on just one side makes for a dramatic statement that showcases hairstylist Veronica Nunez’s client’s stunning makeup.
Low Messy Bun Wrapped With A Scarf
Blogger Lauren Davis says that tying a style off with a scarf is her “favorite way to upgrade a simple look,” and it requires no extra styling skills.
