How to Create a Messy Bun That Looks Chic

The messy bun has become a timeless, effortless hairstyle that exudes both a relaxed vibe and an effortlessly chic aura. Whether you're running errands, heading to a brunch date, or attending a casual evening event, a messy bun is a go-to style that complements virtually any occasion. The beauty of this hairstyle lies in its versatility: it's a hairstyle that can be both laid-back and sophisticated, depending on how it's styled and accessorized.

In this guide, we'll explore the steps to create a messy bun that looks chic, offering practical tips, product recommendations, and tricks for elevating the look to ensure that your messy bun doesn't just look thrown together --- but instead, appears purposeful and refined.

Understanding the Messy Bun

The messy bun, as the name suggests, is a bun that's intentionally imperfect and disheveled. It should appear as though you've tossed your hair up in a hurry --- but with just enough intention and style to make it look fashionable. The goal of a messy bun is to balance the delicate line between looking effortlessly cool and looking like you didn't try at all (even though you probably did).

What makes the messy bun so popular is its adaptability. You can adjust the messiness level depending on the occasion, your mood, and the amount of time you have. With the right techniques, you can create a messy bun that doesn't look too wild, but instead exudes an effortlessly chic vibe that pairs perfectly with both casual and more refined outfits.

Steps to Create a Chic Messy Bun

Creating a messy bun that looks chic is an art form. It requires a balance of volume, texture, and finesse. Below are the detailed steps to achieving that perfect messy yet polished bun.

1. Start with Clean, Textured Hair

Before attempting to style your hair into a messy bun, it's essential to start with hair that has some texture. Freshly washed hair can be too smooth and slippery, making it harder for the bun to hold its shape. If you have straight or fine hair, consider adding some texture first.

• For texture: Use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to give your hair some grip and volume. This will make it easier to create the messy look you desire.
• For volume: Dry shampoo or a volumizing mousse can help lift your roots and add body to your hair.

If your hair is already textured, you can skip this step, but for those with naturally flat or fine hair, adding volume will help your messy bun hold up throughout the day.

2. Create Loose Waves for Extra Volume (Optional)

While not mandatory, adding a few loose waves to your hair can make the messy bun look even more chic. Loose waves give your hair some body and movement, preventing it from looking flat and too put-together.

To create loose waves, you can use a curling iron with a larger barrel, or even a flat iron, to create gentle curls. The key is to not overdo it --- you want soft, natural-looking waves that add volume and texture, rather than tight curls.

3. Gather Your Hair into a Loose Ponytail

Once you've added texture or waves to your hair, gather it into a loose ponytail. This ponytail will serve as the foundation for your messy bun, so the higher you place it, the higher your bun will be. A high ponytail will give the bun a more voluminous, youthful look, while a lower ponytail creates a more relaxed and elegant style.

• Tip: Don't pull your ponytail too tight --- you want some freedom for the messy look. Loosen the ponytail slightly by tugging gently on the hair above the elastic.

If you want more volume at the top of your head, try teasing your roots with a fine-toothed comb before gathering your hair into the ponytail. This will help create an elevated, fuller look for the messy bun.

4. Twist the Ponytail into a Bun

Now comes the fun part --- turning your ponytail into a bun. Start by twisting the hair in your ponytail around the base (the elastic) to create a twisted knot. The twist should be slightly loose and messy, as this will help achieve the chic, undone look.

• For a larger bun: If you want more volume, twist the hair loosely, leaving some of it hanging out. This will create a fuller, more textured look.
• For a smaller bun: If you prefer a more subtle bun, twist the ponytail tightly and wrap it around the base neatly.

5. Secure the Bun with Pins

Once your ponytail is twisted into a bun, it's time to secure it with bobby pins. For a messy yet chic look, don't pin the bun too neatly --- a few stray hairs can add to the charm. Pin the bun loosely in place, ensuring that it feels secure but not overly rigid.

• Pinning technique: Use crisscrossed pins for extra hold, and make sure you don't pin the bun too tightly. This will help preserve the "messy" vibe. Allow some loose strands of hair to escape from the sides of the bun.

Remember that the goal is not perfection, so don't worry about every strand being in place. The more uneven and playful it looks, the better.

6. Loosen the Bun and Pull Strands for an Extra Messy Look

To add that perfect amount of messiness, gently tug at the bun and the hair around your face. Pull out a few wisps of hair around your hairline to frame your face softly. This adds a relaxed, effortless feel to the overall style.

• For more volume: If you want more volume at the crown, gently pull up on the roots of the ponytail before securing the bun. You can also pull out some of the hair at the crown after the bun is in place to create an elevated look.

Be careful not to overdo this step, though --- too many loose strands can make the bun look unkempt, so aim for a balance between messy and chic.

7. Finish with Hairspray or Texturizing Spray

To ensure that your messy bun stays in place all day, finish it off with a light mist of hairspray or texturizing spray. A flexible hold hairspray will keep the style intact without making it feel stiff or crunchy.

If you want to add more texture to the look, you can also apply a texturizing spray to your hair before or after the bun is in place. This will enhance the messy, tousled look and ensure that the bun looks fuller and more voluminous.

Tips for Making Your Messy Bun Look Chic

Creating a messy bun that looks chic involves more than just the technical steps; it's about styling it with intention and adding personal touches. Here are some expert tips to help you perfect your messy bun and elevate it to a new level of sophistication.

1. Incorporate Accessories

Adding accessories to your messy bun can take it from casual to chic in seconds. Here are some accessories that work beautifully with messy buns:

• Headbands: A wide, fabric headband or a sleek, metallic one can add a sophisticated touch to your messy bun. Choose a headband that complements your outfit and hair color.
• Hairpins: Embellished hairpins or decorative bobby pins can add a bit of sparkle and glam. Try using pins with pearls, rhinestones, or crystals to make your bun pop.
• Scarf or Bandana: A printed scarf or bandana tied around the base of the bun gives it a retro, vintage feel. This is a great accessory for adding personality to your messy bun.
• Flower or Clip: For a fresh and bohemian look, incorporate a small flower or decorative clip. This adds an element of fun and femininity.

2. Play with Placement

The placement of your messy bun can significantly affect the overall vibe of the look. Here are a few variations to try:

• High Messy Bun: A high messy bun gives off a youthful, carefree vibe and adds volume to your hair. It's perfect for casual outings, brunches, or even a night out.
• Low Messy Bun: A low bun is more elegant and refined. It's perfect for more formal settings and can be dressed up with accessories like a sleek headband or a chic hair clip.
• Side Messy Bun: A side bun can give your look a quirky, asymmetrical twist. It's a great option if you want something different and playful.

3. Keep the Rest of Your Look Simple

Since the messy bun is already a focal point of your hairstyle, it's important to keep the rest of your look simple and balanced. Pair your chic messy bun with a casual outfit like a simple blouse, a flowy dress, or a classic t-shirt. Avoid over-accessorizing, as the focus should be on the effortless look of your hair.

4. Go for the Natural Look

Messy buns are at their most chic when they look natural. While it's tempting to perfect every detail, remember that the charm of the messy bun lies in its imperfections. If you're aiming for a chic look, embrace your natural hair texture. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, let your hair's natural movement guide the shape of your messy bun.

Final Thoughts

The messy bun is a hairstyle that combines convenience and style, making it the perfect go-to for those days when you want to look chic without spending hours on your hair. By following the simple steps outlined above and incorporating some of the tips and tricks, you can create a messy bun that looks polished, elegant, and effortlessly cool.

Remember, the key to mastering the messy bun is practice and confidence. Once you've mastered the basics, you'll be able to adapt the style to suit any occasion --- from a relaxed weekend brunch to a stylish night out.

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