Happy Monday, friends! I’ve been meaning to share more hair tutorials lately since I get asked about them all the time. After doing my own hair for Sea of Shoes shoots over the last twelve years, I’ve collected more styling tricks than I can count. But there’s one look I’ve always been determined to nail: the perfect messy bun.
Now, don’t be fooled by its casual charm—this style isn’t as effortless as it appears. The bun I throw up before washing my face at night? Not even close to the Pinterest-worthy buns you see floating around on street style blogs. The truth is, that perfectly disheveled, “I-woke-up-like-this” bun takes a little strategy. And once you know the formula, it’s a game changer.
Step One: Start with the Right Hair
Here’s the good news: the messy bun works best on slightly dirty hair. Yep—you read that right. Clean hair can be too slippery, while second (or even third) day hair has the grit and texture you need for a bun that stays put.
For this tutorial, I started with two-day-old hair, refreshed with a dusting of Bumble and Bumble’s Prêt-à-Powder Dry Shampoo. It absorbs oil and adds a little volume, which is exactly what we want for this look.
What You’ll Need
Before diving in, grab these styling essentials:
- A hairbrush (I’m loyal to my Tangle Teezer)
- A hairclip for sectioning
- Bobby pins
- A sturdy elastic
- Texturizing spray (IGK’s is a favorite, though Shu Uemura’s Texture Wave is also fantastic)
Step Two: Build Your Base
To begin, section off the top half of your hair and clip it up. With the bottom half loose, lightly backcomb the roots. This teasing step might feel subtle, but it adds grip and helps create the volume we’ll need at the nape of the neck.
Next, flip your head upside down and gather all of your hair into a ponytail at the crown. Don’t secure it just yet! Instead, use your free hand to tug out a few strands around your face, some wisps near your ears, and a couple of pieces at the nape. These “baby hairs” are key—they’ll frame your face and give that undone, romantic vibe.
Step Three: Create the Bun
Now it’s time to shape the bun itself. Pull your ponytail halfway through the elastic, leaving the ends hanging loose. This creates the foundation of your messy bun.
To add volume and give it that perfectly imperfect look, gently tug at the roots around the base of the ponytail while holding the bun in place. Don’t worry about symmetry—this style thrives on looseness. Secure everything with bobby pins, adjusting as you go until you have a shape you love.
Step Four: Style the Baby Hairs
Those loose strands we pulled earlier? They’re about to shine. I like to take a flat iron and create a bend in each strand—nothing too polished, just a gentle wave. This adds movement without making them look too “done.”
Once you’ve waved them, spritz lightly with your texturizing spray and rub the strands between your fingers. This fluffs them up and gives them that perfectly lived-in feel. Don’t be afraid to play around until they look just right.
Step Five: Add Texture and Finish
Give your bun and roots a mist of texturizing spray, then massage your scalp lightly with your fingertips. This will loosen the style, encourage flyaways, and keep it from looking too sleek. Remember: the beauty of this look is in the flyaways and texture, so don’t overthink it.
For a final touch, I sometimes pop in a hair accessory—like a chic clip or barrette. It’s optional, of course, but it’s a fun way to elevate an otherwise undone look.
Why the Messy Bun Works Every Time
What I love about this hairstyle is how versatile it is. It looks just as at home with a casual tee and jeans as it does paired with a tailored blazer or a flowy dress. It’s polished and effortless, giving you that sweet spot where comfort meets chic.
And best of all? It’s low-maintenance. The messier it gets throughout the day, the better it looks.
Final Thoughts
The messy bun isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing a little chaos and working with it. With the right prep (slightly dirty hair, a little teasing, and a lot of texture), you can create a bun that looks artfully undone in minutes.
So the next time you’re staring in the mirror, elastic in hand, wondering why your bun looks more “laundry day” than “street style icon,” try these steps. With a little practice, you’ll be pulling off the perfect messy bun like it’s second nature.
And if you try it out, I’d love to see how it turns out—tag me so I can admire your messy bun magic!
