We’ll just come right out and say it. Messy buns are the ultimate cool-girl hairstyle. Name a more effortless-looking but elevated style to put your hair in—we’ll wait.
Messy buns come in all different shapes and styles. There are the quintessential messy buns you’re likely thinking of, where you pull unbrushed hair into a loose bun in three seconds flat, but there are also tons of more polished takes on the style that should be on your radar. Think slicked-back buns or knots with romantic, face-framing pieces. Below, we’ve rounded up our 25 favorites that we’re immediately adding to our mood boards.
Create a fun, unexpected style by adding two long, face-framing braids to your topknot. This style is easy enough to wear on a day running errands, but it could also be elevated with a smoky eye or a bright lip.
When in doubt, add a bandana to keep things interesting. For a style like this, the messier the bun, the better—it will make you look effortlessly chic. We like: Urban Outfitters Stella Hair Scarf ($10).
This look is half bun, half ponytail, and 100% sophisticated. Copy it yourself by pulling a ponytail into a half bun and adding plenty of statement gold hair accessories to keep it elevated. We like: Lelet Gold-Tone Hair Clip ($138).
If you’re sporting braids, pull half of them into a messy topknot and keep the rest down for cool contrast.
A simple bun at the nape of your neck can be taken to the next level by keeping the end pieces out for a controlled messiness.
Ballerina buns are arguably the chicest hairstyle. Keep a neat twist in place by using plenty of bobby pins.
Pile your hair on top of your head loosely for the ultimate messy bun. For a romantic twist, curl the front pieces of your hair and leave them down.
Everyone loves a claw clip. While it might not give you a traditional bun, claw clips help you achieve a twisted, pulled-back style in a matter of seconds. Straighten a few face-framing pieces to take this look from day to night. We like: Casa Clara Alex Clip ($28).
Yes, you can pull off a messy bun if you have bangs. Style your bangs with a round brush and pull the rest of your hair back in a loose mid-level bun.
The trick to this bun is pulling small pieces out to give it interesting texture.
Unsure how to make a simple, unassuming messy bun look interesting? Neon hair accessories are your ticket to cooler hair. Add them in with abandon for the best effect. We like: Scunci Snap Clips ($7).
Slick back your hair before pulling it into a tight topknot for ultimate control.
A slicked-back low bun is one of the easiest hairstyles in the book for looking pulled-together in seconds.
After pulling your hair into a haphazard topknot, style front pieces into loose waves to keep it sophisticated.
For the ultimate cool-girl hair, slick back middle-parted strands and knot them into a tight bun. We like: Ouai Matte Pomade ($24).
Middle part your hair and pull it back into a messy bun at the nape or your neck for a style that can be worn in any and every situation.
Style your hair in a loose topknot and keep a few sleek, relaxed pieces in the front.
For the ultimate textured bun, spray hair with texture spray before pulling it back into a messy knot. We like: Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray ($32).
A bun with wispy side pieces goes with any and every outfit.
Did someone say sky-high messy buns? Count us in.
Double the buns make for double the fun as far as we’re concerned. These twin messy buns look bold while still maintaining an effortless feel.
Make a messy topknot sweeter by adding a statement headband. We like: Free People Bianca Bow Headband ($28).
A ponytail bun has never looked this chic. Sterling hair accessories help make this unassuming look seem high fashion.
Twist half of your hair into a bun and leave the rest out to achieve this relaxed style. Add plenty of delicate hair accessories to elevate it. We like: Urban Renewal Vintage Colorful Mini Butterfly Clip Set ($10).
Pull a few curls out of your topknot for a cascading effect. Face-framing front pieces keep this look extra romantic.
