Let’s be honest—long hair is both a blessing and a curse. It’s gorgeous, but it also loves to get in the way when you’re trying to live your life.

Enter the messy bun: the hairstyle that says, “Yeah, I didn’t try too hard, but I still look good.” It’s the ultimate lazy-girl hack that somehow works for coffee runs, Zoom calls, date nights, and weddings.

But here’s the thing—not all messy buns are created equal. Some make you look effortlessly chic, while others… well, let’s just say they look like you wrestled with a bird’s nest and lost. Been there.

That’s why I’ve pulled together 19 easy messy bun hairstyles for long hair ideas that will save you on rushed mornings, glam you up for nights out, and basically become your hair’s new BFF.

Grab your elastics, bobby pins, and maybe a little dry shampoo—because things are about to get fun.

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1. The Classic High Messy Bun

This is the OG messy bun. Gather your hair at the crown, twist it, and secure it with an elastic. Tug at random pieces to add volume and loosen it up.

Pro tip: flip your head upside down while gathering your hair for extra height. Works every time.

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2. The Low Messy Bun

Want something chic but not trying too hard? A low messy bun at the nape of your neck screams effortless sophistication. Add a middle part for that model-off-duty vibe.

Ever notice how this one makes you look like you “have your life together,” even when you don’t?

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3. The Top Knot Messy Bun

This one sits super high, almost like a ballerina bun that went rogue. It’s perfect for days when you want all your hair completely out of your face. IMO, it’s basically a built-in facelift.

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4. The Double Messy Bun (a.k.a. Space Buns)

Why settle for one when you can have two? Part your hair down the middle, create two messy buns on either side, and suddenly you’re festival-ready. Bonus: it’s a great way to hide greasy roots.

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5. The Side Messy Bun

Sometimes moving your bun slightly to the side changes everything. A side messy bun looks romantic, especially if you leave some tendrils framing your face. Great for date nights.

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6. The Braided Messy Bun

Add a simple braid before twisting your bun, and you’ll instantly level up the style. It looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly easy. Guests at weddings will assume you paid a stylist. Let them.

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7. The Half-Up Messy Bun

This one’s a lifesaver when you want hair down but still need it out of your eyes. Gather the top half of your hair into a messy bun and let the rest flow. It’s casual but cute, especially with waves.

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8. The Messy Bun with a Scarf

Wrap a silk scarf or bandana around your messy bun for instant boho vibes. It’s practical (keeps flyaways down) and stylish at the same time. Win-win.

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9. The Sleek-to-Messy Bun

Here’s a fun contrast: slick your hair back with gel or hairspray, then let the bun itself stay loose and undone. It’s polished and carefree at once.

Ever wonder why celebs rock this on red carpets? Because it works.

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10. The Messy Bun with Bangs

Got bangs? Show them off. A messy bun paired with curtain bangs or wispy fringe feels trendy and frames your face perfectly.

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11. The Messy Bun with Headband

Add a chunky headband, and suddenly your lazy bun looks intentional. It’s a great trick when your hair’s on day three of no washing (no judgment).

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12. The Twisted Messy Bun

Instead of just wrapping your hair into a bun, twist sections first, then pin them loosely. The twists add texture and make your messy bun look way fancier than the effort you put in.

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13. The Bun with Loose Waves

Curl your hair before throwing it into a messy bun. Sounds counterintuitive, but the loose curls make the bun look voluminous and romantic. Perfect for date nights or weddings.

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14. The Sock Bun Gone Messy

Remember sock buns? Instead of making it sleek, loosen sections, pull some strands out, and embrace the imperfection. You’ll get that perfectly imperfect oversized bun.

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15. The Low Knot Bun

Tie your hair in a loose knot before securing it with pins. It’s artsy, chic, and looks like something straight off Pinterest.

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16. The Messy Bun with Bobby Pins Galore

Turn your messy bun into a statement piece with visible bobby pins or decorative clips. Functional and cute—finally, a reason not to hide those pins.

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17. The French Twist Messy Bun Hybrid

Start with a French twist, but instead of tucking the ends in neatly, let them explode into a messy bun at the top. It’s like business in the front, party in the back.

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18. The Oversized Messy Bun

If you’ve got thick hair (lucky you), go big. Loosen the bun as much as possible, pull pieces out, and fluff it up until it looks massive. Dramatic? Yes. Gorgeous? Also yes.

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19. The Lazy 10-Second Bun

When you truly cannot be bothered: gather your hair, twist once, loop it through an elastic halfway, and call it a day. Honestly, sometimes the messiest buns end up looking the cutest.

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How to Nail Any Messy Bun (Without Losing Your Mind)

The messy bun may look effortless, but sometimes it takes a few tricks to get it right. Here’s what actually helps:

• Dry shampoo is your best friend: Clean hair can be too slippery. A little texture spray or dry shampoo makes buns easier to style.
• Pull pieces strategically: Don’t yank hair at random. Tug gently at the crown and sides for volume without looking like you fought with your hair.
• Secure with bobby pins: Elastics alone can slip, especially with long hair. Pins help lock everything in place.
• Accessories = instant upgrade: Scrunchies, scarves, clips, and headbands can turn a 2-minute bun into a “wow, she tried” look.
• Don’t overthink it: The whole point is that it’s messy. If it looks too perfect, mess it up a little.

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When to Rock Each Messy Bun

Not sure which messy bun fits the occasion? Here’s a cheat sheet:

• Running errands → Lazy 10-second bun or high bun.
• Casual brunch → Half-up bun or side messy bun.
• Work or Zoom calls → Sleek-to-messy bun or low messy bun.
• Weddings/dates → Braided bun, curled bun, or scarf bun.
• Festivals or concerts → Double buns or oversized bun.

Because yes, buns can absolutely match the vibe.

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Final Thoughts

And there you have it—19 easy messy bun hairstyles for long hair that actually look good and don’t take forever to do. Whether you’re running out the door five minutes late (my specialty) or dressing up for something fancy, there’s a messy bun for every mood and every occasion.

The best part? None of these require serious styling skills. Honestly, the more undone it looks, the better. So grab your hair tie, stop overthinking it, and twist your way into messy bun glory.

Just don’t be surprised when someone asks, “How did you get your hair to look like that?” and you have to admit you literally did it in under a minute.