Let’s be real—sometimes you want your hair to look like you didn’t try too hard… but you definitely want people to think you tried. That’s where the low messy bun comes in. It’s the perfect combo of casual and classy.

You can wear it to brunch, weddings, work meetings, or just while running errands when you’re pretending you didn’t roll out of bed ten minutes ago.

I’ve been a fan of low messy buns for years, mostly because they look chic even when I’m on my third-day hair and dry shampoo is doing all the heavy lifting.

And honestly? They’re one of those hairstyles that make people go, “Wow, you look so put together,” when in reality you spent 90 seconds with a hair tie.

So let’s break down 23 low messy bun ideas that’ll save your mornings, make you look polished, and maybe even convince people you have your life together (even if your laundry pile says otherwise).

---

1. Classic Low Messy Bun

This is the OG. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, twist it loosely, and secure with a hair tie. Pull out a few face-framing pieces, and you’re good. Easy, timeless, and perfect when you’re running late.

---

2. Low Bun with Braided Accent

Braid a small section of hair on one side before sweeping it into your messy bun. That little detail makes it look like you put in effort when you really didn’t.

---

3. Low Messy Side Bun

Shift your bun slightly to one side for a softer, romantic vibe. This one works great for date nights or weddings when you want a touch of elegance without a stiff updo.

---

4. Low Bun with Loose Curls

Curl your hair before you pull it into a bun. The curls add volume and texture so your bun looks intentionally messy instead of “I didn’t brush my hair today.”

---

5. Low Bun with Hair Scarf

Wrap a scarf around your bun and tie it into a bow. It’s the easiest way to dress up a messy hairstyle, plus it adds color and personality.

---

6. Low Knot Bun

Instead of twisting your hair into a coil, tie it into a loose knot before pinning. It’s casual, artsy, and looks like something you’d see in a Parisian café.

---

7. Low Messy Bun with Middle Part

Part your hair down the middle before pulling it back. This creates a sleek front with a relaxed bun in the back—a perfect mix of professional and laid-back.

---

8. Low Messy Bun with Side Part

If you want a softer frame, part your hair to the side. It’s flattering for most face shapes and feels a little more romantic than a middle part.

---

9. Twisted Low Bun

Twist two sections of hair from each side toward the back and tuck them into your messy bun. It’s secure but still looks effortless.

---

10. Low Bun with Bobby Pin Art

Use decorative pins or clips around your bun. It adds a trendy touch without making it too formal. Plus, bobby pins are lifesavers for controlling those stubborn flyaways.

---

11. Double-Twist Low Bun

Split your hair into two sections, twist each, and then wrap them together into a bun. It looks intricate but takes all of three minutes.

---

12. Loose Chignon Style

Think of this as the fancier cousin of the messy bun. Keep it low, loose, and soft for a romantic chignon effect. Perfect for weddings, even if it’s just as easy as your everyday bun.

---

13. Low Messy Bun with Bangs

Got bangs? Let them fall naturally while your bun keeps the rest of your hair out of the way. It gives that “effortless cool girl” vibe.

---

14. Low Bun with Twisted Crown

Twist sections from the front and pin them back before forming your bun. It frames your face beautifully and keeps things secure.

---

15. Low Messy Bun with Scrunchie

Yes, scrunchies are back, and honestly? They make everything better. Use a velvet or patterned scrunchie for a playful vibe.

---

16. Braided Low Messy Bun

Braid your ponytail before wrapping it into a bun. It’s textured, holds well, and looks way fancier than it actually is.

---

17. Low Bun with Hair Wrap

Use a fabric wrap or wide headband to cover part of your bun. It’s boho, chic, and perfect for bad hair days.

---

18. Low Bun with Flowers

Whether fresh or faux, adding tiny flowers to your bun instantly makes it whimsical. Great for outdoor events or when you want to feel like you live in a cottagecore Pinterest board.

---

19. Low Bun with Volume

Tease the crown of your head before pulling it back for extra lift. It avoids the “flat hair” look and gives you that subtle glam without trying too hard.

---

20. Low Messy Bun with Beach Waves

If you’ve got natural waves (or a curling wand), keep them loose and messy before tying into a bun. It’s the ultimate summer hairstyle.

---

21. Low Messy Bun for Short Hair

Yes, you can still rock a bun with short hair. Gather what you can at the nape, secure with pins, and embrace the pieces that fall out. They add to the charm.

---

22. Polished-but-Messy Low Bun

Oxymoron? Maybe. But this style smooths the top with gel or hairspray while leaving the bun itself loose and textured. Perfect balance between chic and casual.

---

23. Low Messy Bun with Headband

Slip on a headband after making your bun. It keeps everything neat in front while the back stays perfectly undone.

---

Why Low Messy Buns Work Every Time

Here’s the thing: low messy buns flatter almost everyone. They sit at the nape of your neck, which elongates your face and works whether you’ve got long, medium, or even shorter hair. Plus, they’re versatile—you can wear one with jeans and a hoodie or with a formal gown.

And let’s be honest, the best part is how forgiving they are. Unlike sleek ponytails or braids that show every hair out of place, messy buns actually look better with imperfections. Bedhead? Flyaways? They just add character.

---

Tips to Nail the Perfect Low Messy Bun

Want your messy bun to look chic instead of chaotic? Here are some quick pro tips:

• Use texture spray to give grip, especially if your hair is freshly washed.
• Pull out strands around your face for that “effortless” finish.
• Don’t overthink it. If it’s too neat, it loses the whole messy charm.
• Secure with bobby pins for stubborn pieces without flattening the style.
• Switch up your part—it makes a bigger difference than you think.

---

My Go-To Low Messy Bun Looks

If I had to narrow it down, here are my personal faves:

1. Low Side Bun – perfect for date nights when I want to look put together without going full glam.
2. Messy Bun with Scarf – ideal for lazy mornings when I want a pop of color.
3. Polished-but-Messy Bun – my secret weapon for professional settings when I want to look sharp but approachable.

And yes, I’ve done the classic “grab a scrunchie and twist whatever’s left” move before Zoom calls. It works, trust me. 🙂

---

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—23 low messy bun ideas that prove you don’t need hours (or a glam squad) to look amazing. Whether you want casual, chic, boho, or a touch of formal, there’s a bun on this list for you.

Next time you’re running late or just don’t feel like washing your hair (we’ve all been there), pick one of these styles and own it. Because honestly? Sometimes the best hairstyles are the ones that look like you didn’t try too hard. And that’s the beauty of the messy bun—it’s stylish, versatile, and basically foolproof.