The messy bun is the undefeated champion of effortless style. It's the hairstyle we turn to on busy mornings and lazy weekends. But adding loose, face-framing strands elevates it from a casual afterthought to a chic, intentional look.
The Classic High Bun
This is the quintessential
messy bun, perched high on the head for a playful yet put-together look. The key to modernising this classic is texture and softness. Start with second-day hair if possible, as the natural grit helps with hold. Gather your hair into a high ponytail but don't pull it too tight. On the final pull-through of your hair tie, create a loop instead of pulling the tail all the way through. Wrap the remaining ends around the base and secure with pins. Finally, gently pull out thin tendrils around your hairline and temples to soften the look. These strands frame the face, giving the style a more romantic, less severe finish.
The Sophisticated Low Knot
For a more elegant and professional take, the low messy bun is a perfect choice. This version sits gracefully at the nape of your neck and pairs beautifully with office wear or formal attire. To achieve this style, gather your hair into a loose, low ponytail. Twist the ponytail and coil it around its base, pinning it securely. The magic is in the details: leave out a few soft pieces around your face before you start, and once the bun is secure, gently tug on the bun itself to add volume and an 'undone' texture. This style proves that a messy bun can be incredibly chic and polished.
The Half-Up, Half-Down Bun
When you can't decide between wearing your hair up or down, the half-up messy bun offers the best of both worlds. This style keeps hair out of your face while still showing off your length. Section off the top half of your hair, from your temples to the crown. Gather this section and create a small messy bun, securing it with a hair tie. Just like with a full bun, don't be afraid to pull on the bun to fan it out and create more volume. The face-framing strands are particularly important here, as they blend the 'up' and 'down' sections seamlessly for a relaxed, cohesive look.
The Braided Accent Bun
Incorporating a braid is a simple way to add texture and intricate detail to your messy bun. This works well with both high and low buns. Before gathering your hair, create a small braid on one side of your head, starting near the temple and going back. Then, pull all of your hair, including the braid, into a ponytail and form your messy bun as usual. You can either let the end of the braid blend into the bun or wrap it around the base as a decorative element. The combination of the braid and the loose, face-framing tendrils creates a beautiful, bohemian-inspired style perfect for any occasion.
Styling with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are practically made for messy buns. This trendy, face framing fringe perfectly complements the effortless vibe of a tousled updo. When creating your bun, the bangs are already your built in loose strands. The key is to style them correctly. After securing your bun, use a round brush and a hairdryer or a large barrel curling iron to give your bangs a soft, sweeping curve away from your face. This ensures they frame your features beautifully rather than falling flat. This combination has been a red carpet favourite, proving that even a simple bun can be a high fashion statement.
