After many reader requests, I've put together a fun and simple photo how-to for styling a messy bun! It's easier than you think to get a nice high messy bun. Here's how I do it...
How To Style A Messy Bun 1. Depending on how long your hair is you can style the bun on the top of your head, towards the bottom (near your neck) or to the side. My hair is pretty long, so I can style it all three ways. If your hair is shorter, try a lower bun. See below for more variations of the messy bun. 2-3. Tie a ponytail. I love them super high at the top of my head. Be sure to tie your rubber band tight. 4. Use bobby pins to twist and pin pieces of your hair all around the base of the ponytail. This creates a super cute bun! 5. Be sure to use plenty of bobby pins so pieces don't fall out. 6. Arrange and spray! ♥
My messy buns looks a little bit different each time I style one. When my hair is curly or wavy the bun looks more messy and varied. When my hair is flat ironed the bun looks more smooth and circular.
Here are a few examples of fun variations for the messy bun. I love wearing it on the side of my head or down low for a different look. Have fun experimenting! XO, elsie
i loooove messy buns, i'm so excited my hair is long enough to do this again!
ps - loved seeing that pic of your red hair. i loooved your red hair!
Posted by: marjorie | July 11, 2011 at 04:16 PM
There's nothing I love more than messy but put together looking hair, love this!
Posted by: megan | July 11, 2011 at 04:25 PM
aw thanks for this elsie! i do my messy bun waay differently, but your way looks much better. i'm going to give it a whirl :-) x
Posted by: rosie | July 11, 2011 at 04:35 PM
Oh... Just after I cut my hair super short with no chance of bun-fun. It's okay! I will pass on to my lovely, long-haired pals to try out.
Posted by: Maria | July 11, 2011 at 04:42 PM
i love this tutorial, i have been trying to make a bun like this but didnt realize to use the hair tie! :)
Steffys Pros and Cons
Posted by: steffy | July 11, 2011 at 04:42 PM
So cute... and the reason why I'm growing my hair long again! Thanks for the tutorial!
Posted by: Danielle | July 11, 2011 at 04:56 PM
This look is so cute and easy to do! Thanks for sharing how you do it.
Posted by: Trou | July 11, 2011 at 05:00 PM
Cute! Yours always look so polished :) I wish I had longer hair!! (Soon, eep!)
Posted by: Angie | July 11, 2011 at 05:13 PM
finally a hair tutorial i may actually be able to use! messy is the keyword here that makes it doable for me. haha.
Posted by: grace | July 11, 2011 at 05:19 PM
Thank so much for the tutorial, buns are somewhat easy, especially when you have long hair, and I can look spiffy without doing to the salon.
Posted by: elle | July 11, 2011 at 05:34 PM
I used to rock the messy bun ALL the time when my hair was longer! :D Now I do itty bitty side buns! ^_^
Posted by: Angie Bailey | July 11, 2011 at 05:40 PM
I love this look! I have hair down to my hips, which can be pretty unbearable in the heat. The messy bum has become a summer staple!
♥ Gina Michele
CrochetClouds
Posted by: Gina Michele | July 11, 2011 at 05:43 PM
Love this, Elsie! I've been working myself out of a hair rut lately, so I'll add this messy bun to the mix. :D
Posted by: ashleyTIA | July 11, 2011 at 05:59 PM
so cute! i'm trying it!!
http://www.style-extraordinaire.com/
Posted by: libby | July 11, 2011 at 07:01 PM
gorgeous!! each one looks so cute!
www.petiteandhungry.blogspot.com
Posted by: Petite and Hungry | July 11, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Super cute! I had a pixie cut for years (loved it), and now that my hair is long again I find that it's in a ponytail 90% of the time (or I'm thinking about cutting it all off again!). This would be a really cute way to spice it up a little bit!
Posted by: Mandy | July 11, 2011 at 07:28 PM
very cool! thank you! you're adorable :)
www.dragonnfruit.com
Posted by: dragon fruit | July 11, 2011 at 07:45 PM
love it, pretty much how i wear my hair everyday if its not down. such an easy go to!
Posted by: Violet Bella | July 11, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Nice! I've always wondered how people get nice large messy buns... I can only get tiny ones. I'll be trying this out soon though!
Posted by: Linda | July 11, 2011 at 07:53 PM
aweeee so cute!!!
Im always with a messy bun... lol!
Posted by: Nádia | July 11, 2011 at 08:01 PM