There’s something undeniably chic about a messy bun in summer. It’s quick, stylish, and—let’s be honest—your best defense against heat, humidity, and bad hair days. The beauty of a messy bun is that it’s not supposed to be perfect, which makes it even better when temperatures rise.
From beach days to brunch dates, these 25 messy bun hairstyles will keep you looking fresh, fashionable, and totally on trend in 2026.
1. Classic Messy Bun
The classic messy bun is the ultimate “everything” hairstyle. It’s that perfectly undone look that balances laziness with high-end style, making it ideal for running errands or a quick transition from the pool to a casual dinner.
To get the look, flip your head over and gather your hair into a loose ponytail. On the final loop of your hair tie, only pull your hair halfway through to create a loop. Pin the loose ends around the base and gently tug at the bun to add volume.
Maintain this look by not over-thinking it! If it feels too tight, pull a few sections at the crown to loosen it up. A quick mist of a flexible-hold hairspray will keep the “mess” intentional rather than chaotic.
2. High Messy Bun
Sitting right at the crown, the high messy bun provides an instant “face-lift” effect. It’s playful, energetic, and keeps every single strand off your neck, which is a total lifesaver during those sweltering July afternoons.
Gather your hair as high as possible and secure it into a ponytail. Twist the tail loosely around the base and secure with a second hair tie or pins. Use your fingers to “pancake” the bun, pulling it outward to make it look fuller.
Keep the height from sagging by using a sturdy hair tie. If you have fine hair, use a bit of volumizing powder at the base of the bun to give it enough “grip” to stay perched high all day.
3. Low Messy Bun
The low messy bun is the more romantic, sophisticated sister of the high bun. It sits softly at the nape of the neck and offers a relaxed, “quiet luxury” vibe that works beautifully for summer weddings or sunset cocktails.
Pull your hair back loosely, ensuring you don’t pull it too tight against your scalp. Twist the hair into a low, relaxed coil and pin it. Allow the bun to sit naturally, and don’t worry if a few pieces fall out—it adds to the charm.
Maintain this look by using U-shaped hairpins rather than tight bobby pins; they provide a more secure but “airy” hold. A light shine spray will keep the low bun looking elegant and deliberate through the humidity.
4. Messy Bun with Face-Framing Strands
This style is all about softness. By pulling out a few delicate strands around the ears and forehead, you frame your face and break up the harshness of an updo, making it incredibly flattering for all face shapes.
Style your bun (high or low) first. Once secured, use your pinky fingers to gently tease out thin sections of hair near your temples. If these strands are long, give them a quick 2-second bend with a curling wand.
To maintain these strands without them looking greasy, avoid touching them with sunscreen-covered hands. A tiny bit of dry shampoo on these specific pieces will keep them light, fluffy, and perfectly framing your face all day.
5. Beachy Texture Messy Bun
This look starts with a foundation of salt-kissed waves. It’s the ultimate “day-two” beach hair style, using the natural grit and volume of dried seawater to create a bun that is incredibly thick and textured.
If you aren’t at the beach, use a generous amount of sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch. Once dry, gather your hair into a bun. The natural “crunch” of the salt will help the bun hold its shape without needing many pins.
Keep the texture “salty” by avoiding smoothing serums. If the bun starts to feel flat, just give it a quick “scrunch” with your hands to reactivate the salt spray and bring the volume back to life.
6. Braided Messy Bun
Adding a braid adds an extra layer of detail and “hand-crafted” texture. It makes the messy bun look like you spent way more time on it than you actually did, providing a boho-chic finish that’s perfect for festivals.
Braid a small section of hair starting from your temple and lead it back into your ponytail. Then, form your messy bun as usual. Alternatively, braid the ponytail itself before twisting it into a bun for a chunky, woven effect.
Maintain the braid by ensuring it isn’t too tight; a “loose” braid blends better with the messy aesthetic. Use a tiny clear elastic for the braid so it doesn’t add bulk to your bun’s final shape.
7. Twisted Messy Bun
This style uses sections of twisted hair to create a dimensional, architectural look. It’s a bit more secure than the classic version, making it a great choice for active days or windy boat rides.
Divide your ponytail into two or three sections. Twist each section individually until it starts to coil, then pin them overlapping each other at the base. This creates a “rose” effect that is still wonderfully messy and textured.
Keep the twists defined by using a light-hold pomade on your fingers while styling. This prevents flyaways from making the “twists” look like “fuzz.” A firm-hold hairspray is key to keeping the overlapping sections in place.
8. Messy Top Knot
The top knot is the most casual and efficient of the bunch. It’s usually smaller and more “bundled” than a standard bun, sitting right on top of the head like a chic little crown of hair.
Pull all your hair into a very high ponytail. Twist the tail into a tight rope and then coil it around itself into a small, high knot. Secure with an elastic and pull at the edges to “fluff” it out slightly.
To maintain this high-altitude look, use two hair ties for extra security. If the knot starts to lean, use a bobby pin at the base to anchor it. It’s the perfect style for keeping hair out of your sunscreen!
9. Double Messy Buns
Also known as “Space Buns,” this look is twice as fun. It’s a playful, Y2K-inspired style that distributes the weight of your hair, which is great if you find that a single high bun gives you a headache.
Part your hair down the center and create two high pigtails. Twist each into a messy bun and secure. Don’t worry about them being perfectly symmetrical—the slight “mismatch” is part of the fun, summer festival energy.
Maintain symmetry by checking your part throughout the day. If one bun starts to sag, just tighten the elastic or add an extra pin. These are great for keeping you cool and looking cute in vacation photos.
10. Messy Bun with Scrunchie
Scrunchies are back and better than ever for 2026. Using a colorful silk or linen scrunchie adds a pop of summer flair and is much gentler on your hair than traditional elastics, reducing breakage.
Style your messy bun using a standard thin elastic first. Then, simply loop a large, decorative scrunchie over the top as a final accessory. Choose a neon color to pop against a tan or a floral print for brunch.
To maintain this look, ensure the underlying elastic is doing the heavy lifting so the scrunchie stays looking “puffy” and decorative. If the scrunchie gets wet at the pool, swap it for a dry one to prevent dampness.
11. Loose Messy Bun
This is the “I woke up like this” look perfected. It’s held together with the bare minimum of tension, allowing the hair to drape naturally and look incredibly soft and effortless.
Gather your hair very loosely and use a large, flexible hair tie. Loop the hair through just once or twice. The goal is for the bun to feel “heavy” and relaxed. Pin only the sections that feel like they might actually fall.
Maintain the “loose” feel by not using hairspray. If it falls down, just redo it in five seconds! This style thrives on movement, so let it be a little wild and free throughout the day.
12. Messy Bun with Headband
Adding a headband is the ultimate “clean girl” hack for summer. It keeps hair away from your face (perfect for humidity) while making the messy bun look styled and intentional.
Style your high or low bun first. Slide on a fabric or padded headband about an inch back from your hairline. This is a great way to hide any “frizz” that might be happening at the roots.
To maintain this look, choose a headband with a velvet lining or “teeth” so it doesn’t slide back. If your hair is extra silky, a little texture spray at the hairline will help the headband stay in place.
13. Curly Messy Bun
For my natural-haired babes, this look is all about celebrating your texture. Instead of smoothing things down, you let your curls provide the volume and shape for a bun that looks incredibly full and bouncy.
Apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and let it dry. Gather your curls into a loose bun at the crown, being careful not to “squish” the curls too much. Use a “puff cuff” or a wide elastic for comfort.
Maintain this look by misting your curls with a water and leave-in conditioner mix if they start to look dry. This keeps the bun looking “juicy” and defined rather than frizzy and thirsty in the summer heat.
14. Messy Bun with Claw Clip
The claw clip is the most convenient way to achieve a messy bun in 2026. It’s fast, trendy, and gives the bun a beautiful “fountain” effect that looks modern and effortless.
Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and twist it upward against the back of your head. Secure the middle of the twist with a large claw clip, letting the ends of the hair fall over the top.
To maintain this look, ensure your clip is strong enough for your hair density. If it feels like it’s sliding down, re-twist and clip a bit higher on the head. This style is perfect for transitioning from beach to bar.
15. Half-Up Messy Bun
This “best of both worlds” style keeps the hair out of your face while still allowing you to show off your length. It’s a balanced look that works perfectly with beachy waves in the back.
Section off the top third of your hair (from the temples up). Twist this section into a small, messy “hun” (half-bun) at the crown and secure. Leave the rest of your hair flowing naturally over your shoulders.
Maintain the half-bun’s volume by teasing the section slightly before twisting. If the loose hair in the back gets tangled, a quick brush and a drop of hair oil will keep the whole look feeling polished and pretty.
16. Messy Bun with Bangs
Bangs add a youthful, stylish edge to any messy bun. Whether you have full fringe or wispy “bottleneck” bangs, the contrast between the structured front and the messy back is incredibly trendy for 2026.
Style your bangs first with a round brush or flat iron to ensure they lay correctly. Then, gather the rest of your hair into a high or mid-height messy bun. Don’t worry about the bun being perfect; let it be the “wild” part.
Bangs can get oily in the heat. To maintain this look, carry a travel dry shampoo just for your fringe. A quick spray will keep your bangs voluminous and prevent them from separating or sticking to your forehead.
17. Side Messy Bun
The side bun is romantic and asymmetrical. It’s a great way to change up your look and is particularly flattering for photos, as it peeks out from behind your shoulder for a soft, feminine aesthetic.
Sweep all your hair over to one side, just behind the ear. Secure it into a low ponytail first, then twist and pin it into a messy, voluminous bun. Pull out a few strands on the opposite side to balance it out.
Maintain the side-swept look by using a few hidden bobby pins at the nape of the neck on the “empty” side. This prevents the hair from sagging or pulling toward the center, keeping the asymmetrical shape sharp all day.
18. Messy Bun with Hair Scarf
Nothing says “European Summer” like a hair scarf. It adds an instant pop of color and a touch of vintage glamour to a simple bun, making it the perfect accessory for a boat trip or a brunch date.
Style your bun as usual. Take a long, thin silk scarf and wrap it around the base of the bun, tying it into a bow or leaving the tails long. You can also weave the scarf into the bun for extra detail.
Maintain the scarf by securing it with a bobby pin so it doesn’t slide off your hair. If you’re using a silk scarf, a little hairspray on the bun’s base will give the fabric something to “grip” onto.
19. Textured Low Bun with Volume
This style uses a bit of “under-construction” volume to make a low bun look more substantial. It’s perfect for those with fine hair who want their messy bun to look thick and full.
Before pulling your hair back, tease the crown section with a comb to add height. Gather your hair into a low, loose bun at the nape, ensuring you don’t “flatten” the teased section. Pin the bun loosely to maintain the texture.
To maintain this volume, avoid using heavy oils near the roots. A quick hit of volumizing hairspray at the crown will keep the height from falling flat in the humidity, ensuring your low bun stays full and chic.
20. Messy Bun with Braided Crown
Combine a boho crown braid with a messy bun for the ultimate free-spirited look. This style is practical because the crown braid keeps all those annoying baby hairs and flyaways completely controlled.
Create two French or Dutch braids starting from the temples and leading back to the nape. Join the ends of the braids with the rest of your hair and form a messy, textured bun. Pull at the braid loops for volume.
Maintain the crown braid by using a tiny bit of hair wax on your fingers while braiding. This keeps the “halo” part of the style looking neat, allowing the bun in the back to be as messy as you like.
21. Sleek Front Messy Bun
This look is all about contrast. The front is slicked back with gel for a “clean girl” aesthetic, while the bun itself remains wild and messy, creating a high-fashion look that is perfect for summer nights.
Apply a strong-hold gel to the roots and brush your hair back perfectly smooth into a high ponytail. Then, twist the ponytail into a very messy, teased bun. The contrast between the sleek front and messy back is key.
Maintain the “slick” by using a toothbrush with a little hairspray to lay down any flyaways at the hairline. This keeps the front looking sharp and editorial, while the bun provides all the effortless summer energy you need.
22. Messy Bun with Highlights
If you have balayage or highlights, this is the best way to show them off. The messy, twisted nature of the bun weaves the different colors together, creating a multi-tonal look that catches the light beautifully.
Style a mid-height bun with lots of twists. The more you “loop” and “fold” the hair, the more the different colors will show. Use a shine spray at the end to make the lighter pieces really pop against the darker base.
Maintain the color’s vibrancy by using a UV-filter spray. Highlights can fade or turn brassy in the summer sun; a quick protective mist will keep your multi-tonal messy bun looking salon-fresh and full of dimension.
23. Mini Messy Bun
For my babes with bobs or shorter hair, the mini messy bun is your best friend. It’s a cute, compact version of the style that keeps your hair off your face while leaning into a “pixie” or “tomboy” chic aesthetic.
Gather as much hair as you can at the crown or nape. You may have some “fallout” at the bottom—embrace it or pin it with cute decorative clips. Twist the small amount of hair into a tiny, textured knot.
To maintain a mini bun on shorter hair, use small “mini” bobby pins; regular ones will be too bulky. A texturizing paste on the ends will help the short layers stay tucked into the bun without slipping out.
24. Messy Bun with Accessories
Elevate your everyday bun instantly by adding decorative accessories. Whether it’s pearl pins, gold clips, or colorful flower studs, accessories take the messy bun from “gym hair” to “glam hair” in seconds.
Style your bun as usual. Once secured, “clutter” one side of the bun with three or four decorative clips, or scatter pearl pins throughout the bun itself. It’s a great way to personalize your summer look.
Maintain your accessories by ensuring they are anchored into the hair tie or a thick section of hair. If using flower studs, a little hairspray on the “stem” of the pin will help it stay put during your summer activities.
25. Ultra-Voluminous Messy Bun
Go big or go home! This style is all about drama and scale. It’s the perfect look for when you want your hair to be the centerpiece of your outfit, offering a bold, confident summer silhouette.
Tease your ponytail vigorously before forming the bun. Once the bun is pinned, use your fingers to pull and loosen large sections until it’s nearly double in size. Use “donut” stuffing if you need an extra boost of volume.
Maintain this massive bun by using a firm-hold hairspray. If it starts to feel heavy, add a few extra-large bobby pins at the base for support. This dramatic style is a showstopper for any summer event or beach party.
Which of these messy bun variations are you rocking at your next summer brunch? I’m currently obsessed with the Sleek Front Messy Bun—it’s the perfect way to look polished in the Florida heat! Let me know your favorites in the comments.
Stay glamorous,
Simone
