Let’s be honest. We’ve all had those days. The alarm didn’t go off, you’re running late for work, or you simply can’t be bothered to spend an hour wrestling with a flat iron. But what if the secret to looking incredibly chic and on-trend was, in fact, embracing that “I just woke up like this” vibe? Enter the messy updo—the savior of busy mornings and the hallmark of effortless cool.
Gone are the days of pristine, shellacked buns that require a team of hairstylists and a whole can of hairspray. Today’s style icons are all about the perfectly imperfect look. A messy updo is more than just a hairstyle; it’s an attitude. It says you’re confident, you’re busy, and you have better things to do than fuss over every single hair. But here’s the secret: achieving that “I didn’t try” look often requires a bit of know-how. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to rock a messy updo like a true style maven.
Why the Messy Updo is Your New Best Friend
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” The messy updo isn’t just a trend; it’s a versatile and practical hairstyle with serious staying power. For one, it’s incredibly forgiving. Unlike a sleek ponytail that highlights every bump, a messy updo celebrates texture and volume, making it a great option for second or even third-day hair. In fact, hair that isn’t freshly washed often has more grip and texture, making it easier to style and hold the shape.
Secondly, it’s unbelievably versatile. From a casual day at the office to a romantic dinner or a formal wedding, the messy updo can be adapted to suit any occasion. A few strategic pins and the right accessories can elevate it from daytime casual to evening elegance in seconds. It’s the ultimate chameleon of hairstyles, working with your schedule and your personal aesthetic.
The Essential Tools for the Perfect Messy Updo
You don’t need a salon’s worth of equipment, but a few key tools will make the process infinitely easier and the result much more polished (in that unpolished way we’re going for).
Texturizing Spray or Sea Salt Spray: This is the holy grail product for creating a messy updo. It adds grit, volume, and that essential piecey texture that separates a “just messy” look from a “stylishly messy” one. Spritz it on damp or dry hair before you start styling.
Dry Shampoo: Your best friend for adding volume and absorbing excess oil at the roots. It gives your hair the lift and body needed to create a full, voluminous updo that doesn’t fall flat.
Bobby Pins (Matte Finish): Ditch the shiny pins that stand out against your hair. Opt for matte-finish bobby pins in a color that matches your hair tone. You’ll need more than you think!
A Teasing Comb or Brush: A little backcombing at the crown can work wonders for adding height and making your updo look fuller and more romantic.
Flexible Hold Hairspray: You want a hairspray that locks the style in place without making it look stiff or crunchy. A light, flexible hold formula is ideal for keeping those wispy pieces in place without sacrificing movement.
Step-by-Step: The Classic Messy Bun Updo
This is the foundational messy updo that everyone should have in their arsenal. It’s quick, easy, and serves as the base for many variations.
Step 1: Prep and Texture. Start with day-old hair or spritz dry hair with texturizing spray. Flip your head over and massage the roots to create natural volume. Don’t brush it smooth—you want to maintain that natural texture.
Step 2: Create a Pony (But Not a Perfect One). Gather your hair as if you’re making a ponytail at your desired height (low, mid, or high). Instead of pulling all the hair through on the last loop of the hair tie, only pull it halfway through, creating a loop. This is your basic bun foundation.
Step 3: Loosen and Pull. This is the most important step for the “messy” factor. Gently pull apart the loop of hair, loosening sections to create a larger, softer bun. Don’t be afraid to tug at the sides to create a fuller shape.
Step 4: Secure and Tweak. Using your bobby pins, secure the base of the bun to your head. Slide them in horizontally, catching both the bun and the hair beneath for a secure hold. Once it feels stable, gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and some shorter strands at the nape of your neck.
Step 5: Final Touch-Ups. Lightly mist with flexible hold hairspray, focusing on any wispy pieces you want to tame without hardening them. For extra volume, you can gently tease the crown section before you put it up.
Elevating the Look: From Basic to Boho-Chic
Once you’ve mastered the classic messy bun, it’s time to play. Adding a few extra elements can transform your updo into a true bohemian masterpiece.
Braided Accents: Incorporate a small braid into your updo for an instant boho upgrade. Before gathering your hair for the bun, take a small section from the front of your head and create a loose, slightly messy braid. Then, incorporate this braid into the rest of your hair as you create your updo, letting it wrap around the base of the bun or weave through it.
The Power of Accessories: Don’t underestimate a good hair accessory. A thin, delicate scarf tied around the base of the bun adds a pop of color and sophistication. Statement clips or pins, strategically placed to look almost haphazard, can add a touch of glamour. For a festival-ready look, weave in a few fresh flowers or some delicate gold chain accessories.
Twists and Ropes: Instead of just piling your hair into a bun, try twisting two sections of hair loosely and then wrapping them around each other before pinning. This creates a more intricate, rope-like texture that looks complex but is surprisingly simple to achieve.
Mastering the Art of “Undone”: Pro Stylist Secrets
What separates a fashion-forward messy updo from a hairstyle that just looks messy? It all comes down to intentionality. Here are the pro secrets to nailing the look.
Strategic Messiness: The key is to make it look effortless, not careless. The messiness should be concentrated in specific areas: a few pieces around the face, some at the nape of the neck, and some texture throughout the bun itself. The structure of the updo should still be secure and look intentional.
Volume is King (or Queen): A flat messy bun can look sad and limp. Always focus on creating volume at the crown before you start pinning. Teasing the roots lightly or using a volumizing product at the base is non-negotiable for that coveted, romantic silhouette.
Embrace Your Hair Type: This style works for almost every hair type! If you have fine hair, rely heavily on texturizing sprays and dry shampoo. For thick hair, use stronger-hold pins and don’t be shy about the number. Curly-haired individuals can rock a stunning messy updo by piling their curls on top of their head and securing them, allowing the natural texture to create the “messy” effect beautifully.
Occasion-Specific Messy Updos
How to tailor your messy updo for the event on your calendar.
For the Office: Keep it polished but soft. A low, messy chignon or a twisted bun at the nape of the neck is professional and elegant. Keep the face-framing pieces to a minimum and ensure the overall look is secure and neat, just with soft texture.
For a Wedding or Formal Event: Elevate your updo with accessories. Think pearl-encrusted pins, a delicate hair vine, or crystal clips. A more intricate braided element can also make the style feel special and red-carpet ready.
For a Casual Day Out: This is where you can go for the high, top-of-the-head messy bun. It’s playful, fun, and keeps the hair off your face. Pair it with a pair of sunglasses and you’re good to go.
Conclusion: Embrace the Ease and Edge of the Messy Updo
The messy updo is more than a passing fad; it’s a timeless, confident, and incredibly flattering hairstyle that celebrates individuality and ease. It rejects the notion of perfection and instead champions personality and texture. With the right tools, a little practice, and the confidence to pull it off, you can master this look and make it your signature style.
So, the next time you’re short on time or just want to look effortlessly chic, remember that a perfectly imperfect updo is just a few twists and pins away. Don’t strive for neatness—strive for style. Let those strands fly free, play with texture, and rock that messy updo with the confidence of someone who knows a great secret.
