Introduction:

Few hairstyles have remained as effortlessly stylish as the messy bun. It’s one of those rare looks that can be dressed up for a glamorous evening event or worn casually while running errands, making it one of the most versatile hairstyles in modern beauty.

Over the years, celebrities have transformed the messy bun from a simple “lazy day” hairstyle into a sophisticated fashion statement. Whether it’s Jennifer Lopez arriving on the red carpet with a polished high bun or Zendaya embracing a textured top knot, the messy bun continues to dominate runways, award shows, weddings, and everyday street style.

One of the biggest reasons this hairstyle remains so popular is its adaptability. It works beautifully on straight, wavy, curly, and textured hair while complementing nearly every face shape. It also suits both short and long hair with the help of a few styling tricks.

In this guide, we’ll explore 12 celebrity-inspired messy bun hairstyles, learn how to recreate each one, discover which occasions they’re perfect for, and share expert styling tips to help your bun stay beautiful all day.

Why Messy Buns Never Go Out of Style?

Unlike many hairstyle trends that disappear after a season, messy buns continue evolving every year.

Their popularity comes down to several advantages:

• Easy to create
• Suitable for every age
• Works on most hair types
• Looks elegant without appearing overly formal
• Protects hair from daily heat styling
• Complements casual and formal outfits alike

Whether you’re attending a wedding, heading to work, enjoying brunch with friends, or relaxing at home, there’s a messy bun style that fits the occasion perfectly.

How to Create the Perfect Messy Bun?

Before recreating celebrity hairstyles, it’s important to build a solid foundation.

Step 1: Add Texture

Messy buns hold better on hair with some texture.

Use:

• Dry shampoo
• Texture spray
• Sea salt spray

These products create grip while adding natural volume.

Step 2: Gather Your Hair:

Decide where you’d like your bun.

Options include:

• High ponytail
• Mid-height ponytail
• Low ponytail
• Side ponytail

The placement dramatically changes the overall look.

Step 3: Twist Loosely:

• Instead of wrapping your hair tightly, twist it gently.
• Allow small sections to naturally loosen for an effortless appearance.

Step 4: Secure the Bun:

Use:

• Hair ties
• Bobby pins
• Spiral pins

Secure the bun firmly while keeping its relaxed shape intact.

Step 5: Finish Naturally

• Pull a few face-framing strands loose around your temples and neckline.
• Finish with a lightweight hairspray to maintain hold without making the hairstyle stiff.

1. Alessandra Ambrosio’s Voluminous Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Alessandra Ambrosio’s signature messy bun perfectly balances glamour and softness. The added volume creates an elegant silhouette while maintaining an effortless appearance that never feels overstyled. It’s an excellent choice for formal occasions while still looking modern and relaxed.

Best For:

• Weddings
• Formal dinners
• Red carpet-inspired events
• Holiday parties

How to Style It?

• Start by lightly teasing the crown of your hair for extra lift.
• Gather your hair into a medium-high ponytail before twisting it into a loose bun.
• Secure with bobby pins while allowing a few soft pieces to fall naturally around the face.
• Finish with flexible-hold hairspray.

Pro Tip:

Adding subtle curls before creating the bun gives even more volume and texture.

2. Jennifer Lopez’s Sleek Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Jennifer Lopez has mastered the balance between polished elegance and effortless beauty. Her sleek messy bun features smooth sides paired with a softly textured bun, making it sophisticated enough for glamorous events while remaining approachable. It’s one of the most timeless messy bun styles.

Best For:

• Office meetings
• Evening events
• Cocktail parties
• Date nights

How to Style It?

• Brush your hair into a high ponytail, smoothing the sides with a styling cream or light gel.
• Twist the ponytail loosely into a bun instead of wrapping it tightly.
• Pull a few delicate strands loose around the face to soften the overall appearance.
• Secure everything with bobby pins and finish with shine spray.

Pro Tip:

Use a fine-tooth comb when smoothing the front to achieve Jennifer Lopez’s signature polished finish.

3. Taylor Swift’s Romantic Side Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Taylor Swift often embraces soft, romantic hairstyles, and her side messy bun is no exception. Positioned slightly behind one ear, this hairstyle feels feminine, elegant, and effortlessly graceful. Loose tendrils around the face add softness while enhancing natural features.

Best For:

• Weddings
• Bridal showers
• Garden parties
• Romantic dinners

How to Style It?

• Create a deep side part before gathering your hair near one side of the neck.
• Twist it loosely into a low bun and secure with pins.
• Curl a few face-framing strands for an even more romantic finish.

Pro Tip:

Decorative pearl pins or delicate floral accessories beautifully complement this hairstyle.

4. Selena Gomez’s Romantic Low Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Selena Gomez frequently wears soft low buns that perfectly balance sophistication and simplicity. The low placement creates an elegant profile while the loose texture prevents the hairstyle from appearing overly formal. This timeless look works beautifully for nearly every occasion.

Best For:

• Brunch dates
• Engagement parties
• Office wear
• Family gatherings

How to Style It?

• Create a center part before gathering your hair at the nape of your neck.
• Twist your hair gently into a loose bun without tightening every section.
• Leave several wispy strands around your cheeks and jawline for softness.
• Finish with lightweight hairspray.

Pro Tip:

This hairstyle pairs especially well with statement earrings because the low bun keeps the neckline beautifully visible.

5. Zendaya’s Effortless Top Knot:

Why You’ll Love It?

Zendaya is known for pushing fashion boundaries, and her textured top knot perfectly reflects her bold, confident style. Unlike traditional sleek buns, this hairstyle embraces natural volume and texture. The intentionally loose strands create an artistic, modern look that feels youthful and fashion-forward. It’s a statement hairstyle that works beautifully with casual streetwear or elegant evening outfits.

Best For:

• Fashion events
• Concerts
• Casual weekends
• Street style looks

How to Style It?

• Gather your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
• Lightly tease the ponytail to create fullness before twisting it into a loose bun.
• Secure with bobby pins while allowing several textured pieces to stick out naturally.
• Pull a few strands around the hairline to soften the overall appearance.

Pro Tip:

A texture spray applied before styling creates extra grip and helps the bun maintain its voluminous shape throughout the day.

6. Ariana Grande’s Casual Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Although Ariana Grande is famous for her iconic high ponytail, her casual messy bun has become equally admired. This hairstyle combines youthful energy with effortless elegance, making it ideal for everyday wear. Its relaxed appearance feels polished without looking overly styled.

Best For:

• Shopping trips
• Coffee dates
• University
• Weekend outings

How to Style It?

• Brush your hair into a high ponytail.
• Instead of wrapping the hair tightly, twist it loosely while allowing sections to naturally separate.
• Secure with an elastic and several hidden bobby pins.
• Leave a few wispy pieces around your face for a relaxed finish.

Pro Tip:

Using a silk scrunchie instead of a standard elastic helps reduce breakage while creating a softer overall look.

7. Blake Lively’s Chic Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Blake Lively consistently masters hairstyles that appear effortlessly luxurious. Her messy bun sits slightly lower than traditional high buns, creating a soft, romantic silhouette with beautiful movement. The style combines loose texture with polished structure, making it one of the most versatile celebrity hairstyles.

Best For:

• Office meetings
• Dinner dates
• Weddings
• Cocktail parties

How to Style It?

• Create a deep side part before gathering your hair into a low ponytail.
• Twist the ponytail into a relaxed bun and gently pull sections outward for added fullness.
• Finish by loosening several face-framing strands.

Pro Tip:

Lightly curling your hair beforehand creates natural texture that enhances the finished bun.

8. Hailey Bieber’s Effortless Low Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Hailey Bieber has helped popularize minimalist hairstyles that feel clean, elegant, and incredibly wearable. Her signature low messy bun perfectly represents quiet luxury—simple yet sophisticated. It’s ideal for those who appreciate timeless beauty over dramatic styling.

Best For:

• Brunch dates
• Everyday wear
• Business casual outfits
• Airport style

How to Style It?

• Part your hair down the center or slightly off-center.
• Gather everything at the nape of your neck before loosely twisting it into a bun.
• Allow a few soft strands around your temples to frame your face naturally.
• Finish with a light mist of flexible hairspray.

Pro Tip:

Apply a few drops of lightweight hair oil to the ends before styling to create a healthy, glossy finish.

9. Rihanna’s Bold Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Rihanna never shies away from making a statement, and her textured messy bun reflects that fearless confidence. This hairstyle embraces dramatic volume while maintaining enough softness to remain elegant. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys bold beauty looks with a touch of edge.

Best For:

• Evening parties
• Fashion shows
• Holiday celebrations
• Special occasions

How to Style It?

• Pull your hair into a high ponytail.
• Backcomb the ponytail gently to build volume.
• Wrap the hair loosely into an oversized bun, allowing textured sections to remain visible.
• Secure with pins before finishing with volumizing hairspray.

Pro Tip:

Adding subtle waves before styling creates extra fullness and gives the bun more dimension.

10. Margot Robbie’s Classic Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Margot Robbie’s signature messy bun is the definition of understated elegance. Unlike dramatic high buns, her classic low bun focuses on soft texture, clean lines, and effortless sophistication. It’s polished enough for formal occasions while remaining relaxed enough for everyday wear. This timeless hairstyle never feels outdated and complements almost every outfit.

Best For:

• Office wear
• Weddings
• Business meetings
• Formal dinners

How to Style It?

• Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck.
• Twist the ponytail gently into a loose bun and secure it with bobby pins.
• Pull a few delicate strands around your face and ears to soften the hairstyle.
• Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Pro Tip:

This hairstyle pairs beautifully with delicate pearl earrings and minimalist makeup.

11. Gigi Hadid’s High Fashion Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Gigi Hadid’s runway-inspired messy bun combines dramatic volume with an intentionally imperfect finish. The bun sits high on the crown while textured pieces add movement and personality. It feels modern, youthful, and effortlessly glamorous. It’s the perfect hairstyle for fashion lovers who enjoy bold, editorial-inspired beauty looks.

Best For:

• Fashion events
• Photoshoots
• Parties
• Evening celebrations

How to Style It?

• Create a high ponytail and tease it gently to build volume.
• Wrap the ponytail into an oversized bun without smoothing every strand.
• Secure loosely using hidden bobby pins.
• Allow textured sections to naturally fall outward.
• Finish with texturizing spray.

Pro Tip:

Flip your head upside down while blow-drying before styling to maximize root volume.

12. Sienna Miller’s Textured Low Messy Bun:

Why You’ll Love It?

Sienna Miller has long embraced relaxed, bohemian-inspired hairstyles, and her textured low bun perfectly captures that carefree elegance. Loose waves, soft texture, and natural movement make this hairstyle feel romantic without appearing overly styled. It’s ideal for those who appreciate effortless beauty.

Best For

• Outdoor weddings
• Garden parties
• Vacation styling
• Everyday elegance

How to Style It?

• Lightly curl your hair before gathering it into a loose low ponytail.
• Twist the hair gently into a relaxed bun.
• Pull out several wispy strands around the face.
• Mist lightly with texture spray for a soft, lived-in finish.

Pro Tip:

Adding subtle highlights enhances the bun’s texture by creating more visual dimension.

Best Accessories for Messy Bun Hairstyles:

The right accessories instantly elevate even the simplest messy bun.

Decorative Hair Ties:

• Stylish elastic bands and silk scrunchies secure the hairstyle while adding softness and personality.
• They’re perfect for casual everyday looks.

Bobby Pins and Hairpins:

• No messy bun is complete without quality bobby pins.
• Decorative metallic or pearl hairpins can transform a simple hairstyle into an elegant evening look.

Pearl Hair Accessories:

• Pearls remain one of the biggest hair accessory trends of 2026.
• Small pearl pins scattered throughout a messy bun create a timeless, romantic finish.

Floral Hair Clips:

• Fresh or artificial flowers work beautifully for weddings, outdoor parties, and spring or summer events.
• Small blooms placed around the bun create a soft, feminine appearance.

Velvet or Satin Scrunchies:

• Soft fabric scrunchies reduce hair breakage while adding texture and elegance.
• Neutral colors pair easily with most outfits.

Statement Hair Combs:

• Decorative combs featuring crystals, pearls, or metallic finishes instantly elevate formal hairstyles.
• Position one just above or beside the bun for maximum impact.

Tiaras and Crowns:

• For bridal events or formal celebrations, delicate tiaras transform messy buns into sophisticated updos worthy of the red carpet.

How to Make Your Messy Bun Last All Day?

A beautiful messy bun should remain secure without losing its relaxed appearance. Professional hairstylists recommend the following:

Start with Second-Day Hair:

• Hair that’s slightly textured usually holds styles much better than freshly washed hair.
• If your hair is freshly washed, apply dry shampoo or texture spray before styling.

Use Quality Hair Pins:

• Cheap bobby pins often slip throughout the day.
• Professional-grade pins provide stronger hold while remaining comfortable.

Don’t Overtighten:

• Messy buns should feel secure but never painful.
• Excessive tension can flatten volume and create headaches.

Lock Everything in Place:

• Finish with a lightweight flexible hairspray that controls flyaways while allowing natural movement.

Common Messy Bun Mistakes

Avoid these styling mistakes for the best results:

• Pulling every strand too tightly.
• Using too much gel.
• Forgetting to add texture.
• Skipping face-framing pieces.
• Overloading the hairstyle with accessories.
• Using damaged elastics that don’t hold properly.

The goal is effortless elegance—not perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are messy buns suitable for every hair type?

Yes. Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair can all create beautiful messy buns with the right styling products and techniques.

Can short hair create a messy bun?

Absolutely. Shoulder-length hair often creates smaller, softer messy buns. Hair extensions or bun inserts can add extra volume if desired.

Which messy bun is best for formal occasions?

Jennifer Lopez’s sleek messy bun, Margot Robbie’s classic low bun, and Taylor Swift’s romantic side bun are excellent choices for elegant events.

How do I make my messy bun look fuller?

Use texture spray, tease the ponytail before twisting, and gently pull sections outward after securing the bun.

Are messy buns still fashionable in 2026?

Definitely. Messy buns remain one of the most requested hairstyles because they combine timeless elegance with modern versatility.

Final Thoughts:

Few hairstyles offer the versatility, elegance, and effortless beauty of a messy bun. Whether inspired by Jennifer Lopez’s polished sophistication, Zendaya’s bold texture, Selena Gomez’s romantic softness, or Gigi Hadid’s runway glamour, there’s a version of this hairstyle to suit every personality, occasion, and hair type.

The beauty of the messy bun lies in its flexibility. It can be sleek or textured, high or low, polished or intentionally undone. With just a few styling products, quality accessories, and the right techniques, you can recreate celebrity-inspired looks that feel both fashionable and uniquely your own.

Remember that the most beautiful messy buns aren’t perfectly symmetrical—they celebrate natural texture, movement, and individuality. Focus on creating soft volume, embracing loose face-framing pieces, and choosing accessories that complement your outfit rather than overpower it.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, heading to the office, enjoying brunch with friends, or simply looking for a stylish everyday hairstyle, these 12 celebrity-inspired messy bun hairstyles provide endless inspiration for effortless beauty throughout 2026 and beyond.