20 Messy Curly Bun Hairstyles: Easy Curly Messy Bun Looks for Everyday
When it comes to curly hair, sometimes the easiest styles turn out to be the cutest and that’s exactly why we love a good curly bun. It’s a simple way to pull your hair back while still letting your natural texture shine through. But the secret to a great bun? It’s not just about tossing your curls into a topknot and heading out the door.
Whether your curls are tight coils or loose waves, knowing how to prep and shape your bun can make all the difference. For tighter textures, adding a touch of leave-in conditioner can help keep things soft and bouncy. If your curls are looser, try a lightweight mousse or curl cream to give your style hold without making it stiff.
Want more volume? Gently pull apart a few sections after securing your bun, and don’t be afraid to mix in some bobby pins with a strong hair tie for that extra hold. Whether you’re going for something sleek and polished or soft and romantic, there’s a curly bun look that’ll match your vibe perfectly.
Keep scrolling for some of the prettiest curly hair bun ideas to inspire your next look!
Chilled Hair Look
If you want your hair up but still want the fullness of having it down, this chilled messy bun checks all the boxes. It’s big, dramatic, and takes up a good portion of the head, giving it an eye-catching presence.
Some hair is twisted up while other strands are left flowing down. A curling iron can help bring out soft waves for that extra touch. It’s the kind of look that feels both put-together and undone all at once.
High Messy Curly Hair Bun with Volume
If you’re in the mood for a statement look that’s still laid-back, this high messy bun delivers just the right mix. The volume adds drama while the loose curls around the face keep it soft and wearable. It’s best for medium to thick curls and is especially flattering on round and heart-shaped faces.
To pump up the texture and definition, use SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. It gives your curls a boost while keeping frizz under control. A strong-hold hairspray can help maintain the shape if you want it to last through the day.
Simple and Classy Bun
This is one of those buns that fits into absolutely any occasion. Whether you’re headed to a wedding or just want a polished look for work, it hits the perfect balance between simple and chic.
It’s clean and elegant, but still super easy to recreate. Add a bow or leave it plain, either way you’ll look put together with minimal effort.
Curly Hair Bun with Decorative Hair Jewelry
Take your curly bun up a notch by adding some decorative hair jewelry. This look is perfect for dressy events or weddings and lets your accessories shine against the backdrop of soft, natural curls. The bun is shaped to give structure while letting the added pearls or jewels become the focus.
This style works best on medium to thick curls. Start by defining your texture with Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel, then use Scunci No-Slip Grip Pins to hold everything in place. It’s all about careful placement to make sure the accessories stay secure and look their best.
French Braid Bun
This one steps things up a notch with a stunning French braid worked into the bun. It adds that extra detail that makes all the difference, giving the style originality and texture.
Yes, it’s a little more involved than some of the other looks, but the finished result is so worth it. The braid gives it structure while keeping that relaxed messy bun appeal.
Elegant Curly Hair Bun for Weddings
This romantic bun is a dreamy pick for brides or anyone attending a formal event. The soft curls are delicately pinned into a low, full bun and topped off with touches of baby’s breath for a sweet, feminine feel. It’s especially flattering for oval and heart-shaped faces and works best with medium to thick curls.
To get that smooth, defined finish, reach for Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. For long-lasting hold that won’t feel crunchy, set everything with Kenra Volume Spray 25. It’s a gorgeous style, but keeping those curls in place through a long event might need a bit of touch-up throughout the day.
Loose Low Twisted Bun
This bun is as versatile as it gets. The base is a simple low bun, but adding a few soft twists takes it from basic to beautifully styled.
It’s the kind of look that works just as well for a fancy event as it does for a casual day out. You can play it up with accessories or keep it minimal for an easy, everyday vibe. Either way, the soft texture and loose finish give it that perfect messy bun look.
Curly Hair Bun with Soft Bangs
Adding soft bangs to a curly bun gives the whole look a fun and youthful twist. The bangs frame the forehead in a light, natural way while the rest of the curls are swept up and out of the way. It’s a lovely choice for anyone with finer curls who wants to try something fresh and playful.
To style, use a bit of Ouai Curl Crème to define your bangs and the rest of your curls without any stiffness. This one is perfect for casual outings, but the bangs might need a little reshaping or refreshing if you’re wearing it all day.
Loose and Romantic Curly Hair Bun
If you’re aiming for something soft and elegant, this loose curly bun is a beautiful option. The curls are gently pulled back into a bun that still allows movement and texture, with a few loose pieces falling naturally around the face. It’s perfect for weddings, date nights, or any time you want to feel a little extra special.
This look works best with medium-length curls that have a fine to medium density. A light mist of Garnier Fructis Curl Renew Reactivating Spray will keep the curls fresh and touchable throughout the day. The soft shape may need a few discreet pins to help hold everything together without losing that relaxed vibe.
Gym-Ready Curly Hair Bun
This bun is made for movement and busy days. Whether you’re heading to a workout or running errands, this sporty curly bun keeps everything secure while showing off your natural texture. It’s especially great for tighter curls and coily textures, and the slicked-down edges give it a clean, athletic vibe.
To keep your edges smooth, try Ebin 24 Hour Edge Tamer. For curl definition that lasts, Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Gel is a great go-to. This look is super practical and stylish at the same time, but if you’re in for a high-energy workout, you might want to double up on the hold to keep everything in place.
Twisted Curly Hair Bun Updo
Twists give this curly bun an elegant and polished feel, perfect for anything from formal dinners to romantic evenings out. The curls are softly twisted and tucked into a low bun that keeps its shape while showing off your natural texture.
Best for medium to thick curls, this style pairs beautifully with delicate hair accessories. Use Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to bring out the texture and shine in your curls. Since this updo is more structured, having some bobby pins and a strong-hold spray on hand will help it stay put through any occasion.
Big Long Messy Bun
One of the biggest myths about buns is that they always leave your neck exposed. And while that can sometimes be true, there are plenty of messy bun styles that offer a bit more coverage if that’s what you prefer.
This long messy bun is a great example. Some of the hair is twisted up into the bun while other pieces are left down, giving you a little bit of both a ponytail and a bun. It’s a fun, creative look that works beautifully if you want to keep things stylish but not too bare.
Messy Updo
This bun is all about drama in the best way. It pulls the hair away from your face while still letting loose strands fall naturally, creating that relaxed, glamorous feel.
The overall look is chic but not overly polished, which is why it’s such a great choice when you want that effortless vibe without doing a full updo. It’s perfect for those days when you want your hair out of the way but still want to feel glam.
Low Bun Wedding Knot
If you’re looking for a wedding-worthy bun that blends elegance with ease, this low knot is a beautiful option. It keeps the hair off your face while still feeling soft and romantic, thanks to the loose pieces that frame the look.
It’s based on a neat low bun, but with those slightly undone strands, it takes on that effortless messy bun energy. It’s classic and modern all at once, making it perfect for brides or guests alike.
Casual Low Curly Hair Bun for Everyday Wear
For those laid-back days when you still want to look pulled together, a casual low bun is the perfect solution. This style keeps your curls soft and controlled, while the lower placement gives off a relaxed, everyday vibe. It’s especially flattering for medium to fine curls with a natural wave pattern.
To keep your curls looking hydrated and fresh, use a product like Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie. This style is pretty low-maintenance, but keep a few bobby pins handy to tuck in any loose curls that try to sneak out during the day.
Full Big Knotted Bun
If you love a bold bun that still feels low-maintenance, this one is for you. It’s big, full, and knotted in a way that creates a simple yet statement-making style.
Even though it’s easy to pull together, the volume gives it that extra wow factor. It’s ideal for when you want your hair to stand out without looking like you spent hours styling it.
Curly Hair Bun with a Side Part
Add a sleek twist to your curly bun with a deep side part. This look brings in smooth, polished edges and baby hairs, giving it a clean and modern finish. It’s a great option for fine to medium curls and works beautifully for more formal occasions or whenever you’re going for that chic, put-together feel.
To style, use Eco Styler Gel to lay down your edges and shape your curls, then seal the look with ORS Olive Oil Edge Control for extra smoothness. This bun is super versatile but may need some light touch-ups to keep everything sleek as the day goes on.
Effortless and Low
This bun is made for those moments when you want to look like you didn’t try at all, but still somehow nailed the look. It’s styled to appear tossed together, and even if it was, the final result is absolutely gorgeous.
This is the kind of hairstyle that gives off cool, casual vibes without losing any charm. It’s proof that sometimes less effort really does equal more style.
Messy Bun for Curly Hair
If you love an effortless look that still feels stylish, the messy bun is a go-to for curly hair. It gives your curls volume and softness while keeping things casual and cute. Let a few tendrils fall naturally around your face for that relaxed, face-framing touch. This one works especially well for heart-shaped or round faces and is best for medium to thick curls.
To keep things defined but not heavy, go with a lightweight curl cream like DevaCurl SuperCream. It adds hold without weighing down your strands. This bun is a lifesaver on busy mornings or casual days, though you might want to give it a quick refresh if you’re planning to wear it all day.
Voluminous Messy Bun
This bun is playful, confident, and full of personality. With every strand in place yet intentionally tousled, it has that perfect balance of structure and softness.
It’s not one of those buns that’s thrown up in seconds. This one is carefully styled to add volume and texture while still feeling fun and effortless. It says you’ve got your look together and you’re loving it.
