Easy Messy Bun Hairstyles for Medium Hair: Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Casual Updo (2025)

The messy bun has become an iconic hairstyle, beloved for its effortless charm and versatility. This casual-chic updo perfectly balances sophistication with lived-in appeal, making it suitable for everything from casual coffee runs to formal events. Whether you’re working with straight, wavy, or curly medium-length hair, the messy bun offers endless styling possibilities while maintaining that coveted “undone” look. The beauty of this style lies in its imperfection – each messy bun is unique, reflecting personal style while requiring minimal effort and tools to achieve.

Effortless Messy Bun with Face-Framing Layers for a Natural Summer Look

This stunning messy bun hairstyle showcases a perfectly imperfect updo that’s ideal for medium-length blonde hair with subtle highlights and layering. The style features loose, wispy strands artfully framing the face, creating a soft and romantic effect that’s particularly flattering for those with high cheekbones and delicate features. This casual yet elegant look works especially well for women with straight to slightly wavy hair textures and is perfect for both casual daytime events and evening occasions. To achieve this look, gather your hair loosely at the crown, twist it into a bun while allowing some pieces to fall naturally, and secure with bobby pins. Don’t worry about making it too neat – the charm lies in its intentionally undone appearance. The style pairs beautifully with natural makeup and works particularly well for those who have face-framing layers in their haircut.

Romantic Messy Bun with Loose Tendrils for Special Occasions

This elegant interpretation of a messy bun demonstrates a sophisticated updo that’s perfect for special events like weddings or formal occasions, while maintaining that coveted undone look. The style features a voluminous, textured bun positioned high on the crown, with intentionally loose strands delicately framing the face and neckline. This romantic hairstyle works beautifully for medium-length brown hair with subtle highlights, adding dimension and movement to the overall look. To recreate this style, start by texturizing your hair with a light mousse, create a loose gathering at the crown, and pin sections of hair while allowing pieces to fall naturally. The key is to embrace the imperfection – pull out a few face-framing pieces and don’t worry about making everything too sleek. This style particularly complements oval and heart-shaped faces and pairs perfectly with both casual and formal attire.

Delicate Bridal Messy Bun with Whimsical Curled Tendrils

This enchanting messy bun showcases a perfect balance of sophistication and effortless romance, making it an ideal choice for brides or special occasions. The style features a softly structured bun secured with a delicate pearl pin, while carefully placed loose, curled tendrils frame the face and neck for a dreamy, romantic effect. This look works especially well for medium-length brunette hair with subtle caramel highlights, adding depth and dimension to the overall style. To achieve this elegant updo, prep hair with a texturizing spray, gather it loosely at the crown, and secure the bun while intentionally leaving out select pieces to curl. The key to this look lies in the strategic placement of the wispy pieces – they should appear naturally fallen rather than precisely placed. This style particularly flatters those with defined facial features and complements both traditional and bohemian wedding dresses, working equally well for both indoor and outdoor celebrations.

High Messy Bun with Airy Texture for Casual Elegance

This carefree yet polished messy bun perfectly embodies the balance between effortless style and casual sophistication. The high-positioned bun features beautifully textured layers with wispy strands that softly frame the face, creating a light, airy effect that’s perfect for medium-length hair with dimensional highlights. This versatile style works especially well for those with fine to medium hair texture, as it creates an illusion of volume while maintaining a natural, lived-in look. To achieve this casual-chic updo, start with day-old hair for better grip, use a texturizing spray at the roots, and gather hair loosely at the crown before twisting it into an imperfect bun. The key is to embrace the flyaways and baby hairs around the hairline – they add to the intentionally undone aesthetic. This look is ideal for everyday wear, casual brunches, or even dressed up for informal evening events.

Copper-Toned Messy Bun with Ethereal Loose Strands

This captivating messy bun showcases how beautifully this casual style works with vibrant copper-red hair, creating a striking yet effortless look. The hairstyle features a loosely twisted top knot with intentionally pulled-out pieces that frame the face, highlighting the gorgeous interplay of ginger tones throughout the hair. This style is particularly flattering for medium-length hair with natural or colored red tones, as it allows the different shades to catch the light and create dimension. To achieve this look, gather hair loosely at the crown, twist it into a casual bun, and secure with bobby pins while deliberately leaving out face-framing pieces. The key is to embrace the natural texture and allow some strands to fall freely around the face and neckline. This versatile style works especially well for those with fair skin and is perfect for both everyday wear and casual events where you want to look put-together yet relaxed.

Low Messy Bun with Dimensional Ash Blonde Highlights

This sophisticated take on the messy bun features a gracefully positioned low knot that showcases beautiful ash blonde dimensional coloring throughout the hair. The style incorporates an artfully disheveled texture with soft waves and purposefully placed loose strands that frame the neckline, creating an elegant yet relaxed appearance. Perfect for medium-length hair with highlights and lowlights, this look works especially well for those wanting to achieve a polished yet effortless style. To recreate this look, start by adding texture with a sea salt spray, gather hair at the nape of the neck, and twist it into a loose bun while allowing some pieces to fall naturally around the face and neck. The key to this style lies in the strategic placement of the bun and the natural-looking volume at the crown. This versatile updo is ideal for both formal occasions and elevated everyday wear, particularly complementing open-neck outfits and statement earrings.

Romantic Disheveled Bun with Windswept Tendrils

This artistically tousled messy bun captures the essence of effortless romance with its perfectly imperfect arrangement. The style features a loosely gathered bun with wispy, face-framing pieces that create a soft, windswept effect against the neck and jawline. This look is particularly striking on medium-length dark brown hair with subtle warm undertones, as it allows the natural movement and texture of the hair to take center stage. To achieve this ethereal style, begin with slightly textured hair, gather it loosely at the crown, and secure it in a relaxed bun while intentionally pulling out delicate strands around the face and nape. The key to this look is embracing the natural fall of the hair – don’t overthink the placement of the loose pieces, as their organic arrangement adds to the romantic appeal. This style works beautifully for both casual settings and intimate gatherings, especially complementing soft, cozy knitwear and delicate jewelry.

Ethereal Twisted Messy Bun with Cascading Wisps

This dreamy interpretation of a messy bun showcases a soft, romantically disheveled style that’s perfect for special occasions or bridal looks. The hairstyle features an artfully twisted low bun with deliberately pulled pieces creating an ethereal, windswept effect. The dimensional blonde highlights add depth and movement to the style, while the loose, wispy strands frame the face and neck with graceful elegance. This look is ideal for medium-length hair with natural texture and works especially well for those wanting to achieve a romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. To create this enchanting style, prep hair with a light-hold mousse, loosely gather and twist the hair into a low bun, and gently pull out face-framing pieces. The key is maintaining that delicate balance between structured and undone – the loose strands should appear as if they’ve naturally fallen into place. This ethereal style pairs beautifully with romantic clothing featuring lace or vintage-inspired details, making it perfect for weddings, garden parties, or any occasion requiring subtle sophistication.

Tousled Top Knot with Piece-y Bangs and Face-Framing Layers

This edgy yet feminine messy bun perfectly balances structured chaos with its artfully arranged top knot and textured fringe. The style features a deliberately undone bun positioned high on the crown, complemented by wispy bangs and face-framing pieces that create a modern, lived-in look. This hairstyle is particularly flattering for medium-length dark hair and works exceptionally well for those with straight to slightly wavy texture. To achieve this contemporary look, start with texturizing spray at the roots, gather hair into a high position, and secure loosely while allowing pieces to fall naturally around the face. The key to this style lies in the interplay between the choppy bangs and the loose strands – don’t aim for perfection, as the beauty comes from its intentionally disheveled appearance. This versatile style is perfect for both casual everyday wear and evening events, especially complementing minimalist outfits and adding an element of effortless cool to any look.

Casual-Chic High Messy Bun with Soft Side Tendrils

This effortlessly sophisticated messy bun showcases the perfect balance of polished and undone styling, featuring a voluminous top knot with strategically placed loose strands. The rich brunette hair is gathered high on the crown, creating a lifted effect that’s both casual and elegant, while delicate pieces frame the face to soften the overall look. This style is particularly flattering for medium-length hair with natural body and works wonderfully for those seeking a versatile look that transitions seamlessly from day to evening. To achieve this lived-in elegance, start with texturized hair, gather it loosely at the crown, and secure while allowing pieces to fall naturally around the face. The key to this look is embracing the controlled chaos – the wispy pieces should appear deliberately undone rather than messy. This adaptable style pairs beautifully with cozy knitwear for a casual daytime look or can be dressed up for more formal occasions, making it perfect for the modern woman on the go.

Textured Blonde Messy Bun with Dimensional Highlights

This beautifully crafted messy bun showcases the perfect interplay of warm and cool blonde tones, creating a multidimensional effect that adds depth and interest to the style. The updo features a deliberately tousled crown with artfully placed pieces that create volume and movement, while delicate wisps frame the face and neckline for a soft, romantic effect. This style works particularly well for medium-length hair with balayage or highlighted sections, as it allows the various blonde tones to be displayed throughout the texture of the bun. To achieve this lived-in look, prep hair with a texturizing spray, loosely gather it at the crown, and twist while allowing pieces to fall naturally. The key to this style lies in the strategic placement of the looser sections – they should appear effortlessly undone while still maintaining a polished overall appearance. This versatile look transitions seamlessly from casual daytime wear to evening events, especially complementing neutral-toned clothing and minimalist accessories.

Romantic Dark-Toned Messy Bun with Wispy Elegance

This enchanting messy bun showcases the perfect balance of sophistication and undone charm, featuring rich dark brown hair styled into a softly voluminous updo. The style incorporates deliberately placed loose tendrils that create a romantic, almost Victorian-inspired aesthetic, while maintaining a modern edge. This look is especially flattering for medium-length hair with natural texture and works beautifully for those seeking an elegant yet effortless style. To achieve this romantic look, start with a texturizing mousse for grip, gather hair at the nape while creating gentle volume at the crown, and secure while allowing wisps to fall naturally around the face and neck. The key to this style lies in its careful dishevelment – the loose strands should appear as if they’re floating weightlessly around the face. This sophisticated style pairs perfectly with evening wear and special occasions, particularly complementing dark, romantic pieces with delicate details like the black lace shown in the image.

Ethereal Messy Bun with Delicate Wispy Framing

This gracefully disheveled updo exemplifies romantic sophistication with its artfully placed loose strands and softly textured top knot. The style features a carefully constructed messy bun that sits high on the crown, complemented by wispy bangs and delicate face-framing pieces that create an air of effortless elegance. This look is particularly suited for medium-length brown hair with subtle warm undertones and works beautifully for those wanting to achieve a refined yet relaxed appearance. To recreate this romantic style, begin with a light texturizing spray, gather hair loosely at the crown while maintaining volume, and secure the bun while intentionally allowing pieces to fall naturally around the face and neckline. The key to achieving this look lies in the balance between structured and undone elements – the falling tendrils should appear naturally placed rather than precisely arranged. This versatile style pairs perfectly with feminine, floral pieces and works equally well for both special occasions and elevated everyday wear.

Wispy French-Inspired Messy Bun with Curtain Bangs

This artfully tousled messy bun combines Parisian elegance with modern effortlessness, featuring a softly structured updo adorned with perfectly imperfect face-framing pieces. The style showcases a natural-looking blend of honey-brown tones, with strategically placed loose strands that create a gentle frame around the face and wispy bangs that part naturally in the middle. This look is ideal for medium-length hair with subtle highlights and works especially well for those seeking a style that balances sophistication with casual charm. To achieve this French-inspired look, start with texturizing spray for grip, gather hair loosely at the crown while maintaining volume in the bangs, and secure the bun while allowing strategic pieces to fall freely. The key to this style lies in its studied carelessness – the loose strands should appear naturally windswept rather than precisely placed. This versatile updo pairs beautifully with both casual knitwear and elegant evening attire, making it perfect for any occasion requiring effortless chic.

Soft Bridal Messy Bun with Gentle Twist Details

This ethereal messy bun exemplifies romantic bridal styling with its intricate yet effortless-looking arrangement of twisted sections and airy texture. The style features a carefully constructed low bun with subtle twisting details that create beautiful dimension throughout the blonde-highlighted hair, while delicate wisps frame the neckline for a soft, dreamy effect. This elegant updo is perfect for medium-length hair with natural highlights and works especially well for special occasions like weddings or formal events. To achieve this romantic look, prep hair with a lightweight mousse for texture, create loose twists leading into the bun placement, and secure while maintaining a soft, undone quality. The key to this style lies in its balanced asymmetry – the twisted sections should appear naturally woven while maintaining an overall polished finish. This sophisticated style pairs beautifully with bridal attire, particularly complementing delicate lace details and ethereal fabrics as shown with the lace neckline in the image.

Sunlit Blonde Messy Bun with Ethereal Face-Framing Pieces

This dreamy interpretation of a messy bun showcases a perfect balance of casual elegance and romantic styling, featuring a loosely gathered updo with ethereal blonde face-framing pieces. The style artfully combines darker roots that blend into golden blonde lengths, creating beautiful dimension throughout the intentionally undone bun. This look is particularly flattering for medium-length hair with balayage or natural highlights, and works exceptionally well for those seeking a soft, romantic aesthetic. To achieve this ethereal style, start with a texturizing spray for grip and volume, gather hair loosely at the crown while leaving out face-framing pieces, and secure the bun with pins while maintaining an airy, undone quality. The key to this look lies in the strategic placement of the loose strands – they should appear as if naturally falling around the face and neck, creating a soft, romantic frame. This versatile style pairs beautifully with delicate fabrics and works equally well for both casual daytime events and romantic evening occasions.

Elegant High Messy Bun with Feathered Face-Framing Strands

This sophisticated take on the messy bun showcases a beautifully balanced updo with delicate wispy pieces that perfectly frame the face. The style features a voluminous high bun with strategically placed loose strands that create a soft, romantic effect, while darker roots transition seamlessly into caramel-blonde highlights. This refined yet relaxed look is ideal for medium-length hair with dimensional color and works especially well for those wanting to achieve an elevated everyday style or special occasion look. To create this elegant updo, prep hair with a lightweight volumizing mousse, gather it loosely at the crown while maintaining height, and secure the bun while intentionally leaving out face-framing pieces. The key to achieving this look lies in the strategic placement of the wispy strands – they should appear effortlessly floating around the face rather than appearing too structured. This versatile style complements both casual and formal attire, particularly enhancing romantic pieces like the soft, sheer fabric shown in the image.

Twisted Low Messy Bun with Romantic Loose Tendrils

This sophisticated messy bun combines elegant twisting details with artfully placed loose strands, creating a romantic updo that’s both polished and effortlessly chic. The style features a low-positioned bun with gentle twisted sections that add interesting texture and dimension to rich brunette hair, while delicate wisps frame the neckline and ears for a soft, feminine touch. This look is particularly flattering for medium-length hair with natural movement and works beautifully for those seeking an elevated everyday style or special occasion updo. To achieve this romantic look, start with a light-hold mousse for grip, create loose twists leading to the nape of the neck, and secure the bun while maintaining an airy, undone quality. The key to this style lies in the balance between the structured twists and the deliberately loose pieces – they should appear naturally fallen rather than precisely placed. This versatile style pairs perfectly with cozy knits for a casual look or can be dressed up for more formal occasions, as demonstrated by the soft cream sweater in the image.

Carefree Top Knot with Wispy Honey-Blonde Framing

This effortlessly chic messy bun showcases a perfectly undone top knot with delicate face-framing pieces that enhance its casual-romantic appeal. The style features a loosely gathered high bun with strategically placed wisps that soften the look, while subtle honey-blonde highlights add dimension and warmth to the overall style. This fresh and youthful approach to the messy bun is ideal for medium-length hair with natural highlights and works especially well for those wanting to achieve an effortless, lived-in look. To create this carefree style, start with day-old hair for better texture, apply a lightweight texturizing spray, gather hair loosely at the crown, and secure while intentionally leaving out face-framing pieces. The key to this look lies in its studied nonchalance – the loose strands should appear naturally fallen rather than meticulously placed. This versatile style transitions seamlessly from casual daytime activities to evening events, and pairs beautifully with both relaxed and dressy attire, as shown with the soft white knit top.

Urban Chic Messy Bun with Tousled Face-Framing Pieces

This street-style inspired messy bun perfectly captures the essence of effortless urban sophistication. The style features a voluminous top knot with intentionally loose, piece-y strands that frame the face, creating a contemporary yet romantic aesthetic. The rich brunette hair with subtle warm undertones adds depth to the deliberately undone look, making it perfect for medium-length hair with natural texture. To achieve this city-chic style, prep hair with a texturizing spray for extra grip and volume, gather it loosely at the crown while maintaining height, and secure the bun while allowing strategic pieces to fall freely around the face. The key to mastering this look lies in the strategic placement of the wispy pieces – they should appear naturally windswept and lived-in rather than overly styled. This versatile updo works beautifully for both casual city outings and elevated everyday wear, as demonstrated by the cozy neutral sweater, making it an ideal choice for the modern woman on the go.

Ethereal Bridal Messy Bun with Romantic Wisps

This enchanting interpretation of a messy bun captures the perfect balance of romantic sophistication and effortless grace, making it an ideal choice for bridal occasions or special events. The style features a softly textured updo with deliberately placed loose tendrils that frame the face and neck, creating a dreamy, windswept effect. The medium-brown hair with subtle warm undertones adds depth and dimension to the intentionally undone look. To achieve this romantic style, prep hair with a lightweight mousse for texture and hold, gather it loosely at the crown while maintaining soft volume, and secure the bun while allowing delicate pieces to fall naturally. The key to this ethereal look lies in the strategic placement of the wispy strands – they should appear as if caught in a gentle breeze rather than precisely arranged. This elegant style pairs perfectly with romantic bridal wear, as shown with the delicate lace-trimmed white dress, and works beautifully for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

Romantic Victorian-Inspired Messy Bun with Delicate Tendrils

This elegantly disheveled updo captures the essence of vintage romance with a modern twist, featuring a softly voluminous bun with artfully placed wisps that frame the face. The rich chocolate brown hair is styled into a deliberately undone arrangement that sits perfectly between polished and casual, with face-framing pieces that create a dreamy, romantic effect. This sophisticated style works especially well for medium-length hair with natural body and slight texture, making it perfect for special occasions or evening events. To achieve this timeless look, prep hair with a lightweight mousse for grip and volume, create a loose gathering at the crown while maintaining height, and secure the bun while allowing strategic pieces to fall naturally. The key to this style lies in its authentic vintage appeal – the loose strands should appear organically placed rather than precisely arranged. This elegant updo pairs beautifully with formal attire, as demonstrated by the black lace detail of the dress, making it perfect for sophisticated evening events or romantic dinner parties.

Soft Romantic Messy Bun with Cascading Side Tendrils

This ethereal interpretation of a messy bun perfectly balances refined elegance with effortless charm, featuring a loosely gathered updo with delicate waves that frame the face and neck. The rich brown hair is styled into an artfully disheveled bun with strategically placed tendrils that create a soft, romantic silhouette. This graceful style is ideal for medium-length hair with natural texture and works especially well for those seeking a look that’s both sophisticated and understated. To achieve this dreamy style, prep hair with a light-hold mousse, gather it loosely at the crown while maintaining volume, and secure the bun while allowing face-framing pieces to fall naturally. The key to mastering this look lies in the placement of the wispy strands – they should appear as if naturally caught in a gentle breeze rather than meticulously arranged. This versatile updo pairs beautifully with feminine pieces, as shown with the white structured top, making it perfect for both elegant everyday wear and special occasions.

Ethereal Bridal Messy Bun with Soft Honey-Blonde Tendrils

This delicate interpretation of a messy bun perfectly embodies romantic bridal elegance, featuring a softly textured updo with wispy face-framing pieces in beautiful honey-blonde tones. The style combines a loosely gathered top knot with intentionally pulled-out strands that create a dreamy, ethereal effect around the face. This romantic style is ideal for medium-length hair with natural highlights and works especially well for bridal occasions or formal events where you want to maintain an air of effortless sophistication. To achieve this enchanting look, prep hair with a lightweight styling mousse, gather it loosely at the crown while maintaining volume, and secure the bun while allowing delicate pieces to fall naturally around the face. The key to this bridal-inspired style lies in the strategic placement of the face-framing tendrils – they should appear softly tousled rather than precisely arranged. This ethereal updo pairs perfectly with bridal attire, as shown with the delicate white lace detail, making it an ideal choice for weddings and other special celebrations.

Contemporary Elegant Updo with Dramatic Wisps

This sophisticated hairstyle showcases a modern take on the classic messy bun, featuring a voluminous crown and artfully placed loose tendrils that frame the face. The rich brown hair is styled into a deliberately undone arrangement that creates an air of effortless elegance. The style is elevated by the dramatic contrast of the dark hair against the moody lighting and black attire, creating a striking editorial look. The updo maintains height at the crown while allowing strategic pieces to fall naturally, creating beautiful movement and dimension. This look would be particularly striking for evening events or formal occasions where sophisticated glamour is desired. The soft, romantic wisps soften the overall look while maintaining its polished appeal. The styling pairs perfectly with the minimalist black ensemble, demonstrating how this versatile updo can complement both dramatic and understated fashion choices.

Classic Low Messy Bun with Romantic Texture

This elegant updo demonstrates a masterful balance of sophistication and effortlessness, featuring a low-set messy bun with beautiful dimensional brown tones. The style is characterized by its thoughtfully disheveled texture and soft volume at the crown, with delicate wisps framing the neckline. The placement of the bun sits perfectly at the nape of the neck, creating an elegant silhouette that would be particularly flattering for bridal occasions or formal events.

Effortless Blonde Top Knot with Shadow Root

This contemporary hairstyle showcases a perfectly imperfect top knot with dimensional blonde coloring and a natural shadow root. The look features strategically placed loose strands that frame the face, creating a casual yet polished appearance. The color work demonstrates expert balayage technique, transitioning from darker roots to bright blonde ends, which adds depth and dimension to the style.

Romantic Tousled Updo with Ethereal Elements

This artistically styled updo showcases a perfect balance between structure and whimsy, featuring rich brunette hair arranged in a carefully disheveled bun with intentionally loose, face-framing pieces. The style incorporates:

Soft Romantic Updo with Natural Beauty Elements

This delicate hairstyle showcases a perfect balance of polish and effortlessness, featuring dark hair styled in a loose updo with thoughtfully placed wisps. The style is characterized by:

Ethereal Blonde Updo with Textured Volume

This romantic hairstyle features a beautifully undone blonde updo with soft, windswept texture. The look incorporates:

Twisted Messy Bun with Dimensional Color

This elegant updo showcases a masterful combination of texture and technique, featuring:

Casual-Chic Messy Top Knot

This effortlessly stylish look features a perfectly undone top knot with several key elements:

Romantic Messy Updo with Evening Makeup

This look combines casual hair styling with more polished makeup for a stunning result:

French-Inspired Messy Updo with Natural Makeup

This look exemplifies effortless French-girl beauty with:

Dramatic Lighting Study with Ethereal Styling

This striking portrait showcases exceptional photography techniques and styling:

The messy bun remains a timeless favorite in 2025, proving that effortless beauty never goes out of style. This versatile updo allows you to express your personality while maintaining a polished yet relaxed appearance. Remember that practice makes perfect – don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t exactly what you envision. The key to mastering the messy bun lies in embracing imperfection and finding the right balance between structure and chaos. Whether you’re heading to the office, going to a wedding, or just running errands, this adaptable hairstyle continues to be the go-to choice for medium-length hair, offering both functionality and style in one simple look.