✨ How To Do A Low Messy Bun With Thick Hair
Taming thick hair into that perfect, effortlessly chic messy bun can sometimes feel like a daily battle.
I’ve spent countless mornings wrestling with my own voluminous locks, trying to achieve that undone yet stylish look.
This guide distills years of personal trial and error into simple, practical steps, making the low messy bun a breeze for even the thickest hair.
Quick Overview
Achieve a stylish, comfortable, and perfectly imperfect low messy bun, designed specifically to hold and flatter thick hair.
- Time needed: 5-10 minutes
- Difficulty: Beginner
- What you’ll need: Strong hair tie (thick-hair friendly), bobby pins, texturizing spray (optional), light hold hairspray (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair Base
Starting with the right hair texture makes all the difference for a successful messy bun.
Day-old hair typically has more grip and natural texture than freshly washed strands, which can be too soft and slippery.
If your hair is super clean, a few spritzes of texturizing spray or dry shampoo will become your best friend, adding essential grit and volume.
Focus these products at the roots and mid-lengths to build a foundation that will hold your bun securely.
Avoid over-brushing your hair until it’s perfectly smooth; a bit of natural wave or slight disarray is actually desirable for this relaxed style.
Pro Tip: For an extra boost of volume, gently backcomb sections of hair at the crown before gathering. This creates a soft, voluminous foundation for your bun.
Step 2: Gather Your Hair Low and Loose
Positioning is key for a low messy bun that looks relaxed and natural.
Gently gather all your hair at the nape of your neck, aiming for a spot just above your hairline.
Resist the urge to pull your hair back too tightly; this will create a stiff, formal look, which isn’t our goal here.
Allow some pieces to fall around your face naturally, contributing to the effortless vibe.
Use your fingers, rather than a brush, to gather the hair. This helps maintain natural texture and prevents a sleek, slicked-back appearance.
Step 3: Create a Loose Ponytail Loop
Now, take your strong hair tie and prepare to create the initial structure of your bun.
Wrap the hair tie around your gathered hair as if you’re making a low ponytail, but don’t pull the hair all the way through on the last loop.
Instead, pull the hair only halfway through, creating a large, loose loop or a “half-bun” shape.
Ensure this loop feels soft and voluminous, not tight against your head, as this forms the core of your messy bun.
The remaining tail of your hair should hang freely below this loop, ready for the next step.
Step 4: Wrap the Remaining Hair
Take the loose tail of hair that is still hanging from your ponytail loop.
Gently wrap this tail around the base of the loop you just created, moving in any direction that feels natural.
There’s no need for precision here; the goal is to loosely encircle the base, covering the hair tie and adding to the bun’s volume.
For thick hair, you might find you need to wrap it once or twice, depending on your hair’s length and density.
Keep the wrapping relaxed, allowing for some texture and imperfections to show through.
Pro Tip: If your hair is exceptionally long, you can divide the tail into two sections and wrap them in opposite directions for better distribution and a fuller look.
Step 5: Secure the Wrapped Ends
Once you’ve wrapped the tail around the base of the bun, it’s time to secure those ends.
Tuck any loose ends from the wrapped section underneath the bun, into the hair tie, or against your scalp.
Use bobby pins to carefully secure these tucked ends. Choose pins that match your hair color for discretion.
Insert the bobby pins horizontally or vertically into the bun, making sure they grip both the wrapped hair and a small section of your scalp hair for maximum hold.
For thick hair, you might need a few more pins than someone with finer hair, but aim for strategic placement rather than excessive pinning.
Step 6: Gently Loosen and Tug for Volume
This is where the “messy” magic truly happens, transforming a simple bun into a stylish, undone look.
Gently pull on small sections of hair from the bun itself, as well as from the crown and sides of your head.
This action creates volume, softens the overall shape, and releases any tension, giving the bun a more relaxed and lived-in appearance.
Focus on creating a natural, slightly disheveled look, pulling out wisps around your face and neck if desired.
Don’t be afraid to tug a little more firmly on sections within the bun to make it appear fuller and less compact.
Step 7: Fine-Tune and Pin for Hold
Stand back and assess your bun from all angles, making any final adjustments to its shape and messiness.
Use additional bobby pins to secure any areas that feel loose or appear to be sagging, particularly at the bottom or sides of the bun.
Place pins strategically where they are least visible, pushing them into the densest parts of the bun for a firm grip.
If you notice any sections of hair looking too neat or structured, gently tug them out a little more to enhance the messy aesthetic.
The goal is to achieve a balanced, voluminous bun that feels secure but still looks effortlessly styled.
Step 8: Finish with a Light Hold Hairspray
To ensure your low messy bun lasts throughout the day, a touch of hairspray can be beneficial, especially for thick hair.
Choose a light to medium-hold hairspray that won’t make your hair feel stiff or crunchy.
Hold the can about 10-12 inches away from your head and mist evenly over the entire bun, as well as any loose pieces around your face.
This helps to set the style, tame any flyaways, and provide a lasting hold without compromising the soft, messy texture.
Avoid heavy-duty hairsprays that can make your bun look overly done or rigid, contradicting the effortless vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Pulling Your Ponytail Too Tightly
A common pitfall is starting with a ponytail that is too taut against your scalp. This immediately eliminates the relaxed, effortless feel of a messy bun.
A tight base makes it nearly impossible to pull out those soft, voluminous sections later on. It can also cause discomfort and headaches throughout the day.
Always aim for a loose, comfortable gather at the nape of your neck. The bun should feel secure, but never restrictive or pulling on your hair.
Over-Combing Your Hair Smooth
While a sleek ponytail has its place, it’s not the foundation for a good messy bun, especially with thick hair. Over-combing removes natural texture and volume.
Smooth hair tends to slip out of pins and ties more easily, making it harder for the bun to hold its shape. It also looks less “messy” and more “struggled.”
Embrace your hair’s natural texture. A little frizz or a few waves will only enhance the desired undone aesthetic, making the bun appear more effortless and full.
Using Weak Hair Ties
Thick hair demands a strong, reliable hair tie. Using a flimsy or stretched-out elastic is a recipe for a bun that sags and falls apart within minutes.
Weak ties simply cannot bear the weight and volume of thick hair, leading to constant readjustments and frustration.
Invest in hair ties specifically designed for thick hair, such as seamless elastics, spiral ties, or strong fabric scrunchies. These provide the necessary grip and support.
Troubleshooting
My Bun Feels Too Small or Flat
If your messy bun lacks the desired volume, you might not be pulling out enough sections or your initial base was too compact.
Go back and gently tug more hair from the bun itself, pulling outwards to create a fuller, wider shape. Don’t be afraid to pull some hair from the crown as well.
Ensure your initial ponytail loop wasn’t too tight. A looser starting point provides more hair to work with for volume. Texturizing spray or backcombing can also help.
The Bun Keeps Falling Out
A bun that won’t stay put is usually a sign of insufficient pinning or a weak hair tie. Thick hair needs extra reinforcement to defy gravity.
Make sure you’re using enough bobby pins and inserting them deeply into the bun, gripping both the bun and a small section of hair against your scalp.
Double-check that your hair tie is strong and snug. If it feels loose, remove the bun and start again with a fresh, sturdy elastic.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace your hair’s natural texture; day-old hair or texturizing products are ideal for a good grip.
- Always use a strong, thick-hair-friendly hair tie to prevent sagging and ensure longevity.
- Start with a loose, low ponytail loop to create a relaxed and voluminous foundation for your bun.
- Gently tug and loosen sections of hair from the bun and crown to achieve that perfectly messy, full look.
- Use bobby pins strategically, inserting them to secure loose ends and reinforce the bun’s shape without over-pinning.
- Practice makes perfect; don’t strive for perfection on your first try, as the beauty is in the imperfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this with freshly washed hair?
While day-old hair is generally preferred for its natural grip, you can absolutely create a messy bun with freshly washed hair.
The key is to add texture. Generously apply a texturizing spray, sea salt spray, or dry shampoo throughout your hair, especially at the roots and mid-lengths, before you begin.
How do I make my messy bun last all day with thick hair?
Longevity for thick hair comes down to a few factors: a strong hair tie, strategic bobby pinning, and a good finishing spray.
Ensure your hair tie is snug but not tight. Use enough bobby pins to secure all loose sections. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to lock everything in place without stiffness.
What’s the best type of hair tie for thick hair?
For thick hair, opt for seamless elastic hair ties, spiral hair ties (like Invisibobble), or thick fabric scrunchies.
These types of ties provide excellent grip, distribute tension more evenly, and are less likely to snap or cause damage compared to thin, weak elastics.
Our Top Recommended Finds
- Strong, Seamless Hair Ties: These robust elastics prevent breakage and provide the firm grip thick hair needs to stay put.
- Texturizing Sea Salt Spray: Perfect for adding grip, volume, and that coveted “lived-in” texture to clean or fine hair.
- Heavy-Duty Bobby Pins: Look for pins that are slightly longer and thicker than standard ones, offering superior hold for voluminous hair.
Your New Go-To Style Awaits
Mastering the low messy bun for thick hair is a game-changer, offering a blend of elegance and effortless charm.
It’s a versatile style perfect for any occasion, from a busy workday to a relaxed weekend outing.
Don’t just read about it—grab your hair tie and try these steps today, embracing the beautiful chaos of your thick hair.
