How to Make a Messy Bun With Extremely Long Hair

Co-authored by Shun Pittman

Last Updated: June 27, 2024

A messy bun is a style that is always in season. If you have extremely long hair, this is an easy guide to help you tame that Rapunzel of a head!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Bun from Hair Loop

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Don't wash it for better results; messy buns only work in "dirty" hair. You can use dry shampoo to achieve the necessary texture.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Bun from Ponytail

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This helps the strands stick together and keep your bun from collapsing.
This secures it in place.
Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

You can salvage a bad hair day. "Play with hair accessories — put your hair up in a ponytail or a bun and add a few statements pieces and clip-in accessories, that’s my quick fix. I’m always a sucker for a really nice chic chignon, and just having the hair off your face."
You may set the look with hairspray.

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What methods do you recommend if I want fluffy and messy-looking hair?

Shun Pittman
Master Cosmetologist
Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".

Shun Pittman

Master Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

The foundation for any hairstyle is a great haircut. Starting off with a great haircut, no matter the length, is always going to make the hair look its best. What will help keep that messy look intact is a light to medium hold hairspray.

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Question

How do I create a nice hairstyle for long hair?

Community Answer

You could just make a bun, and start pulling some threads, even loosen it up. Then you are done.

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How do I do a perfect bun?

Community Answer

Once you get the hang of it, it will be perfect. Practice makes perfect.

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Tips

Avoid taking out too much, this will cause the bun to fall.

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Go easy on the hairspray and gel. It will be very hard to get out when you want to take a shower or go to bed.

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Brush your hair really well (so if you run your fingers through it isn't tangled) before you start the bun.

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Place a scrunchie around the bun to hold the hair to the bun and to add to the overall look. You don't need to tie the scrunchie on if you are only doing it for leisure.
You don't have to use hairspray to achieve this messy bun look if you don't want to.

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