18 Messy Bun Hairstyles for Long Curly Hair

Managing long curly hair can feel like a full-time job. You want to look stylish without spending hours in front of the mirror every single morning.

Finding the perfect messy bun for long curly hair is the ultimate solution. It celebrates your natural texture while keeping your locks secure and out of your face.

Get ready to discover versatile looks that work for the gym or a dinner date. These styles are designed to make your gorgeous curls look effortlessly chic.

1. The Classic High Messy Bun

Start by flipping your head upside down to gather all your curls. This adds instant volume to the crown of your head for a bold look.

Loop your hair through a soft elastic but leave the ends tucked in. This creates that signature “undone” shape that defines the perfect curly bun.

Gently tug at a few curls to loosen the structure. This ensures your hairstyle looks natural and relaxed rather than stiff or overly polished.

2. Low Scrunched Bun with Tendrils

Gather your long curls at the nape of your neck. Use a scrunchie to minimize breakage and keep your curls healthy and defined throughout the day.

Twist the hair loosely and wrap it around the base. Secure it with a few U-shaped pins to maintain the soft, cloud-like texture of your hair.

Pull out two thin curly tendrils to frame your face. This adds a romantic, feminine touch that works perfectly for casual brunches or wedding guest looks.

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3. Half-Up Half-Down Messy Knot

Section off the top half of your curls from your temples to the back. Leave the bottom layers free to showcase your length and bounce.

Twist the top section into a small, loose knot on the crown. Secure it with a small elastic or a cute decorative mini claw clip.

Shake out the bottom curls to add extra body. This style provides the best of both worlds by keeping hair back while showing off your texture.

4. Pineapple Bun with a Silk Scarf

Gather all your hair at the very front of your head. Secure it loosely with a hair tie so the curls fall over your forehead.

Wrap a colorful silk scarf around the base of the bun. Tie it in a small bow or a knot to add a pop of personality.

This look is a favorite for active days or sleeping. It protects your curl pattern while looking incredibly stylish for a day out in the sun.

5. Double Space Buns

Divide your hair into two equal sections with a middle part. This playful look is perfect for festivals or a fun day at the park.

Twist each side into a high, messy ball on either side of your head. Don’t worry about making them perfectly symmetrical or neat.

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Pull a few curls loose at the base of each bun. This softens the look and makes it feel more modern and less like a costume.

6. Side-Swept Loose Curly Bun

Sweep all your curls over to one side behind your ear. This creates an elegant silhouette that highlights your neckline and jawline beautifully.

Gather the hair into a loose, low bun using a clear elastic. Pin any stray curls with bobby pins to maintain the side-heavy shape.

Let the ends of your curls poke out of the bun. This “messy” detail adds texture and makes the style look effortless and sophisticated.

7. The “Donut” Bun (Natural Curls)

Start with a high ponytail and use a hair donut or large scrunchie. Spread your long curls evenly over the form to cover it completely.

Tuck the ends under the base and secure them with pins. The natural volume of your curls makes this bun look impressively large and full.

Lightly mist with a sea salt spray for added grit. This helps the style stay in place while keeping that beachy, relaxed curly vibe.

8. Braided Crown into a Messy Bun

Create a simple three-strand braid starting from your temple. Wrap it around the side of your head toward the back for a boho feel.

Incorporate the end of the braid into a large, messy bun at the back. This adds intricate detail to a very simple daily hairstyle.

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Gently pull the loops of the braid to make it look thicker. This ensures the braid matches the natural volume of your curly hair.

9. Low Bun with Face-Framing Curls

Secure your hair into a low ponytail but don’t pull it all the way through. This creates a simple loop that acts as your bun base.

Separate several thick curls around your forehead and ears. Let them hang freely to create a soft frame for your face.

Use a light curl cream on the loose sections. This keeps the framing pieces defined and frizz-free throughout your busy day.

10. Stacked Curly Bun with Hair Pins

Pull your hair into a mid-height bun but leave the ends very long. Wrap those ends around the base to create a stacked, tiered effect.

Slide several gold or silver decorative hair pins into one side. This adds a touch of “cool-girl” edge to a standard messy hairstyle.

Ensure the pins are placed randomly rather than in a line. This maintains the “messy” aesthetic while adding a deliberate, curated fashion element.

11. Claw Clip Messy Bun

Gather your hair as if making a ponytail but twist it upward. Hold the twist against the back of your head with one hand.

Secure the entire mass of curls with a large, strong-grip claw clip. Let the curly ends spill over the top of the clip naturally.

This is the fastest way to style long curly hair. It is perfect for when you are in a rush but still want to look polished.

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12. Voluminous Top Knot with Bangs

If you have curly bangs, leave them out completely. If not, pull some shorter layers forward to mimic the look of fringe.

Pile the rest of your hair into a very high, tight bun. The contrast between the sleek bun and wild curls is very trendy.

Fluff your bangs with your fingers to add height. This draws attention to your eyes and creates a balanced, artistic silhouette.

13. Twisted Low Bun for Thick Curls

Divide your hair into two sections at the nape. Twist them around each other tightly before coiling them into a low, circular bun.

Secure with a sturdy hair tie that can handle the weight. The twist adds structural integrity so the bun doesn’t sag during the day.

Pull slightly at the twists to reveal the curl pattern. This prevents the bun from looking like a flat, solid mass of hair.

14. The 60-Second “Bedhead” Bun

Simply grab your hair and wad it into a ball at the back. Do not use a brush or even your fingers to smooth it.

Wrap an elastic around it twice and stop right there. The goal is to embrace the “just woke up” look with maximum volume.

Tuck in only the most wild stray hairs with one pin. This style looks best when it is truly imperfect and full of life.

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15. Sleek-Front Curly Messy Bun

Apply a small amount of gel to the roots of your hair. Brush the front back smoothly while leaving the lengths curly and wild.

Secure the lengths into a messy bun at the crown. The contrast between the sleek front and messy back is very high-fashion.

This style is excellent for hiding “day three” hair oils. It looks intentional and sophisticated while being incredibly easy to execute.

16. Braid-Back Low Messy Bun

French braid a small section starting from the nape of your neck upward. This adds a surprising detail when you tilt your head forward.

Combine the braid with the rest of your hair into a bun. It creates a beautiful, textured look from the back view.

Secure the bun with a clear elastic to let the braid shine. This is a great way to keep shorter neck hairs from falling out.

17. Giant Flower-Style Messy Bun

Divide your ponytail into four separate curly sections. Loop each section back toward the center and pin them individually.

This creates a bun that looks like a blooming flower. The natural curves of your hair perfectly mimic the look of soft petals.

Avoid pulling the loops too tight to keep the volume. This is a show-stopping look for special occasions that takes very little effort.

18. Multi-Elastic Stacked Bun

Place three elastics down the length of a high ponytail. Fold the entire “bubble” chain back onto itself and secure at the base.

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This provides a very secure hold for exceptionally long hair. It keeps the weight of the curls distributed evenly across your scalp.

Tease the sections between the elastics for more “mess.” This ensures the bun looks like a cohesive, voluminous style rather than a braid.

How do I prevent frizz in a messy bun?

Apply a tiny amount of lightweight hair oil or leave-in conditioner to your curls before styling to lock in moisture and shine.

Is a messy bun bad for curly hair?

No, provided you use silk scrunchies or “telephone cord” ties. These tools prevent the harsh friction and snagging that cause breakage.

How do I get more volume in my bun?

Try styling your hair while it is completely dry. Use a dry shampoo at the roots to give your curls extra lift and grip.

Can I do this on wet hair?

It is better to wait until hair is at least 80% dry. Wet hair is more fragile and can stretch too much when tied.

How long do these styles take?

Most of these messy bun variations can be completed in under three minutes. They are designed for a fast-paced, active lifestyle.

What if my hair is too heavy?

Use U-shaped hair pins or a large claw clip. These tools distribute the weight more effectively than a single thin hair elastic.