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

  1. 1
    Brush your hair out to make it detangled. Don't wash it for better results; messy buns only work in "dirty" hair. You can use dry shampoo to achieve the necessary texture.
  2. 2
    Put your hair in a bun the size of an apple (depends on how long your hair is).
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  3. 3
    Twist the rest around the bun until the last strand of hair (hide the wrapping a little).
  4. 4
    Tuck the tip of your hair in your hair tie (you could just put another hair band on to support your overall look in general).
  5. 5
    Finished
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making a Bun from Ponytail

  1. 1
    Lightly gel up the tips and middle section of your hair. This helps the strands stick together and keep your bun from collapsing.
  2. 2
    Put your hair in a ponytail.
  3. 3
    Place your hand where the ponytail holder is up on your head. This secures it in place.
  4. 4
    Take your other hand and twist the ponytail until it twirls up against your head.
  5. 5
    Secure it with a hair tie.
  6. 6
    Lightly gel up the edges near the hair tie with gel.
  7. 7
    Carefully pull out small strands of hair. You may set the look with hairspray.
  8. 8
    Finished.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What methods do you recommend if I want fluffy and messy-looking hair?
    Shun Pittman
    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.
  • Question
    How do I create a nice hairstyle for long hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could just make a bun, and start pulling some threads, even loosen it up. Then you are done.
  • Question
    How do I do a perfect bun?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Once you get the hang of it, it will be perfect. Practice makes perfect.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • 2 Hair Ties
  • Hair gel
  • Hairspray
  • Optional hairband or hair clips for the bangs

About This Article

Shun Pittman
Co-authored by:
Master Cosmetologist
This article was co-authored by Shun Pittman. 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...)". This article has been viewed 245,920 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: January 30, 2023
Views: 245,920
Categories: Long Hair | Hair Buns
Article SummaryX

You can give yourself a messy bun even if you have extremely long hair. Start by brushing out your hair to remove any tangles. Pull your hair through a hair tie into a loop the size of an apple. Then, twist the loose hair around the loop and tuck the ends into the hair tie. If your hair is too heavy, you can add a second hair tie to keep your bun in place. You can also make a messy bun by twisting your ponytail. Start by creating a high ponytail, then twist the ends until they curl up against your head. Then, secure the bun with another hair tie. Lightly gel up the edges near the hair tie, and pull out a few small strands of hair to make it messier. For more advice on keeping your messy bun in place, read on!

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