28 Bun Hairstyles for Women: Chic Updos, Messy & Braided Styles

Hi, I’m Lena — a salon stylist with over a decade behind the chair. I’ve gathered 28 bun hairstyles that suit every woman, hair length and lifestyle. From quick messy buns for busy mornings to sleek low buns for the office, romantic braided buns for weddings, and voluminous top knots for nights out, these looks work on straight, wavy, and curly textures. In this post I’ll share styling tips I use in the salon: how to prep for grip and volume, which tools and products give the best hold without damage, and quick variations to adapt a style for your face shape. Each of the 28 images includes a short how-to or product note so you can recreate the look at home or bring a reference to your stylist. Whether you want low-maintenance everyday options or show-stopping updos, these bun styles are practical, modern, and flattering.

Textured High Messy Top Knot Bun for Medium-Long Hair

This high messy top knot is best for medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium and thick textures—light layering around the face helps the loose tendrils sit naturally. Start on second-day or dry, freshly washed hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a salt or texturizing spray through the mid-lengths for grip. Blow-dry lifting the crown with a round brush or diffuse for natural wave. Gather hair high on the crown, twist loosely and wrap into a bun, securing with an elastic and a few bobby pins; use a hair donut if you want more shape. Pull small sections outward to create soft volume and release a few face-framing pieces. Tools: brush, tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, optional donut, blow dryer and curling iron (for shaping pieces). Products: volumizing mousse or dry shampoo, texturizing spray/powder, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate, 10–20 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin as needed, sleep with a silk scarf or loose pineapple to preserve shape, and trim ends every 8–12 weeks to avoid split-end frizz.

Textured Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed, textured high bun with soft face‑framing tendrils suits medium to thick hair and works well on naturally wavy or straight textures. Fine hair can wear this look after adding texture with a salt spray or dry shampoo; very curly hair benefits from light smoothing on the crown before styling. Technique: prep damp or second‑day hair with a texturizing or sea‑salt spray, rough‑dry for grit, then gather hair to the crown and secure a loose ponytail. Twist or loop the pony into a messy knot and anchor with an elastic and strategically placed bobby pins, pulling pieces out to create volume. Pull out delicate front strands and lightly curl or shape them with a 1

Textured High Bun with Curtain Bangs — Messy Top Knot for Fine to Medium Hair

A relaxed, textured high bun paired with soft curtain bangs — ideal for clients who want an effortless, polished look. Best suited to fine-to-medium straight or slightly wavy hair; thick hair can wear this style too but may require more pins or a hair donut to manage volume. Start on second-day hair or use dry shampoo to add grip. Prep with a lightweight volumizing mousse or salt spray at the roots, rough-dry, then shape curtain bangs with a flat iron or round brush for a soft sweep. Gather hair high on the crown, twist into a loose top knot and secure with an elastic and bobby pins, pulling small pieces free for texture and face-framing tendrils. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, 1

Messy Textured Top Knot Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium to long hair and ideal on hair with natural texture or soft layers. Fine hair benefits from volume-building products and light backcombing; very thick or curly hair will require extra pins and smoothing before styling. Start on dry hair: apply a texturizing or sea‑salt spray and a bit of dry shampoo for grip. Lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a high ponytail, then twist and wrap into a loose bun. Secure with a strong elastic and bobby pins, leaving some volume at the top. Pull out and loosen small face‑framing pieces; shape them with a 1

Textured High Messy Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

Suitable for medium to thick hair and long lengths, this relaxed high messy bun also works on fine hair when boosted with texturizing products or a small donut for volume. To create it: rough-dry hair with a root-lifting mousse or volumizing spray, backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a high ponytail, then twist and coil into a loose bun, securing with an elastic and strategically placed bobby pins. Pull out a few face‑framing tendrils and soften them with a 1

Textured Messy Bun Updo with Face‑Framing Pieces

This relaxed, textured messy bun updo works best on medium-to-long hair and suits fine, medium or thick textures — fine hair benefits from added texture; thick hair can be sectioned and pinned for manageability; naturally wavy or loosely curled hair will hold the shape best. Start by applying a lightweight heat protectant and blow-dry or air-dry with a volumizing mousse or root-lift product. Add texture with a 1–1.25” curling iron or by loosely braiding damp hair overnight, then rough-dry or spritz with dry shampoo to create grip. Gather hair into a high or mid bun, twist sections into loose loops and secure with an elastic and several bobby pins, pulling at the crown for lift. Leave a few face-framing pieces out and lightly tug on the bun for that undone effect. Tools: tail comb, paddle brush, curling iron, elastic bands, bobby pins. Products: dry shampoo, texturizing spray or powder, light-hold hairspray and a shine serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–moderate (10–15 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re-texturize with spray, re-pin loose sections, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape.

Textured Braided Top Knot Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Bangs

This polished-yet-easy updo suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures or hair with natural body. For fine hair, add volumizing mousse or a small hairpad; very curly hair benefits from light smoothing before styling. Technique: prep dry hair with a root-lifting spray, rough-dry for grip, then section the crown and gently backcomb for lift. Gather hair into a high ponytail, braid a small section around the base, twist remaining hair into a loose bun and secure with elastics and bobby pins. Pull out soft face-framing bangs and a few tendrils around the nape for a relaxed, romantic finish. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush or paddle brush, tail comb, 1

Textured Curly High Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed textured high bun is ideal for naturally wavy to curly hair and medium-thick textures; straight hair will need pre-texturizing with heat or sea-salt spray, while very fine hair benefits from volumizing powder or a light padding sock for lift. Start on second-day hair or add grit with a texturizing spray and diffuse to enhance curl pattern. Gather hair into a loose high pony, twist gently and coil into a messy bun, securing with an elastic and a few bobby pins; pull small sections free to soften the shape. Use a small-barrel curling wand to define a couple of face‑framing tendrils and to shape any loose pieces. Tools: wide-tooth comb, hair elastic, bobby pins, small curling wand, and a diffuser (optional). Products: lightweight leave-in, heat protectant, sea-salt/texturizing spray, root powder for lift (as needed), and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — salon technique but accessible at home with practice. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or loose pineapple, refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, lightly touch up tendrils with heat, and avoid heavy oils at the roots to preserve volume.

Textured Messy Top Knot with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed, textured top knot with soft face‑framing tendrils suits fine to medium hair best and adapts well for thick hair when sections are thinned or loosely wrapped. It works beautifully on naturally straight or wavy textures; curl very tight hair lightly first to loosen the pattern. Start on towel‑dried or second‑day hair: apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a heat protectant to mid‑lengths. Rough‑dry while lifting at the crown, then mist a sea‑salt or texture spray through lengths. Gather hair into a high pony, twist loosely and wrap into a messy bun, securing with an elastic and bobby pins while pulling small sections to create movement. Use a 1

Gorgeous Hairstyle Inspiration

This beautiful hairstyle offers a perfect blend of elegance and style, suitable for various occasions with professional styling tips.

Textured High Messy Bun with Curtain Bangs and Face‑Framing Tendrils

This look works best on straight to wavy hair with medium to thick density; fine hair can achieve similar volume with added texturizing products or clip‑in extensions, while very curly hair benefits from smoothing first. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply heat protectant and a root‑lifting mousse, rough‑dry concentrating on the crown, then use a round brush or blow dryer to smooth the curtain bangs. Create texture with a 1 curling iron on random sections or a texturizing spray for an undone finish. Gather hair into a high pony, twist loosely and secure into a messy bun with an elastic and bobby pins, pulling out small pieces around the face for soft tendrils. Tools: blow dryer, round brush, flat iron (for bangs), 1 curling iron, tail comb, elastic and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse, dry shampoo, sea salt/texturizing spray, light‑hold hairspray and a touch of shine serum. Difficulty: easy–moderate (salon estimate 2–3/5). Maintenance: trim bangs every 4–6 weeks, refresh volume with dry shampoo between washes, re‑pin loose pieces as needed, and sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz.

Textured Messy High Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

This effortless textured high bun suits medium to long hair and works best on straight, wavy, or slightly curly textures. Fine hair benefits from texturizing products and light teasing for volume; thick hair can be loosened by pulling sections out after pinning. Start with second‑day hair or add dry shampoo/sea‑salt spray to create grip. Rough‑dry, then backcomb slightly at the crown for lift. Gather hair into a high pony, twist loosely and coil into a messy bun, securing with an elastic and bobby pins; pull small sections out to create shape and movement. Use a 1–1.5 inch curling iron or flat iron to shape two to four face‑framing tendrils into soft S‑shapes. Tools: paddle brush, wide‑tooth comb, tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, curling/flat iron. Products: dry shampoo, sea‑salt or texturizing spray, light hairspray and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate; 10–20 minutes once practiced. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and quick re‑tease, reshape tendrils with a curling iron, sleep with a silk scarf to protect texture, and remove pins gently to avoid breakage.

Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils — Textured Top Knot

This relaxed, textured high bun suits medium to thick hair best but can be adapted for fine or curly hair. Start with second‑day or slightly dirty hair — dry shampoo or texturizing spray gives grip. Rough‑dry or air‑dry, then gather hair into a high pony leaving a few face‑framing pieces out. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, twist the pony into a loose bun and secure with an elastic and a few bobby pins; use a small doughnut or padding for extra fullness on finer hair. Pull gently at the crown and bun to create volume and remove stiffness. Tools needed: brush, wide‑tooth comb, elastic, bobby pins, small curling iron (optional), and a tail comb. Products: dry shampoo, sea salt or texturizing spray, lightweight hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: easy–moderate (15–20 minutes) — ideal for daily wear or casual events. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo, re‑secure pins as needed, touch up face‑frames with a 1″ iron, and deep‑condition weekly to keep ends healthy.

Loose Textured High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed high bun with soft, face‑framing tendrils suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair can achieve the same volume with a bun donut or lightweight clip‑in pieces, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly for the soft tendril effect. Technique: rough‑dry with a diffuser or air‑dry to keep natural texture, apply a texturizing mousse at the roots, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair high and twist into a loose bun, secure with pins and hide ends; pull out 2–4 thin face‑framing pieces and softly curl them with a 1

Messy Textured High Bun (Top Knot) with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This relaxed, textured high bun works well on fine, medium and thick hair and flatters straight to wavy textures; very curly hair can be smoothed slightly or worn as-is for a more voluminous effect. Styling technique: prep hair with dry shampoo or salt spray for grip, gather hair to a high pony, loosely twist and wrap into a bun, secure with an elastic and bobby pins, then gently pull at the crown for softness and tug out a few face‑framing tendrils. Tools needed: elastic band, bobby pins, teasing comb, fine-barrel curling iron (for the tendrils), and a tail comb. Products required: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, sea‑salt spray, lightweight finishing hairspray, heat protectant and a small amount of smoothing serum. Difficulty level: easy–medium — suitable for a quick salon finish or at-home styling. Maintenance tips: refresh texture with dry shampoo and re-pin loose pieces, touch up tendrils with a curling iron as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose topknot to preserve shape, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.

Textured Messy High Bun with Soft Face‑Framing Pieces

This relaxed, textured high bun with soft face‑framing pieces suits medium to long hair and works well on fine-to-medium and thick textures. Wavy or lightly straightened hair will achieve the airy, lived-in finish most easily; curly hair benefits from smoothing at the crown before styling. Technique: start with dry hair—spritz dry shampoo or texturizing spray at the roots and work a small amount of smoothing cream through the ends. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a high pony with a soft elastic, then twist and wrap into a loose bun, securing with bobby pins and U-pins. Pull out a few face-framing strands and soften them with a 1

Textured Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Curtain Bangs — Fine to Medium Hair

A polished-yet-relaxed messy bun with soft, face‑framing curtain bangs that flatters fine to medium hair and slightly wavy textures. Start on second-day hair or spray roots with dry shampoo for grip. Apply a light texturizing or sea-salt spray through the mid-lengths, then rough-dry for volume. Create a soft center or off-center part and pull hair loosely to the crown or upper nape; twist into a loose bun and secure with an elastic, tucking ends and anchoring with bobby pins for a lived-in look. Leave a few curtain pieces out and soften them with a 1

Textured Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils for Wavy & Curly Hair

This undone, textured high bun with soft face‑framing tendrils is ideal for wavy, curly or medium‑textured hair in mid‑length to long. Start on second‑day hair or shampoo and apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner, then mist a sea‑salt or texture spray for grip. If hair is straight or fine, create loose S‑shaped waves with a 1

Textured Messy Bun with Curtain Bangs and Face‑Framing Strands

Suitable for medium to thick hair and for fine hair when boosted with texture or a light clip‑in, this soft messy bun paired with curtain bangs flatters straight to wavy textures. Start on towel‑dried hair: apply a root‑lifting mousse and heat protectant, rough‑dry with your fingers for volume, then lightly backcomb the crown for lift. Gather hair into a loose high or mid bun and secure with an elastic; use bobby pins to shape and allow pieces to fall for a lived‑in look. Pull out the curtain bangs and a few face‑framing strands; use a 1 curling wand or flat iron to add a subtle bend for softness. Finish with a light texturizing spray for grit and a flexible hairspray to hold without stiffness. Tools needed: blow dryer, round brush (optional), tail comb, elastic, bobby pins, 1 curling wand/flat iron. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light flexible hairspray, small smoothing serum for ends. Difficulty: easy–medium (10–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, rework texture with spray and gentle tousling, trim bangs every 4–6 weeks and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose pineapple to preserve shape.

Textured Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Wisps

This relaxed, textured high bun with soft face‑framing wisps suits medium to thick hair best and works well on wavy or straight textures. Fine hair can achieve the same look with light backcombing or clip‑in extensions for volume. Technique: prep hair with a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray on damp hair and blow‑dry tousled; use a round brush at the crown for lift. Create a loose high pony, twist and wrap the hair into a messy bun, and secure with elastic and bobby pins. Pull out small pieces around the face and loosen the crown for softness; optionally curl those pieces with a small barrel iron for added shape. Tools needed: paddle brush, tail comb, elastic, assorted bobby pins, blow dryer, 1

Textured High Messy Bun with Face‑Framing Pieces

This relaxed, textured high bun works well on medium to thick hair and on fine hair when boosted with texturizing products or lightweight extensions. Start with towel‑dried or second‑day hair: apply a volumizing mousse or sea‑salt spray, then rough‑dry while lifting at the roots to create grip. Tease lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a high pony and secure with a small elastic. Twist the pony into a loose bun, pinning sections with bobby pins in a crisscross pattern and pulling small loops free for shape. Leave a few face‑framing strands and soften them with a 1

Textured Messy High Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils — Casual Updo for Medium to Thick Hair

This textured messy high bun with soft face-framing tendrils suits shoulder-length to long hair, and works best on medium to thick textures or relaxed waves. Fine hair can achieve the look with root-lifting products, light teasing, or a small donut/padding for added volume. For styling, start on second-day hair or apply volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush. Create loose waves with a 1 curling wand for movement, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then gather hair into a high pony. Split into two or three sections, twist loosely and pin into a casual, undone bun, pulling out small loops for texture. Release two thin front pieces and curl them away from the face for soft framing. Tools: 1 curling wand, round brush, teasing comb, sectioning clips, hair elastics and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root lift, sea‑salt/texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate (10–20 minutes with practice); beginners can simplify to a single messy knot. Maintenance: sleep on silk, refresh with dry shampoo and sea-salt spray, re-pin loose areas as needed, and trim face-framing pieces every 6–8 weeks.

Textured High Messy Bun with Soft Face-Framing Pieces

Suitability: Best for medium to thick hair and shoulder-length or longer; fine hair also works if pre-texturized or teased. Works well on straight, wavy and softly curled textures. Styling technique: Start on second-day hair or apply dry shampoo for grip. Gather hair into a high pony at the crown, lightly tease the ponytail for volume, then twist and wrap loosely into a messy bun. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and soften the crown by gently tugging small sections. Use bobby pins to secure the bun without flattening it; leave stray pieces for an undone look. Tools needed: brush, rat-tail comb, hair elastic, bobby pins, small curling iron (optional for finished pieces), clip for sectioning. Products required: lightweight texturizing spray or sea-salt spray, dry shampoo, light-hold hairspray, heat protectant (if using hot tools) and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: Easy–Medium. Quick to create (10–20 minutes) with basic practice. Maintenance tips: Refresh volume with dry shampoo, reposition pins as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose pineapple to protect shape, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the style down.

Textured Romantic Updo with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils

Salon-ready textured romantic updo ideal for medium-to-long hair with soft face‑framing tendrils. Best on medium to thick hair or fine hair augmented with padding or extensions; naturally wavy hair provides extra grip, while straight hair requires pre-texturing. Technique: prep hair with a volumizing mousse and heat protectant, create loose curls with a 1–1¼ curling iron, roughen with a salt or texturizing spray, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, then section and twist/loop pieces into a soft low-to-mid chignon, securing each section with bobby pins. Leave two front tendrils and softly curl them for framing. Tools needed: curling iron, tail comb, sectioning clips, a mix of U-pins and standard bobby pins, small elastic, and a fine-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root boost, texturizing spray, lightweight smoothing serum, and medium-to-strong flexible hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — achievable at home with practice or quick in-salon. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase, refresh with dry shampoo and light hairspray, retuck loose pieces with spare pins, and re-curl face-framing strands as needed.

Loose Messy Top Knot Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils

This soft, slightly undone top knot is ideal for medium to long hair and flatters straight, fine-to-medium, and loose wavy textures; thick hair can wear it too with extra pinning or a donut for control. Start on dry hair: apply a lightweight texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots and lengths to create grip. Backcomb lightly at the crown for lift, gather hair into a high ponytail, twist loosely and coil into a bun, securing with an elastic and strong bobby pins. Pull small sections free around the crown and nape for the relaxed, lived-in look; leave a couple of face-framing tendrils and soften them with a light wave from a 1

Textured Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Tendrils 25

This relaxed, textured high bun with soft face‑framing tendrils suits medium to thick hair and works well on wavy or straight textures. Fine hair can still achieve this look with added padding or texturizing products; curly hair benefits from a light smoothing or defined tendril curl. Start on second‑day hair or apply dry shampoo to add grip. Work a sea‑salt or texturizing spray through roots and mid‑lengths, then lightly backcomb the crown for lift. Gather hair high at the crown, twist loosely into a bun and secure with an elastic, anchoring with bobby pins so ends can be tucked or left slightly undone for softness. Pull out thin front pieces and loosen the crown for movement. Tools: elastic, bobby pins, teasing/tail comb, blow dryer, small curling wand (optional) and a sock/donut for extra volume. Products: dry shampoo, texturizing spray, heat protectant, medium‑hold hairspray and a light smoothing serum. Difficulty: easy–medium (10–20 minutes). Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and re‑pin, sleep on silk or loosely wrap, and deep‑condition weekly; trim face‑framing pieces every 6–8 weeks.

Textured Messy High Bun with Face‑Framing Pieces

This effortless textured messy high bun suits medium to long hair and works well on fine, medium or thick textures — especially straight to wavy hair. For finer hair add volume with root-lifting products; for very curly hair, smooth and shape pieces before styling. Technique: start on second-day hair (easier grip), apply texturizing spray, lightly backcomb the crown for lift, gather hair into a high pony, twist sections loosely and pin them into a messy bun, then pull out soft face‑framing strands and loosen the top for shape. Tools needed: elastic, assorted bobby pins, tail comb, brush, and a small curling iron or straightener to refine tendrils. Products required: texturizing spray or powder, light-hold hairspray, heat protectant, and a small amount of smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty level: easy–medium — salon-friendly for clients who want a polished-but-relaxed look. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin loose sections, touch up face pieces with a curling iron, avoid heavy creams that weigh the style down, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or re-secure with a loose scrunchie to extend wear.

Textured Messy High Bun with Face-Framing Pieces

Suitable for shoulder-length to long hair and works best on medium to thick textures; fine hair can achieve the look with a volumizing powder or bun padding, while curly hair looks great when smoothed slightly or left natural for extra texture. Start on second-day hair or apply a root-lifting spray to freshly washed strands. Technique: gather hair into a high pony, backcomb at the crown for lift, twist the pony loosely and wrap into a messy bun, securing with bobby pins and a small elastic. Pull out a few face-framing pieces and gently tug at the bun to create soft volume and movement. Tools: elastic, bobby pins, teasing brush or fine-tooth comb, tail comb, optional hair donut, and a blow dryer if adding root lift. Products: dry shampoo or texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, smoothing serum for flyaways and heat protectant when using hot tools. Difficulty: easy–medium — approachable for clients at home with a little practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo between washes, re-pin loose sections as needed, sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz, and trim face-framing pieces regularly to keep shape.

Buns are one of the most versatile, quick, and flattering styles I recommend to clients of all ages. To keep your hair healthy while wearing buns regularly, alternate positions (top, mid, low), avoid tying too tight, and use soft elastics or silk scrunchies. Prep hair with a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo for grip, and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray to avoid stiffness. For finer hair, try a small donut or clip-in pieces for instant volume; for thick hair, section and pin using the cross-pin technique to secure weight without strain. Schedule regular trims, use a weekly deep-conditioning mask, and limit high-heat styling to preserve ends. If you’re planning a special event, do a trial run with your stylist and bring one of the 28 images as reference. Small adjustments to placement, volume, and finish will personalize the bun to your face shape and outfit — that’s where professional styling makes the difference. — Lena