3 Messy Buns to Wear This Summer

Getting your hair style under control can feel like a major challenge (we see you, frizzy hair!)—but it’s all about working with what you’ve got. If you’re like us, you’ve always loved a good messy bun, but chances are, you’ve been wrapping your hair into the same flip and twist combo since you first discovered disheveled hair was actually a trendy style statement. If you want to really take your look to the next level, it’s time to put your go-to messy bun on the backburner in favor of our three favorite slept-in looks. Here, get step-by-step instructions for creating easy updo and bun hairstyles year-round.

SUMMER HAIRSTYLE #1: DOUBLE BRAIDED LOW BUN

Love a low messy bun but want to add a certain je ne sais quoi to the style? Pair it with a plait running down each side of your head for an instant braided hairstyle update.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Clear elastics

Bobby pins

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create a middle part. Do it right down the middle so that you have equal hair on each side of your head.

Step 2: Weave a Dutch braid on each side of your head. Start at your hairline and work towards the back of your head. Once you reach just behind your ears, stop incorporating new pieces of hair and braid each section to the ends. Before securing the ends with clear elastics gently pull each braid apart for a more voluminous, lived-in look.

Step 3: Create a basic braid with a small section of hair. Grab an inch section of hair from the underside of your remaining hair and weave it into a traditional three-strand plait. Spray it with a hairspray to give it enough grip to not fall apart without actually securing it with a hair tie.

Step 4: Create a messy bun. Ball all of your loose hair into a messy bun of your liking.

Step 5: Wrap the three-strand braid around the base of your bun. Be sure to pin the ends in place underneath your bun so that they’re hidden from sight.

Step 6: Pin the two front braids back. Pull each loose braid back around your head and wrap it around the opposite side of your bun before pinning them in place underneath your bun.

Step 7: Finish with hairspray. To keep your messy bun in place, give it a spritz of hairspray and go about the rest of your beauty routine.

SUMMER HAIRSTYLE #2: FISHTAIL WRAPPED MESSY BUN

Perk up your bun with a bit more texture by braiding your hair before wrapping it carelessly—the end look is just as stunning as it is messy.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray

Clear elastics

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Texture and tie your pony. Start by spraying damp hair with your wave spray, then allow it to air dry. When pulling your textured hair up into a ponytail, don’t worry about smoothing out any lumps and bumps because messy buns are all about being, well, messy.

Step 2: Fishtail your ponytail. Split your ponytail into two sections and pull a small section of hair from one side to the other back and forth all the way to the ends. Before securing your fishtail with an elastic, gently pull it apart so it looks extra fluffy and thick.

Step 3: Wrap your braid into a bun. Loosely wrap your fishtail around itself to create a big messy bun on top of your head. Pin it in place with a few bobby pins and finish with a spritz of the hairspray.

SUMMER HAIRSTYLE #3: UPSIDE DOWN MESSY BUN

Forget about only making a statement when you walk in the room, give them a serious style statement to remember as you walk away with this upside down braided messy bun, too.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Air-Blown Texture Mist

Bobby pins

Clear elastics

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray

Get the look by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Create an upside down Dutch braid. Flip your head over and grab three strands from the base of your hairline to begin weaving towards your crown, making sure to incorporate new strands as you go. Once you reach the crown of your head, secure your braid with a clear elastic.

Editor’s Tip: If you have fine hair you may want to start by spraying strands with the a texture spray to give your hair a little extra grip.

Step 2: Pull all of your hair into a ponytail. Brush your hair back from your hairline and join it with the loose hair from your upside-down bun to create a ponytail. Secure it with an elastic.

Step 3: Tease your ponytail. To give your messy bun extra texture, use a fine-tooth comb to tease your pony towards the base.

Step 4: Create your messy bun. Wrap your teased hair into a loose messy bun, making sure to not twist it or smooth it so that it will remain its texture. Once it looks exactly how you’d like, pin it in place with a few bobby pins and spray it with the a strong hold hair spray.

Thinking you might want to spruce up your hairstyle a bit? Our article, 5 Updos and Buns That Are Perfect for Hot Summer Days, will give you a few ideas.