(Beauty)

My 10-Step Messy Bun Routine Is All About The Prep

Anna Buckman
This messy bun hairstyle is perfect for everything from date nights to working from home

For something so understated, messy buns get a lot of attention. Chalk it up to Meghan Markle's iconic version or just the fact that it seems to be the unofficial stay-at-home hairstyle of Instagram, but the low-key 'do is talked about a *lot.* I'm no more immune to its charms than anyone else, which is why, in 2020, I decided to ditch my boring go-to topknot and try to create the perfect messy bun. And, through much trial and error, I finally found a routine that gave me those perfectly undone results I've been lusting after for so long.

Actually, I found a few routines. The thing I've learned about messy buns is that there are levels to them, depending on the occasion and your mood. Want a lightning-fast look for working from home? Spray some dry shampoo through sectioned-off layers of your hair and on your roots, twist your hair into a loose bun on the back of your head, and secure it with a scrunchie. Pull out a few loose strands around your face, shape any uneven parts with bobby pins, and you've got a chic five-minute updo to replace your everyday ponytail.

But like I said — there are levels to this look, so if you want that straight-from-Pinterest, truly *messy* effect, I've found that there's a bit more work, especially when it comes to prepping your hair. So for the rest of my messy bun must-haves, keep scrolling — my 10-step routine is ahead.

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How To Make A Messy Bun: Prep

How To Make A Messy Bun: Finish