Weekend-perfect messy buns for long hair

When you have long tresses, updos can seem like something of a challenge. But once you’ve got the basic techniques nailed (plus a few firm favourite styles that are fuss-free to create), there’ll be no going back! And luckily for you, your weekend hair search is coming to an end, because we’ve got 3 messy buns for long hair, right here, to help give you some fun and stylish inspiration.

So what are you waiting for? Get some hairbands and bobby pins ready, and take your pick of the coolest messy buns for long hair from our round-up, below!

3 Messy buns for long hair

Messy fishtail bun

Pretty, feminine, and bang on trend, the messy fishtail bun looks impossibly effortless, yet polished all at the same. But don’t be put off by this intricate-looking braided updo, because it’s actually easier to do than it appears…

How to get the look:

1. First, tie your hair up into a low ponytail and secure with a strong hairband. (Remember: the thicker your hair, the bigger the band should be.)

2. Next, create a fishtail braid. You can do this to the side or down the centre, depending on where you want the bun to sit. When you get to a couple of inches before the end of your hair, secure your braid with an elastic hairband.

3. Now, using your thumb and index finger, gently pancake the weaves of the plait, making it flatter and fatter.

4. Then twist the braid up and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, to form a bun shape, and secure in place using bobby pins. To finish, give your ‘do a once over with the VO5 Classic Firm Hold Hairspray and you’re ready to go!

Flower bun

We know, this flower-inspired updo looks rather challenging, but you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s a lot easier than it looks, especially if you have really long tresses to play with!

How to get the look:

1. Start by pulling your hair back into a ponytail which sits right in the centre of the back of your head (i.e. not too high, not too low).

2. Then, divide the ‘tail’ into 3 sections and begin braiding a standard plait. Once you reach the end, secure it in place with a hairband.

3. Now carefully start to wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, making the circles smaller as you go to form the “petals” within your messy bun. You may want to use bobby pins to secure the plait in place while you wrap.

4. Once you’ve formed a bun, tuck the end of your plait into the bun to hide it, and use more bobby pins to hold it in place. Then use your fingers to gently tease out the weaves of the plait, creating more defined “petals” to achieve a flower effect.

5. Finish your ‘do off with a generous mist of the Toni&Guy Flexible Hold Hairspray, to help it hold its shape!

Twist and roll

Want a get-up-and-go hairstyle that takes just seconds to achieve? Well, look no further than the twist and roll updo! This styles really is as simple as it sounds and can be considered the messy cousin of the ballerina bun. Here’s to another 10 minutes in bed!

How to get the look:

1. Start off by spraying your strands with the TRESemmé Perfectly (un) Done Sea Salt Spray, to give your hair a little texture and grip.

2. Then begin pulling your tresses back into a ponytail which sits right in the centre of the back of your head, as if you were doing a standard ballerina bun, securing it in place with a hairband.

3. Once you’ve done this, twist your tail around the base of the pony to create a bun shape. When you get to about 3 or 4 inches before the end of your hair, start to secure the bun in place using bobby pins. But rather than tucking the tail underneath the bun, leave it loose for a perfectly undone look, that just oozes effortless, laid-back vibes.

And there you go, 3 stunning messy buns done in an instant. Now, if you love to push the snooze button more than a few times, you need to take a look at our Easy and Quick Hairstyles page, which will ensure you’re mornings are a total breeze!