Photos: Jane Houle
The Perfect Messy Bun Tutorial

This look is all about the quality of hair you achieve before you pull it back. Take the time to prep hair and it will all fall into place.

  1. Spray damp hair with texturizer. Every backstage team’s secret weapon is a product called TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen for a Day. Saturate hair from roots to ends then rough blow dry using your hands. Bring tension to your fingertips and direct the roots  up and back in the direction you will gather the hair to create the ponytail. This detail will lend a bit of harmony to a style that is a bit undone. To give the hair even more texture and grip, apply some hair powder—a great one to try is Bumble and bumble Hair Powder.
  2. Using a bungee or an elastic hair band, gather the hair into a middle ponytail and secure.
  3. Wind the length into a soft bun and secure with two to five hairpins or bobby pins.
  4. Create a halo of flyaways by lightly rubbing the hairline. Add a bit of purposeful definition with a lightweight pomade. A great one to try is Redken Water Wax 03 Hair Shine Defining Pomade.

Thank you Travis Speck of the Sally Hershberger Salon for helping us create this carefree bun! Be sure to check out our sleek rope bun tutorial.