Messy Bow Perfection: The Ultimate Guide to Stylish Bow Buns
Transform your everyday hairstyle with the effortlessly chic messy bow bun—the perfect blend of casual and polished that's taking over street style and social media.
BOW HAIRSTYLES
4/5/20255 min read
How to Achieve the Perfect Messy Bun with a Bow Accent
Creating that coveted "perfectly undone" look requires just the right technique. Follow these simple steps for messy bow bun success:
Start with day-two hair - Slightly dirty hair provides the perfect texture and grip for a messy bun that stays put.
Create volume at the roots - Use dry shampoo or texturizing spray throughout your hair, focusing on the roots for added lift.
Gather your hair - For a high messy bun, flip your head upside down and gather your hair at the crown. For a mid or low bun, simply gather your hair at the desired height.
Create your bun base - Twist your ponytail loosely and wrap it around the base. Don't worry about perfection—the messier, the better!
Secure with bobby pins - Use bobby pins in an X formation to secure your bun. For thicker hair, you may need more pins.
Pull out face-framing pieces - Gently tug a few strands loose around your face for that effortless, lived-in look.
Add your bow - Position your bow at the base of your bun, slightly off-center for a modern touch. Secure with bobby pins or clip in place.
Finish with hairspray - A light mist of flexible-hold hairspray will keep everything in place without sacrificing the messy aesthetic.
Pro tip: The messier the bun, the more sophisticated the bow should be to create a balanced look.
How to Keep a Messy Bow Bun in Place All Day
Nothing ruins the effortless vibe of a messy bow bun faster than constantly having to readjust it. Here's how to ensure your style lasts from morning meetings to evening outings:
Build a solid foundation - Use a combination of texturizing spray and dry shampoo to create grip before styling.
Use the right hair ties - Opt for seamless elastics that grip without breaking hair. For thicker hair, use two elastics stacked together.
Bobby pin strategy - Insert pins in different directions to create a "lock" effect. Use open bobby pins for thick hair and closed pins for fine hair.
Secure your bow properly - If using a clip-on bow, secure it with additional bobby pins. For ribbon bows, weave the ends through your bun before tying.
Strategic hairspray application - Hold the hairspray 10-12 inches away and apply in short bursts rather than saturating the style.
Emergency kit essentials - Carry a small travel-sized hairspray and a few extra bobby pins for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
The 'twist and pin' rescue technique - If your bun starts to sag, twist any loose sections and pin them back into the bun without taking down the entire style.
Remember: The key to longevity is building security into each step of the styling process, not just adding products at the end.
How to Choose the Right Bow Size for Your Messy Updo
The bow is the statement piece of your messy bun, so selecting the right size is crucial for a balanced look:
For Short to Medium Hair:
Small to medium bows (2-3 inches wide) complement shorter lengths without overwhelming your style
Position smaller bows slightly off-center for a modern touch
Consider lightweight materials that won't pull down your bun
For Medium to Long Hair:
Medium to large bows (3-5 inches wide) balance out fuller buns
Center positioning works well with more substantial hair volume
Experiment with textured bows that complement your hair's natural movement
Consider the Occasion:
Everyday wear: Smaller, more casual fabric bows in neutral tones
Office style: Medium-sized bows in sophisticated materials like leather or satin
Special events: Larger statement bows with embellishments or rich textures
Face Shape Considerations:
Round faces: Asymmetrical bow placement creates flattering angles
Heart-shaped faces: Medium bows positioned toward the back elongate the face
Square faces: Softer, rounded bow shapes balance stronger jawlines
Oval faces: Any bow size works well—choose based on personal preference
The perfect bow should feel proportionate to both your hairstyle and your overall frame. When in doubt, a medium-sized bow in a neutral color is universally flattering.
How to Create a Messy Bow Bun for Fine Hair
Fine hair presents unique challenges when creating voluminous styles, but with these specialized techniques, you can achieve a full-looking messy bow bun:
Prep with volumizing products - Use a root lifter and volumizing mousse on damp hair before blow-drying for added thickness.
Texturize strategically - Apply dry texture spray throughout dry hair, focusing on the roots and mid-lengths. Massage into the scalp to create instant volume.
Tease with purpose - Gently backcomb small sections at the crown and around the ponytail base before creating your bun.
Create the illusion of thickness - Pull your bun slightly looser than you think you should—this creates the appearance of more hair.
Use the "pancaking" technique - Gently tug at the edges of your bun to flatten and widen it, creating the impression of fullness.
Choose lighter bows - Opt for lightweight fabric bows that won't weigh down your style or cause it to collapse.
Strategic pin placement - Use smaller bobby pins and place them closer to the scalp where they'll provide maximum support without showing.
Consider hair accessories - Add small hair donuts or bun shapers underneath for extra structure and volume.
Bonus tip: For special occasions, consider adding temporary clip-in extensions to increase volume and give your bun more substance.
How to Transition Your Messy Bow Bun from Day to Night
The versatility of the messy bow bun makes it perfect for around-the-clock wear. Here's how to effortlessly transform your daytime style for evening events:
Quick Day-to-Night Transformations:
Swap your bow - Replace a casual daytime bow with something more glamorous for evening (think satin, velvet, or embellished options).
Add strategic shine - Apply a small amount of shine serum to the visible parts of your hair for an elegant evening glow.
Elevate with accessories - Tuck in decorative bobby pins, small fresh flowers, or crystal hairpins alongside your bow.
Refresh and restyle - Lightly mist with water, reapply texturizing spray, and reshape your bun for added volume and fresh texture.
Frame your face - Pull out a few additional face-framing pieces and curl them gently for a softer, more romantic evening look.
Styling By Occasion:
Office to dinner: Add a more substantial bow in a jewel tone or metallic finish
Casual day to formal event: Sleek down any flyaways with a light pomade and add a bow with elegant details
Weekend brunch to evening party: Increase the height of your bun and switch to a statement bow in a bold color
The beauty of the messy bow bun lies in its adaptability—a few small tweaks can completely transform the style without starting from scratch.
How to Style a Messy Bow Bun for Different Face Shapes
Your face shape plays an important role in determining the most flattering messy bow bun placement. Here's how to customize your style:
Oval Face
Best placement: Versatile—any placement works well
Try a high messy bun with the bow positioned slightly to one side
Experiment with bow sizes based on your personal preference and hair thickness
Round Face
Best placement: High crown placement to elongate the face
Create a voluminous high bun with height at the crown
Position your bow at the top of the bun rather than at the base
Pull out face-framing pieces to create the illusion of length
Square Face
Best placement: Mid-height with softness around the face
Aim for a slightly off-center bun with soft, wispy pieces around the jawline
Choose rounded, soft-edged bows rather than structured geometric shapes
Allow some volume at the crown to balance a stronger jawline
Heart-shaped Face
Best placement: Low to mid-height to balance a narrower jawline
Create a fuller bun at the back of the head
Position your bow slightly lower to draw attention away from a wider forehead
Keep some volume through the sides to create balance
Long Face
Best placement: Lower placement with width rather than height
Opt for a low or mid-height bun with added width
Choose a wider bow positioned horizontally
Create volume at the sides of the bun rather than on top
Remember that these are guidelines, not rules. The most important factor is your comfort and confidence in the style you choose.
Conclusion
The messy bow bun has earned its place as a staple hairstyle for good reason—it combines effortless style with practical versatility. Whether you're dashing to a morning meeting, enjoying a casual weekend brunch, or attending an elegant evening event, this adaptable updo can be customized to suit any occasion, hair type, or face shape.
By mastering the techniques in this guide, you'll be able to create a messy bow bun that not only looks effortlessly chic but actually stays put throughout your busy day. Remember that the beauty of this style lies in its imperfection—embrace the messiness, play with different bow options, and make this trendy look uniquely yours.
What's your favorite way to style a messy bow bun?