Last updated: August 10, 2026 · 5 min read
A good, effortless-looking messy bun doesn't start with putting your hair up, it starts with texture. Dry your hair with the airstyler on a medium setting and turn loose waves instead of tight curls, so you get structure and volume. Then pull it up loosely, leaving a few pieces loose around your face and neck for that undone effect.
Quick summary
- Texture is the foundation of a good messy bun: bone-straight hair has little grip to stay up.
- Turn loose, wide waves with the airstyler instead of tight curls.
- A medium temperature setting usually gives enough hold without looking too sleek or tight.
- Work a texturizing spray or dry shampoo through your hair for extra grip before you put it up.
- Pull a few pieces loose on purpose after putting it up for that undone effect.
Below you'll find the steps to create that texture, and which airstyler setting works best.
Why does texture matter so much for a messy bun?
Bone-straight, sleek hair has little grip: it slides right out of a bun and looks messy in the wrong way rather than deliberately undone. Loose waves or bends give hair elastics and pins something to hold on to.
On top of that, texture adds more volume to the bun itself, so it looks less flat and thin, even with finer hair.
How many steps does it take to prep your hair with the airstyler?
- Dry your hair to towel-dry and apply a heat protectant.
- Divide your hair into wide sections, larger than you would for defined curls.
- Wrap each section loosely around the airstyler's barrel, on a medium temperature setting.
- Let the waves cool down for a moment before running your fingers through your hair, that gives more hold.
- Work a small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo through your lengths, then put it up.
Which temperature setting works for a messy bun?
For loose, natural-looking waves, you usually don't need high heat. On the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq (35°C, 70°C, 110°C), 70°C is a comfortable starting point for most hair types: enough heat for structure, without making your waves too tight or shiny-sleek.
If you have fine hair that falls flat quickly, you can still go for 110°C for a bit more hold, as long as you use a heat protectant.
How do you put your hair up so it looks messy but put-together?
Gather your hair loosely into a low or high ponytail, don't twist it too tightly into a bun, and secure it with pins in addition to just an elastic. Then pull a few pieces loose on purpose around your face, temples, and neck: that's what gives the messy bun the undone effect that sets it apart from a plain, tight bun.
Finally, run your fingers through the bun itself to loosen and fluff it up a bit, instead of letting it sit tight against your head.
Frequently asked questions
Does this technique also work on short hair?
Yes, as long as your hair is long enough to put up. With shorter lengths, a low, loose bun with a few loose pieces usually works best.
Do I need to wash my hair before making a messy bun?
Not necessarily. Second-day hair, with a bit of natural oil or a little dry shampoo, often holds better grip than freshly washed, sleek hair.
How do I stop my messy bun from falling apart after a few hours?
Use pins in addition to an elastic for extra hold, and make sure there's enough texture in your hair before putting it up. Bone-straight hair without structure slips loose faster than hair with loose waves.
Can I use this technique for a lower, more romantic bun too?
Definitely, the same loose waves as a base work well for a low, loose bun at the nape of your neck too. Gather your hair lower and twist the bun a bit looser.
Loose waves as your base, ready in a few minutes.
The Airstyler Pro Ceramiq gives you three temperature settings (35°C, 70°C, 110°C), exactly the control you need to create loose, natural-looking texture before putting your hair up.
Works on all hair types 1A-4C
2 year warranty
30 days to try at home
Trustpilot 4.7/5
Shop the Airstyler Pro Ceramiq
AL
Written by Lena A., based on the messy bun technique we see most often in customer photos.
