For more fancy occasions, check out this volumized hairstyle. While chaos can be cute in some styles, this involves a bit more strategy. Straight hair will fare best with this style, and don’t forget those loose hair wisps on the side.
Messy hair is a major trend, which is great news for women who don’t have perfect hairstyling skills. If your hair is prone to flyaways, frizz, or rebellious curls, you are in line with the current fashion. Low buns, top knots, and twists have a unique, relaxed feel when they are messy. Read on for 40 great messy updos for long hair.
@kellymccormickhair
If you want a soft, romantic updo with an original design, try this elegant plaited bun. Start with a ponytail, make a loose plait, then wrap it into a bun and pull at the parts of the braid to make them look like petals. Secure with bobby pins.
Symmetrical styles, like these twisted buns, are a popular choice. Separate your hair into two sections and twist each side from front to back. Secure the hair at the nape of the neck, then continue to twist the hair into two buns.
@taylor_lamb_hair
Combine boho messiness with a neat twist for a “best of both” updo. This intricate-looking hairstyle includes two loose twists and a large messy chignon. The butterfly hair clip is a charming, subtle touch to complement the beautifully highlighted hair.
@weddinghaircompany
We all know that effortless-looking hairstyles are anything but easy. Instead of using one ponytail, try pulling your hair into two or three bobbles on the crown of your head. This will give your bun more volume when you wrap the hair up.
@nastty_lisicina
This updo is both elegant and quirky as it merges different techniques. It combines a loose, loopy bun with a halo plait that gracefully hugs the head. Add a unique hair color, and it’s anything but your average updo.
@salon202
A classic French twist is a great hairstyle to show off long, thick hair. Make an upgrade of this popular formal go-to by opting for messy texture, balayage color, and shifting your twist to the side.
@tonyastylist
This simple bun is cute and easy to accomplish. Start with a ponytail and loop it through a bobble like you do with a simple knot, but leave a longer tail for the wrap. Spread the knot, making it wider. Then, wrap the leftover hair around the bobble and secure with bobby pins. This looks especially showy with ombre hair that features lightened ends.
@jenniekaybeauty
Up hairstyles are a perfect way to keep disobedient locks out of your face, but that doesn’t mean they have to be neat! This textured updo uses a combination of braids and loosely pinned tousled locks for a very distinctive look.
@beautyandtheblush
To make the most of highlights in your hair, embrace braids and twists. This idea can be brought to life through a cute braids-to-bun updo. The style doesn’t have to be perfectly preened to look gorgeous. Looser braids with no distinct part and a messy bun are a lovely, casual solution.
@hairby_chrissy
Colorful highlights or hair chalking are amazing in intricate-looking updos that are actually pretty easy to do. With long hair, you can braid only the end of your ponytail and twist it into a bun as you usually do. The high position of this updo also draws attention to the underneath layer of highlights.
@christinakreitel
If you’re looking for easy updos for long hair, this one is for you! French plait your hair from the nape of your neck to the crown. Pull the end of the braid and the hair that was left out into an imperfect bun to show off your handiwork.
@hairbyjaxx
For this style, wrap the length of your hair over a hair band worn over the perimeter of your head. You’ll need plenty of bobby pins to hold everything in place, but it’s easy to hide them with a perfectly-placed braid.
@rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty
Keep it classy with a traditional chignon. This is an amazing style for girls with really thick hair, as you can literally roll it up and go! Prepare those heatless waves beforehand or start with light backcombing to get that cute texture and make the style more casual.
@neon_beauty
Some updos can look mildly mind-boggling, but this one’s deceptively easy. Create this beautiful Dutch braid hairstyle by braiding the hair along one side of your head and wrapping the end of the braid to shape a loose, low bun. Encourage flyaways and even pull a few pieces out of your braid.
@sadiejcre8s
For ladies with stunning highlights, this updo is ideal. The crown braid has been upgraded by using a fishtail instead of a regular plait, adding more weight to the halo effect. Admittedly, this style can be rather fiddly and takes quite a while.
@christinagunnell
This hairstyle is full of personality while still maintaining class. To get the style, keep the simple shape of a low bun but use plenty of backcombing. Throw a fishtail braid into the mix for an accent and added texture.
@theprettyparlour
Deconstructed hairstyles are very popular because they feature a lower degree of formality and can be worn casually, providing a smart and effortless look. This style boasts all the details of a formal updo (a bouffant, a headband braid, and a bun) but looks absolutely spontaneous and relaxed.
@sunkissedandmadeup
The low bun is as old as time, but it doesn’t have to look that way. Add some modernity to the hairstyle by simply including twisted pieces of hair on either side of your head. Or, keep it casual with a few loose, wavy locks.
@ellasbridalhair
Once you get your hair twisted, you’ll want to try wearing it in different styles, including updos. A French twist is a popular go-to, and it has variations. You can leave your bangs loose and ruffled for a casual look. Alternatively, style them back into a quiff or a neat twist for formal occasions.
@loopsalon
Put a new spin on the updo for long hair with a side bun secured with a thick hair wrap. Separate your hair into two sections, using the top layer for the side bun. Then use the underneath layer for the wrap-around.
@tonyastylist
The low rolled bun is wonderful because it’s just so simple and also appropriate for literally any occasion. Be it a beach day or a formal gala, this hairstyle works on both straight and curly hair, as well as any length of locks. Finger-comb your hair instead of using a brush to achieve that wonderful disheveled look.
This hairstyle couldn’t be simpler, which is welcome news to those who are used to the daily struggle of maintaining the health and harmony of long hair. For this ‘do, all you need is a strong hair elastic. Pull your hair up and secure it into a ponytail on top of your head. Don’t pull that final loop through – let it lie halfway through for this classic warm-weather bun.
For more fancy occasions, check out this volumized hairstyle. While chaos can be cute in some styles, this involves a bit more strategy. Straight hair will fare best with this style, and don’t forget those loose hair wisps on the side.
Enjoy a throwback to childhood when your mom would do those fancy braids on your long hair. This hairstyle involves a twisted braid with a low, casual, loopy knot for the perfect summer look.
Again, perfection is discouraged for this formal yet messy creation. Simply French braid one side of your hair and then pull it up into a high ponytail. Hold back on that final look and then twist and pin the flyaway ends in place.
This hairstyle is a legitimate mess, but still in a really cute, stylish way. You can pair it with casual or formal attire, and if you have thinner, straighter hair, it will look even better. There’s really no rhyme or reason to it, just a simple base style. So use your imagination and go wild.
Crimped hair with braids? Who knew combining these hairstyles would look so chic! This is a stunning look for longer hair and shows off multi-dimensional highlights. Added bonus: when you undo your hair, you’ll get beautiful loose waves.
@robynmunrohair
Updos for long hair don’t always have to be fancy. This funky bun is a new spin on a popular style! With the mix of metallic hues and multiple braids, this messy bun will be hard to forget, but easy to do.
@lapomponnee
If you’re looking for an elegant hairdo, this is it. This hairstyle is well-composed from every angle, making it a photogenic choice. It’s a glamorous way to dress up that little black dress or complement an exquisite wedding gown.
@voroninastylist
Whether you really have a garden party to attend or you’re just going to brunch, this is a simple yet chic look that will be sure to get you noticed. The leaves add a unique spring-ready element that will make others wish they were that imaginative with their styles!
@modernsalon
Adding white flowers to your hair takes your updo from looking like everyone else’s to making you stand out! Braiding your hair with the flower’s vine intensifies the texture, making it perfect for any special occasion.
@femmeakoi
This messy updo is a charming look for a night on the town. The waterfall of curls on the sides gives this hairstyle a carefree feel. Use a flexible, strong-hold hairspray to lock in the texture but keep the movement alive.
@modernsalon
Pinning curls is such an easy way to make your hair ready for any upscale event. You can even add jewels to make the look more glamorous. Pinning curls like this creates significant volume, while keeping the rest of your hair smooth makes for a very elegant hairstyle.
@topknotsbyaimee
This messy bun is low and loose, which gives it a romantic feel, but the messiness keeps it whimsical. By twisting random pieces on the sides, you create an effortless texture and nice volume. This style works for just about any occasion. Plus, it’s quick and easy to do!
@hairgenie_cv
An updo is an easy way to get an elegant look, even when it’s as messy as this style. When you keep your pinned curls closer to the centre of the back, your updo gains a Mohawk-like appearance.
@modernsalon
The simplicity of this hairstyle creates an overall sophisticated feel, like wearing pearls does. You can add a small flower to make this rolled bun a little more youthful or playful. The single-tone shade complements the look perfectly, though a mix of colors would be just as striking.
@mercedescbeauty
Hairdos for long hair can seem complicated, but this hairstyle is an easy way to pin your locks up off the neck. It is as simple as braiding a side braid that you further bring around your head to the nape, where you loosely pin twisted pieces of hair. As a result, you are getting a sort of sloppy low bun.
@erindelahuntymakeupandhair
This beautiful bun almost looks like a flower. Curling the hair before putting it up creates the perfect texture for a voluminous bun. This is an easy hairstyle for any special occasion that will keep all eyes on you! Pair it with a beautiful dress or a snazzy pantsuit
@svglamour
Twists and braids are an appealing way to show off chunky highlights. This updo looks like an endless twist rolled into a bun, but you don’t need extremely long hair to recreate it. Just overlap your twists and pin them in semicircles, hiding the ends and creating the illusion of an endless twist.
@christel.styles
With this updo, you can look done up while still showing off how long your hair is. The ponytail makes this style young and fun, while the side braided element creates a cool, attention-grabbing detail.
@valeriepac
When you’re looking for some new styles that are stress-free and still fun to wear, be sure to give these messy updos for long hair a try. With a little practice, you can pull off a look you’ll love for any occasion.
