Do you think messy buns are exclusive to long-haired ladies?
Think again! Short-haired women can absolutely rock this effortlessly chic style with the right techniques and a few strategic accessories.
The key to a great messy bun for short hair lies in embracing what you’ve got—whether that’s a bob, pixie, or in-between length.
These styles celebrate texture and imperfection.
Ready to transform your short locks into a stylishly disheveled updo?
Let’s explore 25 messy bun variations that work beautifully with shorter hair lengths.
1: The Mini Top Knot
Create a tiny, perfectly imperfect bun positioned high on your crown. This style works even with bob-length hair and adds height that elongates your overall silhouette.
Gather just the top section of your hair and twist it into a small knot, securing with bobby pins in a crisscross pattern. Leave the lower sections loose for contrast.
Gently tug at the bun to create deliberate messiness and texture. This style looks particularly striking with an undercut or shorter sides.
2: Half-Up Messy Bun
When your hair is too short for a full updo, try the half-up messy bun.
This versatile style works beautifully with shoulder-grazing cuts and adds volume at the crown.
Gather the top third of your hair and twist it into a loose bun at the crown of your head.
Secure with bobby pins, allowing pieces to fall naturally around your face.
Tease the remaining down sections lightly for cohesive texture.
This style offers the best of both worlds—the elegance of an updo with the versatility of wearing hair down.
3: Twisted Back Mini Bun
Create a sophisticated low bun by twisting short hair back rather than up.
This approach works beautifully for bob and lob lengths that resist being gathered upward.
Part your hair on one side, then twist both sides backward toward the nape of your neck.
Secure the twisted sections together with bobby pins, forming a small, intentionally messy knot.
Pull out a few face-framing pieces to enhance the deliberately undone effect. This style offers sophistication with just the right amount of messiness.
4: Braided Base Bun
Add interest and security to your short hair bun with a braided base. This technique helps incorporate shorter layers that might otherwise escape a traditional bun.
Create a Dutch or French braid starting at your crown and working back toward the nape. When you reach the end of the braid, twist the remaining hair into a small bun.
Secure it with pins and gently tug at the braid to create fullness. This structured yet messy style keeps shorter pieces contained while looking intentionally undone.
5: Sectioned Mini Buns
Transform your short hair into multiple mini buns for an edgy, fashion-forward take on the messy bun trend. This style works even with chin-length hair.
Divide your hair into 2-4 sections and twist each into a tiny bun, securing with pins. Position the buns asymmetrically for a modern, creative effect.
Loosen strands from each bun for that coveted messy texture. This playful style showcases your personality while keeping hair off your neck and face.
6: Low Messy Chignon
Create an elegant but undone low bun at the nape of your neck.
This style works beautifully for bob-length hair and offers a sophisticated option for more formal occasions.
