Hailey Bieber’s Messy Bun: A Masterclass in Cool-Girl Styling

Hailey Bieber turned heads at the GQ Men of the Year party with a deliberately undone messy bun that felt modern, relaxed and quietly sophisticated. The look underlines a continuing shift in red-carpet hair: relaxed textures, lived-in shapes and imperfections treated as style statements. For anyone who admires that cool-girl aesthetic, her bun is worth studying — not as a trick of celebrity styling but as an adaptable approach you can translate for day-to-night wear.

The look up close: what makes this messy bun work

At first glance the bun reads effortless, but it’s the combination of texture, proportion and purposeful breakouts that gives it structure without stiffness. Key visual elements include a low-to-mid placement at the back of the head, soft face-framing tendrils and a slightly loose crown that avoids a slicked-down finish. The hair appears to be twisted and loosely secured rather than tightly coiled, which creates movement and a relaxed silhouette.

Several subtle choices lift the style above a generic top-knot:

• Texture: natural waves or a brushed-out curl pattern add body so the bun looks full without being neat.
• Proportion: the bun isn’t oversized; it sits comfortably in balance with the rest of the hairstyle, keeping the look chic rather than fussy.
• Intentional breakaways: short strands at the hairline and around the nape soften the look and frame the face.
• Finish: the shine is understated — healthy but not glossy — which helps preserve the relaxed, lived-in vibe.

How to recreate Hailey’s effortless messy bun

This is an approach rather than a strict recipe: feel free to adapt steps for your hair length, density and texture. The goal is to keep the result polished yet relaxed.

• Prep the hair: Start on second-day hair or refresh clean hair with a texturising spray or a small amount of styling cream to add grip and body. Too-slick hair will resist the undone shape.
• Create gentle texture: If your hair is very straight, add loose waves using a large-barrel curling iron or braid damp hair and sleep on it. The aim is soft volume rather than tight curls.
• Form a loose ponytail: Gather hair into a low-to-mid ponytail. Don’t pull it tight — keep the tie relaxed to allow movement at the crown.
• Twist and pin: Twist the ponytail loosely and coil it into a bun, securing with pins rather than a tight elastic. Use a few bobby pins to anchor the shape while leaving some strands free.
• Loosen and shape: Gently tug at the crown and the bun itself to create volume and asymmetry. Pull out small face-framing pieces and soften the nape by loosening a few hairs.
• Set selectively: Use a light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways but avoid stiffening the style. A shine serum sparingly applied to mid-lengths (not the root) will add a healthy sheen without a lacquered finish.

For finer hair, tease the ponytail lightly before coiling to create the illusion of fullness. For thicker hair, pin larger sections to keep the bun from becoming too heavy. Accessories such as a discreet clip or an oversized pin can finish the look without overpowering it.

Why the messy bun works — and when to wear it

The messy bun’s appeal lies in its versatility. It reads as both elegant and approachable, which is why celebrities favour it for events that require polish without appearing overdressed. It works across hair lengths and textures: shorter bobs can be shaped into faux buns with bobby pins, while longer hair can be wrapped and pinned for a softer volume.

Practical reasons the style is popular:

• It conceals second-day hair and benefits from the natural texture that develops after washing.
• It’s quick to create and forgiving of small mistakes — a deliberate contrast to perfectly coiffed updos.
• It flatters many face shapes: the soft tendrils draw attention to cheekbones and jawlines without adding harsh lines.

Occasions suited to this approach range from smart-casual dinners and low-key red carpets to office parties where you want to feel dressed but not overdone. It’s also a great go-to when you need a clean neckline to show off accessories like high collars, statement earrings or décolletage.

Key Takeaways

• A successful messy bun balances texture, loose volume and intentional imperfection — it’s styled to look unstyled.
• Prep matters: texturising products or second-day hair give grip and make shaping easier.
• Placement and proportion keep the look modern — aim for a low-to-mid bun and avoid an oversized knot.
• Face-framing pieces and a relaxed finish are essential; use light-hold products to maintain movement.
• The messy bun is versatile across hair types and suitable for both casual and dressy events when adapted thoughtfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a messy bun suitable for fine hair?
Yes. Fine hair can work well with this style when you add texture — a texturising spray, dry shampoo at the roots or light teasing will give the ponytail body before pinning into a bun.

How do I keep pieces from falling out during the day?
Use discreet bobby pins to anchor problematic sections and a light-hold hairspray to tame flyaways. Place pins in an X shape for stronger hold and hide them under hair where possible.

Can I recreate this look on freshly washed hair?
Fresh hair can be slippery. If you must style it, apply a small amount of texturising product or leave-in conditioner and let it air-dry slightly before shaping. For best results, start on day-two hair.

Will this style damage my hair?
When done loosely and without excessive pulling or tight elastics, a messy bun is low-risk. Avoid repeated high-tension styles and use soft hair ties to minimise breakage.

How long does the look last?
Longevity depends on your hair type, activity level and products used. With light hairspray and secure pins, it can last a full evening; for longer wear, refresh by re-tugging pieces and misting with salt spray.