
If you’re looking for quick hairstyles that still look cute and put together, scrunchie messy buns are hard to beat. They’re comfortable, easy to create, and work for everything from running errands to heading to work, school, or meeting friends. Best of all, you don’t need to be a hairstyling expert or spend 20 minutes in front of the mirror.
In this tutorial, four different messy bun styles are created using an oversized scrunchie, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. A regular scrunchie or even a basic hair elastic can give you very similar results. Each hairstyle starts with a simple low ponytail and uses slightly different wrapping techniques to create its own unique look.
Let’s break down each style step by step.
Table of Contents
Why Use a Scrunchie?
Before getting into the hairstyles, it’s worth mentioning why scrunchies have become so popular again.
Compared to regular hair ties, scrunchies are gentler on your hair. They help reduce pulling and breakage while also adding volume and texture to even the simplest hairstyle. Oversized scrunchies make buns appear fuller without needing thick hair, making them a great accessory for anyone wanting an effortless look.
Messy Bun #1: The Bow-Style Low Bun

The first hairstyle is incredibly simple but creates a soft, elegant finish.
Start by gathering all of your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Place the scrunchie around your hair once, just as you normally would.
Instead of pulling all of your hair through on the second wrap, stop halfway to create a large loop or “bow” shape. If your hair is longer, you may need to loop it more than once until you achieve the right size and shape.
Once the loop has been created, position the scrunchie around the center of the loop. This helps give the bun its balanced appearance while holding everything securely in place.
To finish the look, gently pull on sections of both the bun and the scrunchie. This loosens everything slightly, creating that perfectly imperfect messy style.
If you have bangs or shorter face-framing layers, leave them loose. They soften the hairstyle and give it a relaxed, romantic appearance.
Messy Bun #2: The Wrapped Scrunchie Bun

The second hairstyle creates a fuller, slightly more polished bun.
Begin by collecting your hair into another low ponytail, but don’t secure it immediately. Instead, twist your hair into a loose bun with your hands first.
Once you’re happy with the shape, place the scrunchie over the bun to secure it.
You’ll still have some hair left hanging out. Take this remaining section and pull it over the top of the bun before wrapping it around the base of the scrunchie.
If your hair is long, continue wrapping until all the ends are hidden underneath the bun.
This wrapping technique adds texture and creates a hairstyle that looks much more detailed than it actually is.
Once everything is tucked away, gently loosen sections of the bun until you achieve your preferred amount of volume.
Messy Bun #3: The Twisted Scrunchie Bun

The third hairstyle uses twisting to create a secure yet relaxed bun.
Start with a low ponytail just like before.
Instead of immediately making a bun, slide your hand through the loop of the scrunchie and twist it around your ponytail twice. This creates extra tension and helps hold the hairstyle together.
After twisting, pull sections of the bun outward slightly to create more volume.
If your hair is longer than shoulder length, wrap the remaining ends around the outside of the bun before tucking them underneath the elastic. This hides the loose ends while adding another layer of texture.
The finished hairstyle looks casual but stays surprisingly secure throughout the day.
Messy Bun #4: The Classic Looped Bun

The final hairstyle combines a looped ponytail with wrapped ends.
Gather your hair into a low ponytail and secure it with the scrunchie once.
On the next wrap, stop halfway through to create a loop rather than pulling all of your hair through completely.
Hold this loop firmly with one hand.
With your free hand, take the remaining loose hair and wrap it around the base of the bun. Continue wrapping until all the ends are hidden.
Finally, adjust the scrunchie by pulling it outward slightly. Gently tug on sections of the bun to make it appear fuller and softer.
The result is a classic messy bun that looks effortlessly chic.
Tips for Making Every Messy Bun Look Better

One of the biggest secrets shown throughout the tutorial is that the hairstyle doesn’t need to look perfect.
Instead of trying to keep every strand smooth, gently pull at different parts of the bun after securing it. This creates extra volume and gives the hairstyle its signature messy appearance.
The creator also suggests:
- Leave bangs or face-framing pieces loose for a softer look.
- Don’t worry if the bun isn’t perfectly symmetrical.
- Longer hair can simply be wrapped around the bun multiple times.
- Adjust the scrunchie after styling to create more fullness.
- Experiment with oversized or regular scrunchies depending on the look you want.
Why These Hairstyles Work So Well
These messy buns are popular because they’re incredibly versatile.
They work on casual days at home, for school, at the office, while traveling, or even for dinner with friends. Since each hairstyle sits low on the head, they’re also comfortable to wear for long periods and pair beautifully with hats, scarves, or hooded jackets.
Another advantage is how quickly they come together. Once you’ve practiced each style a couple of times, most can be completed in around 30 seconds.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need complicated braiding techniques or expensive styling tools to create beautiful hairstyles. With a simple scrunchie and a few easy wrapping methods, you can achieve four completely different messy buns that look stylish, relaxed, and effortlessly chic.
Whether you prefer the bow-inspired bun, the wrapped bun, the twisted version, or the classic looped style, each one offers a fast solution for busy mornings while still making it look like you spent much more time styling your hair.





