The prettiest low buns aren't neat — they're textured, soft and a little loose. Curling the hair first gives the bun grip, fullness and those face-framing pieces that look intentional.
- Step-by-step for a messy low bun
- Variations and common mistakes
- Works with cordless tools — no socket needed
Tutorial card
- Time: 10 minutes (plus curling)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best hair length: Shoulder to waist
- Tools: cordless automatic curler
What you need
- The cordless automatic curler
- Heat protectant
- Sectioning clips
- A wide-tooth comb
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic CurlerFrom €32.99View productHow to do a messy low bun: step by step
- Curl first. Curl the whole head in medium sections and let cool. Don't brush them out.
- Loosely gather. Gather hair at the nape with your fingers — no brush — and secure with an elastic.
- Pancake the ponytail. Gently pull at the ponytail to loosen and widen it.
- Twist and wrap. Twist loosely and wrap around the elastic. Leave curly ends out if you like.
- Pin in a U-shape. Pin from the outside of the bun into the base, in a circle.
- Loosen the top. Pull small pieces at the crown upwards for softness.
- Pull out face-framing pieces. Release two thin pieces at the front and re-curl them away from the face.
Variations to try
- Side low bun: Gather behind one ear for a romantic, asymmetric look.
- Bun with braid: Braid a small section at one temple and wrap it around the bun.
- Claw-clip version: Twist up and hold with a large claw clip for a two-minute version.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Bun looks tight and flat | Gather with fingers, pancake the ponytail, loosen the crown |
| Bun falls out | Pin into the elastic base, not just the hair |
| Face pieces look limp | Re-curl them after the bun is done |
Curlylooks Cordless Automatic Curler
€32.99
Blush pinkIvory whiteCharcoal blackAdjustable curl direction
Ceramic-coated chamber, adjustable temperature and curl direction, USB rechargeable — and it wraps the hair for you.
Curled hair has more grip and volume, so the bun looks fuller and holds with fewer pins.
✦ Pairs well with: U-shaped pins · Clear elastic · Light hairspray
Best for: Weddings, work events, dinners, second-day hair
Three ways to start
Get the kit for a messy low bun
Just this look
The cordless automatic curler is all you need for a messy low bun.
Curls and polish
Curl, then smooth the ends and front pieces — the Curl & Polish bundle puts both tools together.
Every look in this series
The Complete Collection covers all our tutorials: the curler plus both cordless straighteners.
Frequently asked questions
Why curl hair before a bun?
Curled hair has more texture and grip, so the bun is fuller and holds better.
Can I do this on second-day curls?
Yes — second-day curls are ideal for a textured bun.
How do I make a low bun look elegant, not messy?
Keep the crown smooth, the bun loose and just two face-framing pieces.
Try it with cordless tools
Cordless, USB-rechargeable curler and straighteners — style anywhere, no socket needed.
Shop all styling tools →See the bundles →Keep reading
Safety note: heat tools get hot. Always follow the operating and safety instructions supplied with your device, use on dry hair only, keep heated parts away from skin and scalp, switch off after use and store out of reach of children.
