Need a Playful, Effortless Hairstyle? Try a Messy Bun with a Hair Scarf (It’s Super Easy!)

If there are two things we love, it’s hair accessories and messy buns. Both have saved our strands on more than one occasion, so what’s better than combining two of our favorite hair-rescue hacks in one look? Here, with hairstylist Erin Ryser’s scarf updo tutorial, we’re showing how to do a messy bun with a little extra style.

The key to nailing messy bun styles is to get just the right amount of “messiness”: The idea is to look effortless, but not unkempt or disheveled. Adding a chic silky scarf to your updo gives it a whole lot of intention, meaning your hair will look casually tossed up, but not like you rolled out of bed or straight from a workout. The trick behind this messy bun with scarf look? It starts with a braid that keeps everything perfectly in–and out of–place.

We love this playful, laid-back updo for everything from weekend errands to date night–and we’re pretty sure you will, too. Scroll on to see how to master your messy updo below!

Messy Bun with Scarf Tutorial Steps:

1. Pull the hair into a high ponytail and secure with a thick hairband.
2. Create a messy rope braid, secure with an elastic.
3. Pull on the twists until the desired “messy” look is accomplished.
4. Weave the scarf first through the hairband, then through the rope braid, and finally through the elastic.
5. Use the scarf to twist the hair into a messy bun, tie the scarf.
6. Secure with bobby pins.

See the full video on Instagram!

Did you try this scarf updo tutorial? Show us your messy bun styles on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop the look–and similar picks–below! For more options to upgrade your hair, head to our Scarves edit!

(Images via Erin Ryser. This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.