Best Hair Ties for Messy Buns | Easy Scrunchie Bun Tutorial
When it comes to styling the perfect messy bun, the right hair tie makes all the difference. Whether you have thick, heavy hair that needs extra hold or fine, medium hair that requires a lighter touch, choosing the right scrunchie or elastic will help you get that effortless, undone look that still stays in place.
In this post, we’ll go over the best hair ties for messy buns, why scrunchies are a top choice, and how to use them step by step for a bun that’s secure yet stylish.
Why the Right Hair Tie Matters for Messy Buns
Not all hair ties are created equal. Some are too tight and cause breakage, while others don’t offer enough support—especially if you have thick hair or a lot of layers. The ideal hair tie for a messy bun should:
- Hold your hair securely without slipping
- Be gentle to prevent damage or creasing
- Offer enough stretch to wrap and re-wrap
- Work with your unique hair type and volume
That’s where scrunchies come in. Not only are they gentle and comfortable, but the fabric itself actually makes your bun look fuller, giving the illusion of more volume even if you have thinner hair.
Best Hair Ties for Messy Buns
1. Oversized Scrunchies (Best for Thick Hair & Big Buns)
If you have a lot of hair, oversized scrunchies are your best friend. They’re larger, softer, and provide plenty of stretch so you can easily wrap your ponytail into a bun without your scrunchie snapping. The extra fabric naturally adds fullness to your bun, making it look bigger and more styled—even if you didn’t spend much time on it.
Best for:
- Long hair
- Thick or curly hair
- People who want a big, voluminous bun
Our Pick: Oversized Velvet Scrunchies
If you’re looking for the ultimate hair tie for a messy bun, our oversized velvet scrunchies are it. The generous size gives you plenty of stretch to wrap even the thickest ponytail into a bun, while the plush ruching adds extra volume, making your bun look instantly fuller. The velvet fabric isn’t just soft and stylish—it also helps your hair grip in place, so your messy bun stays put without constant adjusting.
2. Regular Scrunchies (Best for Medium to Fine Hair)
For those with less hair but still enough for a bun, a regular-sized scrunchie is the perfect choice. The gathered fabric doesn’t just hold your bun in place—it also bulks it up slightly, giving the appearance of more volume. That means even finer hair types can enjoy a soft, full-looking messy bun.
Best for:
- Medium-length hair
- Fine to normal hair
- Smaller, casual buns that still look full
Our Pick: Cotton Blend Scrunchies
For a go-to everyday hair tie that works perfectly for messy buns, our Cotton Blend Scrunchies are the top pick. They have just the right amount of stretch, making them easy to wrap and re-wrap without losing shape. Durable and dependable, they hold your bun securely without slipping—and with over 20 colors to choose from, you can match your scrunchie to any outfit or mood, or choose one that matches your hair color for a cleaner look.
How to Create the Perfect Messy Bun with a Scrunchie
Once you have the right scrunchie or hair tie, the technique is simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Start with a Ponytail – Gather your hair as if you’re making a ponytail. Don’t worry about being too neat—the beauty of a messy bun is the undone look.
- Wrap the Hair Tie Once – Begin wrapping your scrunchie around your ponytail. On the second loop, don’t pull the hair all the way through.
- Form the Bun – Twist the length of your ponytail around the base, creating a bun shape.
- Secure with the Hair Tie – Use the remaining stretch in your scrunchie or hair tie to loop over the bun and lock it in place. The scrunchie’s fabric will naturally puff up around your bun, giving it more body.
- Loosen for Extra Volume – Gently pull at sections of your bun and let a few pieces fall loose. This not only softens the look but makes the bun appear even fuller.
FAQ: Best Hair Ties for Messy Buns
Are scrunchies good for messy buns?
Yes! Scrunchies are one of the best hair ties for messy buns because the soft fabric adds volume and fullness while holding your hair in place without pulling or breaking it.
What hair ties are best for thick hair buns?
For thick hair, oversized scrunchies or extra-stretch hair ties work best. They have more give and can secure a larger bun without snapping or slipping.
Can you use scrunchies if you have fine hair?
Absolutely. Regular-sized scrunchies are perfect for fine or medium hair because they provide gentle hold and make buns look fuller without weighing them down.
How do you do a messy bun with a scrunchie?
Gather your hair into a ponytail, start wrapping your scrunchie but don’t pull all the hair through on the second loop. Twist the ends around the base, then secure with the scrunchie for an effortless messy bun.
Final Thoughts
The best hair ties for messy buns come down to choosing the right scrunchie for your hair type. Oversized scrunchies are perfect for people with a lot of hair or those who want bold, voluminous buns, while regular scrunchies work beautifully for medium or fine hair that still needs secure hold.
And the best part? Scrunchies don’t just keep your bun in place—they actually add fullness and volume, helping you achieve that perfect messy bun look every time.