How To Do A Messy Bun - The Pro Guide To Getting The Updo Right

If there's one man that knows how to create the ultimate messy bun, it's George Northwood.

The hairstylist behind Meghan Markle's second bridal hairstyle for her royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, Northwood's artfully undone bun immediately secured a place in iconic hair history.

'The opportunity to work with Meghan came through word of mouth', Northwood told ELLE. 'I've always been discreet about who I'm working with and try to look at things with a fresh pair of eyes. I was so honoured to do her hair.'

Equal parts classic, nonchalant, aspirational and totally achievable, Meghan's go-to messy bun has become her signature hairstyle. If Kate Middleton is all about the perfect bouncy blowdry, then Meghan is the Queen of perfectly imperfect updos.

'What's cool about a messy bun is it's a classical style but with a twist,' explains the London-based hairstylist. 'You're taking it from classic and elegant and giving it a modern undone twist which is what makes it so good.'

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The best part about messy buns (apart from the fact that they're crazy easy to achieve)? They suit everyone. 'Iconic hair has to be wearable for the masses - it should appeal to every woman, that's why the messy bun is so great because everyone can wear it, it doesn't look bad on anyone', explains George.

'It's got that Audrey Hepburn kind of vibe, that Brigitte Bardot tousled up-do, that sweep with a few undone wisps. A messy bun has this professional feel but it also can just be thrown up, so it has this casual feel to it as well. It's not too formal and set, it's relaxed, it's not too prim, it's the modern day working woman.'

How To Do A Messy Bun

If it's good enough for Meghan, it's good enough for us. Let George Northwood talk you step by step through how to achieve a perfectly imperfect messy bun...

1. Loosely tong the top section of your hair to add texture and waves.
2. Apply a generous amount of dry texture spray throughout and scrunch through using your fingers.
3. Roughly pull your hair back and tie up into a ponytail where you want the bun to sit.
4. Twist the ponytail and coil round itself into a bun shape.
5. Secure in place with a U-shaped pin or kirby grips.
6. Rub the top of your hair with the palms of your hands to add more texture.

Shop George's Messy Bun Kit

MORGLES U Shaped Hair Pins

£3 at Amazon

Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray

£12 at LookFantastic

ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong

£149 at LookFantastic

Tangle Teezer Back-Combing Hairbrush

£13 at Selfridges

George Northwood's 3 Essential Tips For Doing A Messy Bun

My top tips for creating a messy bun are:

1. Always tong your hair first so you get loads of good texture through it.
2. Take your time to do some good backcombing before you tie your hair up so it stays in really nicely.
3. When your messy bun is done, pull some pieces of hair out around your face for Meghan-esque tendrils.

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George Driver

Former Senior Digital Beauty Editor

George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.