Before having a baby, I had a lengthy nighttime beauty routine of face masks, eye creams and my own take on the 10-step Korean skin care routine. I also washed my hair every other day and did a full face of makeup each morning. Fast forward to now. I’m lucky if I wash my hair twice in one week. My makeup routine consists of tinted sunscreen and mascara and I usually skim over my expensive skin care to quickly floss and brush my teeth. So inevitably when dry shampoo can no longer save me, my hair often times ends up in a top bun. Here’s my easy-piecy 5 step guide to perfect the messy top bun!

1. Pony Tail It

After brushing your hair out, secure it in a high pony tail combing out as much of the bumps as possible. Given the name, it should really sit more on the top of your head as opposed to the back. This hair do is usually not my go-to on newly washed hair but if you do choose to create this hairstyle after washing your hair, my suggestion would be to blow dry your hair upside down to create extra volume.

2. Tease It

Tease your hair. You don’t need to replicate an 80’s rock band, however you want it to have volume and fullness to create a thick top bun. Alternately, I like to use a texturizing spray to add fullness. My favorite is Texturiza Dry Finishing Spray by Unite.

3. Wrap It

Wrap your hair around your pony tail as lose it as tight as you prefer. I like a thicker bun so I tend to wrap it pretty loose.

4. Secure it

Secure the bun with bobby pins. I like to put bobby pins around the entire bun to ensure that pieces of hair won’t stick out.

5. Tame It

I like the bun to be messy but I try to tame the flyaways or frizz. Spray a bit of hairspray to keep everything in place. Oribe’s Free Styler Working Hair Spray offers the hold without making my hair stiff.

For a fun alternative, reach for a small scarf and wrap it around the bun.

What’s your go-to, easy hair do? I’d love to hear from you! Let me know!