If you’re a millennial, you’ll probably remember the ‘messy bun’ from your school days. It was the go-to style for those mornings when time just wasn’t on your side, balancing somewhere between ‘I woke up like this’ and ‘I actually made an effort’. Fast-forward to today, and the messy bun has had a serious glow-up in the form of the ‘undone’ updo – a chicer, cooler version that’s made its way onto red carpets and into our Instagram ‘saved folders’ alike.

The opposite of the slicked-back hairstyles we’ve seen over the last few seasons, the ‘undone’ updo is perfect for creating a relaxed, casual look while still feeling polished. Sitting higher on the head than the 00s messy bun and often balanced out with a curtain fringe or face-framing pieces, the undone updo is a universally flattering style. Pamela Anderson first made waves with the style a couple of years ago with her iconic ‘Pammy updo’, and since then, the undone look has cemented itself as a go-to for anyone wanting that effortless vibe. 

But while it might look like a quick, low-maintenance hairstyle, anyone who’s tried it knows it can be trickier to perfect than it seems. Achieving the right amount of undone without it just looking messy takes a bit of practice, but once you figure out the technique that works for your hair type, it’s a total game-changer.

The key to the perfect undone updo is striking a balance between polished and relaxed. It’s all about creating that ‘I didn’t try too hard’ vibe while still keeping it sleek enough to wear to a party or event. Whether you have long, short, straight or textured hair, you can make this style work for you.

If you have fine or straight hair, start by adding texture with a texturising spray or dry shampoo. “Clean hair is often trickier to put up,” advises Dom Seeley, creative director at Color Wow. “It’s best to do this style with a little texture in your hair to begin with, so I’d add some curl and movement to help with the overall style and shape you want to achieve,” he explains. This give your hair more grip, making it easier to pin up without everything slipping out.

“If you’re a curly girl already – that’s great news, as your texture will really help,” says Seeley. “However, try not to rake or brush through your curl pattern. I love putting up textured and coily hair when the curls and tendrils are intact. You may want to lay your edges to keep it clean on the hairline, but let the tendrils and curls fall loose to give a softer feel.”

“If you’re starting with wet hair, I love to apply the Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumiser,” says Seeley. “It gives serious body and volume with no weight or stiff crunchy texture. It’s also alcohol-free and leaves the hair with lasting volume, while keeping it soft and shiny.”

When the hair is dry, loosely scoop your hair up into a bun or twist, leaving some strands out for that lived-in, relaxed look.

When it comes to securing the style, avoid being too precise. Secure the majority of your hair with a hair tie, before going in with some bobby pins to secure any loose hanging layers. Make sure you don’t pull the style too tight – part of the style of the undone updo is its movement and texture. 

Images: Getty