I hate messy buns. Messy buns look messy. Gymnasts should be smart. If I saw a kid with a messy bun show up in front of me as a judge I would think. Hmmm this kid cant even do their hair neatly. I wouldn't be expecting any straight legs or pointed toes..........
Maybe its cultural ?
I know some of the teens in our gym do the whole messy bun thing for school ( they are in Big Boy's Class), but they are smooth and sleek for comps - its just a no-no