Looking to add a bit of rugged charm and effortless cool to your hairstyle? Messy hairstyles for men are all the rage, offering a laid-back vibe while still looking put-together. Whether you’re a men’s fashion enthusiast, a grooming seeker, or simply hunting for hairstyle inspiration, this listicle will guide you through the top ten messy hairstyles that are both versatile and easy to maintain.
Introduction to Men’s Messy Hairstyles
Messy hairstyles have become increasingly popular among men, thanks to their relaxed, carefree appeal and the ability to add a touch of sophistication without too much effort. From the classic bedhead to the surfer dude, these styles are perfect for those who want to look stylishly disheveled. Here’s what you’ll gain from this listicle—ten trendy messy hairstyles that you can try, along with tips on how to achieve and maintain them.
1. The Classic Bedhead
How to Achieve It
The Classic Bedhead is all about looking like you just rolled out of bed—only better. This effortlessly tousled look works best on medium-length hair.
Steps:
Start with Damp Hair: Begin by dampening your hair slightly. You don’t want it dripping wet, just damp enough to work with, as this helps in creating the texture and volume necessary for this style.
Apply a Texturizing Spray: Use a good quality texturizing spray to add some grit and hold to your hair. This will provide the foundation for that messy, natural look. Evenly distribute the spray from roots to ends to ensure the product is well spread throughout your hair.
Rough Dry Your Hair: Instead of using a comb, use your fingers to rough dry your hair. This technique helps in creating natural waves and enhances volume subtly. As you blow-dry, continuously tousle your hair with your hands to set a base for the bedhead appearance.
Use a Matte Finish Hair Cream: Take a small amount of matte finish hair cream—less is more here. Gently scrunch and define sections of your hair using your fingers. The matte finish ensures that your hair maintains a natural, non-greasy look while providing just the right amount of hold and texture.
Tip: The key to perfecting the Classic Bedhead is not to overdo the product. The style should look natural and effortless, so remember, less is definitely more.
2. Textured Crop
How to Achieve It:
The Textured Crop is a short, choppy style that adds a lot of character. This style suits all face shapes and is particularly good for those with fine hair.
Steps:
Consult Your Barber: Ask your barber for a textured cut with layers. This perfect cut is essential to achieve the choppy, dynamic look that defines the Textured Crop.
Apply Styling Paste: Use a lightweight styling paste to add definition to your hair. Opt for a matte finish to keep the look natural and effortless.
Tousle for Texture: After applying the paste, use your fingers to tousle the top of your hair. This will create that messy, textured finish that makes the style stand out.
Tip: Regular trims are essential to maintain the texture and avoid looking overgrown. Schedule appointments with your Denver barber every 4-6 weeks to keep the cut sharp and fresh.
3. The Undercut Mess
How to Achieve It:
The Undercut Mess combines a neat undercut with a messy top, creating a stylish contrast that’s easy to manage.
Steps:
Keep the sides and back short while leaving the top longer:
Visit your barber and ask for a traditional undercut. Specify that you want the sides and back cut short while keeping the top significantly longer. The sharp difference in lengths will give you the striking contrast necessary for this style.
Use a sea salt spray for texture and blow-dry the top:
Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair, focusing on the longer top section. This will add volume and give your hair a natural, beachy texture. Blow-dry the top section while using your fingers to lift and tousle your hair for a messier look.
Apply a styling clay to add definition and mess up the top:
Once your hair is dry, take a small amount of styling clay and work it between your palms. Apply it to the top section by twisting and scrunching small sections to create texture and definition. The clay will give you hold and flexibility, allowing you to adjust throughout the day.
Tip: This style looks great on both straight and wavy hair. Adjust the amount of product based on your hair type to avoid weighing it down.
4. Long and Loose
How to Achieve It:
For men with longer locks, the Long and Loose style embraces the natural flow of your hair for a relaxed look. This hairstyle works best with hair that falls past the shoulders, allowing the natural texture and movement to take center stage.
Steps:
Shampoo and Condition: Start by using a quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair clean and nourished. Properly cleaned hair is more manageable and looks healthier, which is essential for this laid-back style.
Leave-In Conditioner: After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to combat frizz and add moisture. This step is crucial, especially if you have wavier or curlier hair, as it helps in defining the natural texture.
Natural Drying: Let your hair air dry to maintain its natural flow. Use your fingers to occasionally tousle and style your hair while it dries, avoiding brushes or combs that can disrupt the natural waves or curls.
Tip: Regular trims are essential to keep split ends at bay while maintaining the overall length. This not only enhances the appearance of the Long and Loose style but also ensures your hair remains healthy and robust.
5. Slicked Back Messy
How to Achieve It:
A fusion of slick and messy, the Slicked Back Messy style offers a polished yet relaxed vibe. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to combine formality with a touch of carefree attitude, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to more formal events.
Steps:
Start with clean, damp hair: Ensure your hair is freshly washed to remove any product build-up or oils. Towel-dry your hair until it is slightly damp but not soaking wet.
Apply a light pomade: Rub a small amount of light pomade between your hands to warm it up. Smooth the pomade evenly through your damp hair, focusing on the top section.
Comb your hair back: Using a fine-tooth comb, gently comb your hair back towards the crown of your head. This step gives you the slick, polished base needed for the look.
Use your fingers to mess up the top: After combing, use your fingers to tousle the top of your hair. This step will add texture and create the effortless messy appearance that characterizes this style.
Tip: This style is perfect for formal occasions where you want to look elegant but not too rigid. The key is to strike a balance between the sleekness of the slicked-back base and the casual, tousled top. Don’t be afraid to adjust and play with the amount of pomade or the level of messiness to suit your preference and the event’s formality.
6. The Surfer Dude
How to Achieve It:
The Surfer Dude style gives off beachy vibes with its relaxed, wavy look. To achieve this effortless style, start by applying a sea salt spray to your damp hair. This will add texture and create the foundation for those iconic waves. Next, scrunch your hair gently with your hands as you blow-dry it; this technique helps enhance the natural wave of your hair, giving you that fresh-from-the-beach appearance.
Steps:
Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair: Begin by evenly distributing a good quality sea salt spray throughout your damp hair. Make sure to cover all areas to ensure uniform texture and waves.
Scrunch your hair as you blow-dry to create waves: Use your hands to scrunch sections of your hair while you blow-dry on a low to medium heat setting. This will define the waves and give your hair that tousled, wind-swept look.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray: Once your hair is completely dry, finish the style with a light-hold hairspray. This will help maintain the waves and add a touch of shine, without making your hair stiff or sticky.
Tip: This style works best on medium to long hair, as the length allows for more pronounced waves and a more authentic surfer look. Regular use of moisturizing hair products can also help keep your hair healthy and hydrated, ensuring that your waves stay soft and defined.
7. The Messy Bun
How to Achieve It:
Ideal for men with longer hair, the Messy Bun is both casual and trendy. This versatile style can be adapted for a variety of occasions, making it a go-to look for those who prefer a no-fuss approach to hair.
Steps:
Gather Your Hair: Start by gathering your hair into a bun, which can be positioned either high on your crown for a bold statement or low at the nape of your neck for a more subdued look.
Secure with a Hair Tie: Use a hair tie to secure the bun. Don’t worry about making it too tight; it’s meant to look slightly undone. For extra security, you can wrap the hair tie around twice or use bobby pins to keep everything in place.
Let Some Strands Fall Free: Pull a few strands out from around your face and the nape of your neck. This gives the bun its signature ‘messy’ appearance and adds a relaxed touch to the overall look.
Mess It Up: Gently pull at the bun to loosen it slightly and add some volume. This step creates a more relaxed style and ensures your bun doesn’t look too polished or rigid.
Tip: The Messy Bun is perfect for busy days when you need to keep your hair out of your face but still want to look stylish. You can enhance the look with a bit of texture spray to add definition or leave it as is for a more casual vibe. Regularly switching between high and low buns can also help avoid any strain on your scalp, keeping your hair healthy and strong.
8. The Shaggy Dog
How to Achieve It:
The Shaggy Dog is a mid-length, tousled style that’s effortlessly cool, perfect for men who want a relaxed yet stylish look.
Steps:
Start with damp hair: Begin with freshly washed hair that is still damp. This will set the foundation for creating volume and texture.
Apply a volumizing mousse: Work a good amount of volumizing mousse through your hair from the roots to the ends. This product will add body and lift, essential for achieving the shaggy texture.
Blow-dry while scrunching your hair: As you blow-dry, use your fingers to scrunch your hair. This technique enhances the natural texture and creates that tousled, shaggy look. For added volume, you can flip your head upside down while blow-drying.
Finish with a texturizing spray: Once your hair is dry, apply a texturizing spray. This will lock in the style, add definition to the layers, and ensure that your hair maintains its cool, tousled appearance throughout the day.
Tip: This style is particularly great for adding volume to thin hair. The use of volumizing mousse and texturizing spray will create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair, making The Shaggy Dog an ideal choice for those looking to boost their hair’s body and texture.
9. The Wavy Quiff
How to Achieve It:
Combining volume and texture, the Wavy Quiff is a modern twist on the classic quiff that exudes sophistication and style. This look works exceptionally well on wavy hair, adding a contemporary flair to a timeless flattering haircuts.
Steps:
Start by applying a volumizing spray to damp hair. The volumizing spray will give your hair the necessary lift, ensuring the quiff has a full-bodied appearance. Make sure to distribute the product evenly from roots to ends for the best results.
Next, blow-dry your hair upwards and back. Use a vented brush to guide your hair as you dry, lifting it at the roots to create maximum volume. The blow-drying process is crucial as it sets the foundation for your quiff, giving it both height and stability.
Once your hair is dry, use a styling wax to add texture and hold. Warm a small amount of wax between your palms and apply it evenly through your hair, focusing on the quiff itself. The wax will help you shape and define the quiff while maintaining a natural, tousled look.
Tip: This style is best suited for individuals with naturally wavy hair or those who are willing to use a curling iron to add extra waves. Adding waves enhance the overall texture and depth of the quiff, making it stand out even more
10. The Disheveled Pompadour
How to Achieve It:
The Disheveled Pompadour offers a modern take on a classic style, combining height with a messy finish.
Steps:
Start with towel-dried hair, ensuring it is slightly damp but not too wet. The right level of moisture is crucial, as it allows for better control and manipulation of your hair during the styling process.
Next, use a blow-dryer and a round brush to lift the hair at the front, focusing on creating volume. Position the brush at the roots and pull upwards while directing the heat from the blow-dryer towards the roots. This technique helps in achieving the iconic height characteristic of the pompadour.
Following this, apply a strong-hold pomade. Take a small amount of pomade and warm it between your palms before working it through your hair evenly. Start from the roots and move towards the tips, ensuring that every strand is coated for maximum hold and flexibility.
Finally, use your fingers to mess up the top, adding texture and achieving a disheveled look. This step is essential as it gives the pompadour its modern, relaxed edge. Run your fingers through your hair in various directions to break up any stiffness, creating a naturally tousled appearance.
Tip: This style is perfect for those who want a stylish look with a bit of rebellious flair. The disheveled pompadour is a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both casual outings and more formal events.
Conclusion
Messy hairstyles offer a perfect blend of style and ease, making them a popular choice for men who want to look effortlessly cool. Whether you prefer the classic bedhead or the sleek, slicked-back mess, there’s a messy hairstyle out there for everyone. Want to elevate your look even further? Visit a Denver Barbershop for expert advice and styling tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain a messy hairstyle?
Maintaining a messy hairstyle requires regular trims to keep the shape and reduce split ends. Using the right products, such as texturizing sprays and lightweight styling pastes, will help you achieve the desired look.
Can messy hairstyles work for all hair types?
Yes, messy hairstyles can be adapted for various hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly. The key is to choose a style that complements your natural hair texture.
How often should I wash my hair to maintain a messy look?
Washing your hair 2-3 times a week is ideal for maintaining a messy style. Over-washing can strip your hair of natural oils, making it harder to style.
Are messy hairstyles suitable for professional settings?
Messy hairstyles can be suitable for professional settings if styled appropriately. The key is to keep the look refined and controlled rather than overly chaotic. Using a moderate amount of product can help maintain structure while still providing a casual, effortless appearance.
What products are essential for achieving a messy hairstyle?
Essential products for achieving a messy hairstyle include texturizing sprays, lightweight styling pastes, and dry shampoos. These products help add volume, texture, and hold without weighing down the hair, making it easier to create and maintain a messy look.
How can I prevent my messy hairstyle from looking greasy?
To prevent your messy hairstyle from looking greasy, avoid applying too much product and focus on texturizing and light-hold options. Additionally, dry shampoo can be your best friend as it absorbs excess oil and adds volume, keeping your hair fresh and styled throughout the day.
Can I create a messy hairstyle on short hair?
Yes, messy hairstyles can be achieved on short hair. Using products that add texture and lift can help create a tousled, effortless look. For very short hair, consider using a styling clay or paste to define your hair’s natural direction and add a bit of messiness.
Do messy hairstyles require any special tools?
While messy hairstyles can often be achieved with minimal tools, having a blow-dryer, round brush, and a comb can be beneficial. These tools can help add volume and direct the hair while drying. Additionally, using your fingers to tousle and shape the hair is crucial for creating that perfect messy finish.
