Looking to break free from the clean-cut look? You’re not alone.
The thing is, messy hairstyles men have now have completely evolved, looking effortless, versatile, and easy to pull off. These looks work for any occasion, from casual Fridays to weekend hangouts.
We’ll be looking into messy hairstyles that actually work for real guys.
We’re covering everything from short and low-maintenance cuts to longer, more dramatic styles. Let’s get started.
What Makes a Hairstyle “Messy”?
Messy hairstyles aren’t about ignoring your hair. They’re a real style choice that adds texture and personality.
You work with how your hair naturally moves rather than forcing it to stay flat, making it look fuller.
These styles use textured cuts and styling products to create that casual look. The hair looks relaxed and natural, with strands going in different directions. It’s less stiff than regular cuts but still looks good.
Messy hairstyles add personality. They are easy to maintain but still look great. They work with your natural hair texture, so you spend less time styling each morning. You can wear them to work or keep them casual on weekends.
Let’s look into some messy hairstyles men should try.
39 Trendy Messy Hairstyles for Men
1. Messy Quiff
The messy quiff is a classic choice that works for most face shapes. Your hair is longer on top and shorter on the sides.
Style the top section upward and back to create volume and texture. This style works great for both casual and formal settings.
2. Textured Crop
The textured crop is short, easy, and stylish. Hair on top is cut to about an inch or two, while the sides stay close to your head.
Run your fingers through it for that messy finish. Perfect if you want something low-maintenance.
3. Messy Fringe
A messy fringe is all about letting your hair fall forward naturally, rather than styling it back. Cut it to eyebrow length or slightly longer.
The key is creating movement and separation in the strands. This style softens angular faces and gives you a youthful, relaxed appearance.
4. Tousled Waves
Tousled waves bring a relaxed, beachy vibe. This style combines natural waves with messy texture, looking effortless. Your hair has soft, loose waves that move freely.
Hair falls in different directions with plenty of volume and body.
5. Messy Pompadour
The classic pompadour makes you look bold without being too formal. Sweep your hair up and back, but don’t make it perfect.
Let some pieces fall where they want. The result is volume with character. The sides are usually shorter, making the top really stand out.
6. Messy Man Bun
If you have longer hair, pull it back into a loose bun. Don’t make it tight or perfect. Let some strands escape around your face and neck.
This style keeps hair out of your way while looking effortlessly cool.
7. Bedhead Style
This looks appreciative of your natural hair texture in the morning.
The goal is to look like you woke up this way, but in a good way, with the perfect messy hair.
8. Spiky Messy Hair
Create short, random spikes throughout your hair. Work it through your hair and pull small sections upward. Don’t make them all the same height or in the same direction.
This adds edge and personality to your look.
9. Messy Undercut
Keep the sides very short or shaved while leaving plenty of length on top.
Style the top section however you want. The contrast between clean sides and textured top makes a bold statement.
10. Wavy Messy Hair
If you have natural waves, use them. Your waves will create their own messy texture. This works especially well for medium-length hair.
11. Choppy Layers
Ask your barber for choppy, uneven layers throughout your hair. These layers create natural texture and movement.
Use your fingers to separate the pieces. The result is dimension and depth.
12. Messy Faux Hawk
Push hair from both sides toward the center, creating height down the middle of your head.
But keep it loose and textured, not stiff like a traditional mohawk. This gives you an edgy look that’s still workplace-appropriate.
13. Slicked Back with Texture
Comb your hair straight back, then rough it up slightly. The hair stays off your face but doesn’t look too polished.
Use a medium-hold product that adds shine without making it look wet.
14. Messy Comb Over
Part your hair deeply on one side and comb it over. Then add texture by running your fingers through it.
This modernizes the classic comb-over, making it less formal.
15. Shaggy Layers
Grow your hair to shoulder length or longer. Add layers throughout for movement. This creates a rock-and-roll vibe that’s casual and cool.
16. Messy Brush Up
Brush all your hair upward and slightly back. Don’t smooth it down. Let it stand up with texture and volume. This style makes thin hair look fuller and adds height to round faces.
17. Textured French Crop
Similar to the regular textured crop, but with a more defined fringe. The front section is cut shorter and blunter. Style the top with texture while keeping the fringe messy.
18. Messy Top Knot
Gather your longer hair into a knot on top of your head. Keep it loose and don’t worry about stray hairs.
This style is practical and trendy, perfect for active lifestyles.
19. Disconnected Messy Style
Create a strong contrast between different sections of your hair. Short sides, longer top, with clear separation between them. Style the top however you like.
20. Messy Curtains
Part your hair down the middle and let both sides fall forward, framing your face. Add texture so it doesn’t look flat. This 90s-inspired style is making a comeback.
21. Waves
For guys with wavy or curly hair, appreciate this natural texture. Use a curl-enhancing product and scrunch your hair while it dries.
The waves create their own messy, beachy look.
22. Messy Crew Cut
Take the military crew cut and add texture to the top. Instead of keeping it neat, use the product to create piece-y separation.
This adds personality to a classic short style.
23. Forward Swept Messy Hair
Push all your hair forward toward your forehead. Create texture and height at the front. This works well if you have a cowlick or want to hide a receding hairline.
24. Messy Afro
For men with natural curls or coils, let your afro grow out with an intentionally uneven shape.
The texture creates its own messy visuals. Keep it moisturized and healthy-looking.
25. Razored Messy Cut
Ask your barber to use a razor instead of scissors. This creates softer, more jagged edges that naturally look messy. The razor adds instant texture to any style.
26. Messy Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back, but make both parts textured and loose.
The modern mullet is having a moment, and keeping it messy makes it less retro and more current.
27. Asymmetrical Messy Style
Cut your hair longer on one side than the other. Style both sides with texture, but let the longer side really stand out.
This creates visual interest and works great for creative types.
28. Messy Buzz Cut Fade
Keep your hair very short, but add a skin fade on the sides. Leave a slightly longer top and add subtle texture. Even short hair can have that messy, lived-in quality.
29. Messy Angular Fringe
Cut your fringe at an angle across your forehead. Style it forward with texture and separation. This creates an edgy, fashion-forward look.
30. Loose Textured Waves
For medium to long hair, create loose waves with a styling product. Don’t make them uniform.
Let them fall naturally with different sizes and directions throughout your hair.
31. Messy Ivy League
This preppy style gets an upgrade with added texture. Keep the sides short and the top longer.
Style it with a slight side part, but mess it up for a casual twist on the classic.
32. Piece-y Messy Spikes
Create small, separated spikes that point in various directions. This gives you an alternative, punk-inspired look.
33. Messy Long Hair
Simply grow your hair out and embrace the natural messiness. Add layers to prevent it from looking too heavy. Minimal styling needed, and you’re good to go.
34. Tousled Short Curls
If you have naturally curly hair cut short, improve the curls with product. Separate them for a messy, textured finish.
This shows off your natural texture beautifully.
35. Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut features a short, horizontal fringe. Add texture throughout the top and fringe for a modern, messy version.
This style works well for thinning hair.
36. Messy Side Sweep
Sweep all your hair to one side, but don’t make it neat. Add volume at the roots and texture throughout. Let some pieces break away from the main direction.
37. Messy Dreadlocks
For those with locs, keep them looking natural and free-formed. Don’t twist them too tightly or make them uniform.
Let them develop their own unique shapes and sizes.
38. Textured Blowout
Use a blow dryer to add volume and lift. Direct hair in different directions while drying. Finish with a texturizing product.
The result is a big, messy volume that looks intentional.
39. Messy Slick Back
Push your hair back and let some strands fall forward or to the sides.
This gives you the complexity of slicked-back hair with a relaxed, modern edge.
How to Style Messy Hairstyles in Simple Steps
Styling messy hair is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps to get an effortless look.
Step 1: Start with Clean, Damp Hair
Wash your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. Pat it dry with a towel until it’s damp, not dripping wet.
Step 2: Apply Your Styling Product
Choose the right product for your hair type. Sea salt spray works great for adding texture. Mousse adds volume.
Rub a small amount between your palms, then work it through your hair from roots to tips.
Step 3: Rough Dry Your Hair
Use a blow dryer on medium heat. Don’t comb while drying. Instead, use your fingers to lift and move your hair around. Dry it in different directions to create natural-looking volume and texture.
Stop when your hair is about 80% dry.
Step 4: Create Texture with Your Fingers
Use your fingers to style, not a comb or brush. Scrunch, twist, and pull small sections of hair.
Push some forward, some back, some to the side. The randomness creates that messy effect.
Step 5: Add Finishing Product (Optional)
If you need more hold, add a small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo. Spray it lightly through your hair and scrunch again.
This gives extra grip and keeps the style in place longer.
Step 6: Don’t Overthink It
The secret to messy hair is not making it perfect. If it looks too neat, mess it up more. Run your fingers through it a few times.
The goal is to look effortless, like you didn’t spend much time on it, even though you did.
Dos and Don’ts
Getting messy hair right means knowing what works and what doesn’t. Follow these simple rules for the best results.
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Start with a good haircut | Don’t use too much product |
| Use the right products for your hair type | Don’t use a regular comb or brush after styling |
| Apply the products to damp hair | Don’t apply the product to dry hair |
| Use your fingers to style | Don’t ignore your hair’s natural growth pattern |
| Use conditioner and trim regularly | Don’t skip regular trims and haircuts |
| Let your hair air-dry sometimes | Don’t use high heat on your blow dryer |
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed messy haircuts for men nowadays, we know that styling is more than fancy outfits; a simple haircut can make the look.
Start by finding a style that matches your hair type, then practice the basic styling steps.
Which messy style are you saving for inspiration?
