Messy Men’s Hairstyles

Are you looking for a simple cut that can be worn for a variety of occasions? Of course, in our minds, there’s only one option: messy men’s hairstyles. We have a style for you, whether you want that I-woke-up-like-this bed head look or want to walk the line between effortless and this-took-three-hours look. All you need is a little product and a little inspiration. Continue reading to learn how to combine the best of both worlds (messy and professional) and nail them every time, no matter the occasion.

Short Messy Hair

If you have shorter hair, all you need to do is work a bit of wax or matte product into your scalp to add volume, and you’ve got a textured finish that looks both sharp and rugged. Try a shorter taper fade to keep your hair looking even as it grows out.

@diego_djdgaf  / Instagram

Medium Length Messy Hair

There are a few different messy hairstyles you can try if you have a little more hair to play with. You can either let it hang loose and do what it wants if you’re feeling wild, or you can sweep it back with a little product to give it some form if you’re feeling more structured. For added volume and structure, use hair mousse.

@lidsbarbers / Instagram

Long Length Messy Hair

I don’t mind if my hair is long (well, not that much). You can still pull off messy hairstyles if your locks fall past your jawline. All you have to do is spritz some sea salt spray onto damp hair and let it air dry. Voila. Finito.

@thecreekman / Instagram

Messy Curly Hair

If you want to go for a messy, surfer look and have natural curls, this style is for you. Working some styling mousse into your curls – not your scalp – and tousling your hair until you achieve the desired look.

@hank_ge / Instagram

Messy Wavy Hair

It’s not easy to achieve that suave yet laid-back look, but messy hairstyles are a step in the right direction. Apply some sea salt spray for men or mousse to your hair and comb it a few times to give it some shape.

@stylesforgents / Instagram

Bed Head Hairstyle

Bedhead is arguably the most popular of messy hairstyles, and it’s simple to achieve. Simply tousle your hair with a small amount of hair gel or matte product. Make sure there’s a good mix of hair that’s slightly up and hair that’s closer to the head.

@joemcbarber / Instagram

Messy Hairstyle For Thick Hair

If you have a dense mane, don’t go overboard with products. Work some pomade or wax through your hair’s middle and ends until you achieve the desired look. Instead of using a heavier hold product, try a lighter one.

@den_cutting / Instagram

Messy Straight Hair

Who knew your hair could be both messy and straight at the same time? To keep your hair straight, apply a small amount of gel or wax to the entire length of your hair and tousle it slightly (rub hair in various directions). If you have long hair, spray it with sea salt spray right after you get out of the shower.

@javi_thebarber_ / Instagram

Messy Shaggy Hair

The shaggy, rugged look isn’t for everyone, but when it works, it really works. Make sure you style your hair when it’s damp, whether you’re wearing it up in a bun or leaving it down. This look goes especially well with a well-kept beard.

@lasselom / Instagram

Messy Pompadour

The pompadour is a retro style that will set you apart from the crowd. Apply a generous amount of pomade or gel to your hair and comb it through, making sure to lift the front into a thick quiff.

@_tbbarber / Instagram

Messy Fringe

By growing your fringe and styling it in a messy style, you can add some extra layers to your hair. This look is best completed with wax or matte products. To create a curtain fringe effect, push the fringe to the side. This will help to add structure to your cheekbones.

@ghostbarberjv / Instagram

Messy Spiky Hair

If you’re looking for height, messy spikes might be your best option. To keep them lifted, use a strong product and make sure the spikes aren’t too uniform – it’s fine if the hair has a floppy texture.

@tim_cagle  / Instagram

Messy Blow Out

It’s as if a gust of wind blew through and blew your hair all over the place, except you did it all by yourself. To achieve this messy look, comb some pomade or wax through your hair from root to tip.

@sergiocarvajal7 / Instagram

Messy Bro Flow

It’s almost as if this is a piece of cake. All you have to do is slightly dampen your hair and brush it back past your ears with a comb. If your hair is longer, pull it back and apply a light hold gel from root to tip.

@dwindle_yup / Instagram

Messy Crew Cut

The crew cut is perfect for a messy look because it’s short on the sides and slightly longer on top. All you have to do now is add a little product to your hair and tousle it.

@hairhousebyadamchan / Instagram

Messy Soft Side Part

The key is to keep the parting subtle; all you need is a slight separation on one side of your hair, then sweep it back in a messy manner to keep it casual but stylish.

@menshairs / Instagram

Messy Hard Part

A hard part is a drastic cut that is achieved by razoring the part in between two lengths of hair. Make sure your hair is parted in two different directions and swept to either side with some product for a sophisticated yet laid-back look.

@trimmerkiller / Instagram

Windblown Messy Hair

A messy windswept look says, “I’m not fussed about my looks, but I still look great.” You can use a product or simply wet your hair and run your fingers through it, pushing it back towards your head.

@bendahlhaus / Instagram

Messy Fade

Similarly, combining a messy top with a well-cut fade results in a sharp yet casual look that is very in style. You won’t have to worry about styling your back and sides, allowing you to concentrate on the style that matters most.

@mens.hairstyles / Instagram

Messy Man Bun

If you have long hair, this is probably the easiest messy option; all you have to do is tie it up in a bun and leave the rest alone. It’s a laid-back look that keeps your hair out of your face.

@jeromathew / Instagram

Wet Messy Hair

While you won’t be able to keep your hair wet for long because it will dry naturally, you can keep it looking fresh with products like gel and pomade. Ask your barber to add layers to the hair on top of your head when you get your haircut; this will help frame your face.

@graysondolan / Instagram

Messy Hairstyle For Thinning Hair

When you’re dealing with thinning hair, messy hairstyles can help a lot. Sweep over areas with less coverage, and the messy look adds texture and volume, pulling hair away from the scalp and giving the illusion of more hair.

@shaney42cuts / Instagram

Messy Cowlick

Cowlicks and messy hairstyles go together like peanut butter and jelly. When done correctly, the cowlick adds another interesting dimension to a messy style, rather than looking like a farm animal has just licked your head.

@iamrenanpacheco / Instagram

Grungy Messy Hair

Grunge is back, and there are a lot of different ways to incorporate it into your hairstyle – but these messy hairstyles are easily one of the best. To add texture and keep your hair going in different directions, apply the majority of the product to the ends of your hair.

@brockohurn / Instagram

Modern Messy Hairstyle With Bangs

Allow your bangs to hang free and scrunch them to add a messy look, but keep the rest of your hair in the same style to embrace a look you don’t see on men often (enough).

@nathanjuergensen / Instagram

Messy Hair With Volume

The more volume you have in your hair, the more you can do with it, and if you have a lot of thickness up top, these messy hairstyles will look great on you. A blow dryer can be used to increase the volume, and wax or pomade can be used to keep it in place.

@luizgustavoaguiar / Instagram

Messy Undercut

The undercut is having a moment with men and messy hairstyles, thanks to TV shows like Peaky Blinders. Keep the top of your hair messy and textured to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

@iamnategarner / Instagram

Messy Comb Over

A messy comb over is a classic in the men’s messy hairstyles department, and it can produce striking results. To achieve a relaxed style, use a comb and a small amount of product, but don’t be too strict with the end results.

@e_n_zz_o / Instagram

Messy Slick Back

Similarly, another popular messy hairstyle for men is slicking your hair back but allowing it to be a little more free form. Grab a small amount of hair clay, rub it between your hands to loosen it up, and run your hands through your hair casually (towards the back of your head).

@mens.hairstyles / Instagram

Messy Quiff

This look is similar to the faux hawk crowd keep, but it’s a little less uniform. Messy hairstyles add an extra level of style if you can pull off a quiff.

@haijoelmenssalon / Instagram

Messy Hairstyles for Men FAQ:

How to get messy hairstyles for men? 

You don’t need long hair to achieve messy hairstyles; all you need is some product and your fingers to tousle your hair.

How to style messy hairstyles? 

There are a variety of options available, including using water and your hands, using a product, or even using a comb and blow dryer. In any case, don’t be too strict with the style – the title gives you plenty of hints.

How to style short messy hairstyles for men? 

Short hair is ideal for waxing. Rub some into your hands, then rub your hands through your hair, twisting and creating texture with your fingers.

How to make your hair look good and messy at the same time?

To begin, keep your hair clean and well-maintained at all times. When creating messy hairstyles, it’s also a good idea to use some sort of product, as you want to achieve a look that’s not too unkempt but also not too polished. It is said that practice makes perfect.