Achieving the effortlessly chic messy hair look for men is an art form that combines the right products, techniques, and a touch of nonchalance. Whether you’re aiming for a bedhead-inspired style or a more structured tousled look, mastering the art of messy hair can elevate your appearance and give you an air of confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the secrets of how to get messy hair for men, exploring various styling methods and products that will help you achieve your desired look.
To start off, it’s important to work with the right hair type. Messy hair works best on hair that has some natural texture or wave. If your hair is particularly straight, you can add some texture with a sea salt spray or dry shampoo. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid using too much product, as this can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. Instead, opt for products that provide light hold and add volume, such as a mousse or volumizing spray.
When styling messy hair, the key is to create a sense of movement and volume. To achieve this, start by blow-drying your hair upside down to create lift at the roots. Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to tousle it, creating soft waves and separating any clumps. You can also use a styling brush or comb to create more definition. If you want a more controlled look, apply a small amount of pomade or clay to your hair and work it through with your fingers. This will help to hold your hair in place while still maintaining a messy appearance.
Tools for Creating Messy Hair
1. Styling Products
Styling products are essential for creating a messy hair look. Products such as hair wax, pomade, and hairspray can help you achieve the desired texture, hold, and volume. Hair wax is a good option for a natural-looking finish, while pomade provides a more structured hold. Hairspray can be used to set the style and keep it in place throughout the day.
2. Styling Tools
Styling tools can help you create different types of messy hair looks. A hair dryer can be used to add volume and texture to your hair, while a curling iron or flat iron can be used to create waves or curls. A diffuser attachment for a hair dryer can also be used to create a more diffused, messy look.
| Styling Tool | Best for creating: |
|---|---|
| Hair dryer | Volume and texture |
| Curling iron or flat iron | Waves or curls |
| Diffuser attachment for a hair dryer | Diffused, messy look |
3. Hair Accessories
Hair accessories can also be used to create different messy hair looks. Headbands, hair clips, and bobby pins can be used to add style and hold to your hair. Headbands can be worn in a variety of ways to create different styles, from a classic headband to a top knot or messy bun. Hair clips can be used to hold back bangs or create a side part. Bobby pins can be used to secure loose strands or create a more polished look.
Styling Products to Enhance the Look
To achieve and maintain the perfect messy hair look, using the right styling products is crucial. Here are the top products to enhance the texture, volume, and hold of your messy hairstyle:
Styling Cream
Styling cream offers a natural-looking, pliable hold that helps define curls and waves while adding a touch of shine. It is a versatile product that can be applied to both damp and dry hair. Some popular brands include: Davines Curl Building Serum, Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Crème, and Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel
Texturizing Spray
Texturizing spray creates instant volume and creates a tousled, beachy texture. It is perfect for fine or thin hair that needs a boost. Some popular brands include: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, Kérastase Styling Powder Bluff, and Bumble and bumble Surf Spray.
Hairspray
Hairspray is essential for locking in the messy style and preventing it from falling flat. Opt for a medium-hold hairspray that provides a flexible hold without making the hair stiff. Some popular brands include: Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High-Hold Hairspray, Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, and John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength Hairspray.
To achieve a messy hair look:
- Towel-dry your hair.
- Apply styling cream or texturizing spray to damp hair.
- Scrunch or tousle hair to create texture.
- Allow hair to air-dry or use a blow dryer on a low heat setting.
- Finish with hairspray to hold the style in place.
- Wash Less Frequently: Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, making it dry and brittle. Aim to wash your hair every 2-3 days, or even less if your hair is naturally dry.
- Use the Right Products: Choose products that are designed for fine or curly hair. Avoid heavy, greasy products that can weigh your hair down and make it look limp.
- Air Dry Your Hair: Blow-drying your hair can damage it and make it frizzy. Instead, let your hair air dry naturally to keep its texture and volume.
- Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: Brushing your hair with a regular brush can damage it and create frizz. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair.
- Trim Your Hair Regularly: Regular trims will help to remove split ends and keep your hair healthy. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the desired length and shape.
- Gender: Messy hair is generally seen as more acceptable on men than on women.
- Age: Messy hair is often seen as more youthful than neat and tidy hair.
- Occupation: Messy hair is more likely to be acceptable in creative or bohemian professions.
- Setting: Messy hair may be more acceptable in informal settings than in formal settings.
- Personal style: Messy hair can be styled to complement a person’s overall personal style.
- Culture: The perception of messy hair can vary from culture to culture.
- Physical attractiveness: Messy hair can make a person appear more or less attractive, depending on their individual features.
- Hair texture: Messy hair is more likely to be perceived as attractive on people with naturally curly or wavy hair.
- Hair length: Messy hair is generally more acceptable on people with short or medium-length hair.
- Styling cream: Styling cream is a great option for adding volume and texture to your hair.
- Hairspray: Hairspray can help to hold your style in place all day long.
- Dry shampoo: Dry shampoo can help to absorb excess oil and give your hair a more matte finish.
| Product Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Styling Cream | Natural-looking hold, defines curls, adds shine |
| Texturizing Spray | Instant volume, tousled beachy texture |
| Hairspray | Locks in style, medium-hold |
Styling Techniques for Different Hair Types
The messy hair look can be achieved on a variety of hair types, each with its own unique styling techniques.
Fine Hair
Fine hair tends to be limp and flat, so it’s important to add volume before styling. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, and blow-dry your hair upside down to create lift at the roots. To achieve a messy look, use a matte pomade or clay to create texture and definition.
Thick Hair
Thick hair can be more difficult to style, but it also has more potential for volume and texture. Use a smoothing shampoo and conditioner to tame frizz and flyaways. To create a messy look, use a sea salt spray or mousse to add texture and volume. You can also use a curling iron or wand to create loose, beachy waves.
Curly Hair
Curly hair can be tricky to style messy, but it can be done with the right products and techniques. Use a curl-defining cream or gel to help define your curls and prevent frizz. To create a messy look, scrunch your hair with a towel or your hands to break up the curls. You can also use a diffuser to add volume and definition.
Thin Hair
Thin hair can be styled messy to create the illusion of volume and thickness. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, and blow-dry your hair upside down to create lift at the roots. To achieve a messy look, use a lightweight mousse or spray to add texture and hold. You can also use a root lifter to create the illusion of thicker hair.
Maintaining the Messy Hair Look
Keeping your messy hair looking its best requires some maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you maintain that perfect tousled look:
Product Recommendations for Messy Hair
The following products are recommended for maintaining a messy hair look:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo | Absorbs oil and refreshes hair between washes. |
| Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Adds volume and texture without weighing hair down. |
| Bumble and bumble Surf Spray | Creates a beachy, tousled look. |
Avoiding Common Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that guys make when trying to achieve the messy hair look. These mistakes include:
1. Using too much product
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to use too much product. This will weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. Instead, start with a small amount of product and add more as needed.
2. Not distributing the product evenly
Another common mistake is not distributing the product evenly throughout your hair. This can result in some areas of your hair looking greasy while others look dry. To avoid this, be sure to work the product through your hair from roots to tips.
3. Combing your hair too much
Once you’ve applied product to your hair, avoid combing it too much. This will only break up the product and make your hair look less messy. Instead, use your fingers to style your hair.
4. Not using the right products
Not all products are created equal. Some products are designed to give you a sleek, polished look, while others are designed to give you a messy, textured look. Be sure to choose products that are designed for your desired look.
5. Not washing your hair regularly
Dirty hair will not style as well as clean hair. Be sure to wash your hair regularly to remove dirt and oil buildup.
6. Using products that are too heavy
Some hair products can be too heavy for messy hair, weighing it down and making it look greasy. Instead, opt for lightweight products that will give you a natural, tousled look. Here is a table of lightweight products you can try:
| Product | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Bumble and bumble Surf Spray | Creates a beachy, textured look |
| Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Adds volume and texture without weighing hair down |
| R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste | Absorbs oil and adds grit for a messy, undone look |
Incorporating Messy Hair into Your Outfit
Achieving a effortlessly stylish messy hair look requires not just styling but also incorporating it into your overall outfit. Here’s how to do it seamlessly:
Style the Messy Hair
Use products to create volume, texture, and a natural finish. Apply mousse or sea salt spray to damp hair, then blow dry it while roughing it up with your fingers. Avoid using too much hairspray, as it can make the hair look stiff and unnatural.
Choose the Right Clothing
Pair messy hair with clothing that exudes a relaxed and casual vibe. Avoid overly formal or stiff attire. Consider textures like linen, chambray, or washed-out denim that complement the natural, lived-in look of messy hair.
Consider the Occasion
While messy hair can work for various occasions, it’s important to consider the context. For formal events, a more refined version of messy hair might be appropriate, with less volume and fewer flyaways. For casual settings, feel free to embrace the messy, undone look.
Accessorize Wisely
Accessories can enhance the messy hair look. Consider wearing a beanie or baseball cap to add a touch of streetwear. A headband or scarf can provide a bohemian touch, while sunglasses can add a cool and effortless vibe.
Avoid Overstyling
The key to messy hair is to avoid looking overstyled or pretentious. Let the hair fall naturally, with a few loose strands framing the face. Don’t spend too much time trying to create a perfect mess; embrace the imperfections that make it appealing.
Experiment with Different Looks
There are endless ways to style messy hair. Try different products and techniques to find what works best for your hair type. experiment with side parts, pompadours, or quiffs to achieve different levels of messiness and volume.
Be Confident
Confidence is the most important factor in pulling off the messy hair look. Embrace the naturalness of it and don’t worry about being perfect. Let the messy hair enhance your own unique style and personality.
The Psychology of Messy Hair
Messy hair has long been associated with a rebellious and carefree attitude. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly popular as a stylish and effortless look. But what does messy hair really say about a person?
Psychologists have found that messy hair can be a sign of several different psychological traits. For example, people with messy hair are often seen as more creative and intelligent than those with neat and tidy hair. They are also more likely to be perceived as being friendly and approachable.
In some cases, messy hair can also be a sign of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. However, it is important to remember that messy hair does not always indicate a mental health problem.
Factors That Influence the Perception of Messy Hair
There are several factors that can influence the way that messy hair is perceived by others. These include:
Messy Hair as a Fashion Statement
Messy hair has become increasingly popular as a fashion statement for men, adding a touch of effortless style to any outfit. With its relaxed and carefree appearance, it conveys a sense of individuality and nonchalance.
10 Tips for Achieving the Perfect Messy Hair Look
1. Embrace Texture: Allow your natural hair texture to shine through. Avoid over-styling or using products that weigh hair down.
2. Start with Clean Hair: Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any product buildup or dirt.
3. Use a Salt Spray: Apply a salt spray to damp hair to create texture and volume.
4. Towel Dry: Blot your hair with a towel to remove excess water, but do not rub it harshly.
5. Air Dry or Blow Dry: Let your hair air dry for a more natural look, or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment on a low heat setting to enhance volume.
6. Use a Hair Cream or Pomade: Apply a small amount of hair cream or pomade to your fingertips and work it through your hair to control frizz and add definition.
7. Tousle and Scrunch: Use your fingers to tousle your hair and create a messy, lived-in look. Scrunch the ends slightly for added texture.
8. Avoid Over-Brushing: Brushing your hair excessively can remove the desired texture and make it appear too neat.
9. Experiment with Parting: Try different partings, such as a side part or a messy center part, to find what suits your face shape and hair type best.
10. Keep it Fresh: To maintain the messy hair look, avoid over-washing and re-style your hair with a small amount of product every few days.
Messy hair is a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different hair types and face shapes. Embrace the freedom and individuality it offers and enjoy the effortless cool it brings to your style.
How To Get Messy Hair Look Men
Messy hair is a popular style for men of all ages. It’s versatile, easy to style, and can be adapted to suit any hair type. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, there are a few simple steps you can follow to achieve the perfect messy look.
To start, you’ll need to shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Once your hair is clean and damp, apply a small amount of styling product to your roots. This will help to give your hair volume and texture. Next, use a blow dryer to dry your hair until it’s about 80% dry. Once your hair is mostly dry, use your fingers to tousle it and create some texture. You can also use a comb or brush to create more defined waves or curls.
Finally, finish off your look with a light mist of hairspray. This will help to hold your style in place all day long. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the messy hair look in no time.
People Also Ask
What products can I use to get messy hair?
There are a number of products that you can use to get messy hair, including:
How do I get messy hair if I have short hair?
If you have short hair, you can still achieve the messy hair look. Simply follow the steps above and use a small amount of styling cream to add texture. You can also use a comb or brush to create more defined waves or curls.
How do I get messy hair if I have long hair?
If you have long hair, you can achieve the messy hair look by following the steps above and using a larger amount of styling cream. You can also use a comb or brush to create more defined waves or curls. If your hair is particularly long, you may want to use a hair tie to keep it out of your face.
