Achieving the effortlessly cool and alluring messy hair look is an art form that every man should master. Whether you’re aiming for a tousled, windswept style or a more intentionally unkempt aesthetic, there are several techniques you can employ to create the perfect messy hair. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to help you achieve the desired look.
To begin, you’ll need to start with clean, damp hair. Apply a volumizing mousse or styling cream to the roots of your hair to create lift and texture. Using a wide-tooth comb, gently detangle your hair and work the product evenly through the strands. Avoid using a brush, as it can create a sleek and polished look that isn’t in keeping with the messy hair aesthetic.
Now, it’s time to add some volume and movement to your hair. Scrunch your hair upwards from the ends to create natural-looking waves and curls. Avoid creating perfect ringlets, as the goal is to achieve a more undone, lived-in texture. Once you’ve achieved the desired volume, use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to dry your hair. Use your fingers to scrunch your hair as it dries to enhance the texture.
Define the Messy Hair Look
The messy hair look is a popular hairstyle for men that has been around for many years. It is a versatile style that can be worn by men of all ages and hair types. The messy hair look is characterized by its relaxed, unkempt appearance. It is often achieved by using a combination of products, such as hairspray, mousse, and gel. The messy hair look can be styled in a variety of ways, depending on the desired effect. Some popular variations include the bedhead look, the surfer look, and the grunge look.
The messy hair look is perfect for men who want a hairstyle that is both stylish and easy to maintain. It is a great option for men who don’t have a lot of time to style their hair, or who simply don’t want to put in a lot of effort. The messy hair look can be worn with any type of clothing, from casual to formal. It is also a great choice for men who want to add a touch of personality to their look.
If you’re not sure how to achieve the messy hair look, there are a few things you can do. First, start with clean, dry hair. Apply a small amount of hairspray or mousse to your hair, and then use your fingers to scrunch your hair up. You can also use a blow dryer to help style your hair. Once you have achieved the desired look, set it in place with hairspray.
Here are some tips for achieving the perfect messy hair look:
- Start with clean, dry hair.
- Apply a small amount of hairspray or mousse to your hair.
- Use your fingers to scrunch your hair up.
- You can also use a blow dryer to help style your hair.
- Once you have achieved the desired look, set it in place with hairspray.
Essential Tools for Messy Male Hair
Achieving the perfect messy hair look requires the right tools. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Fine-toothed Comb
Use a fine-toothed comb to create volume and texture at the roots. By teasing the hair, you can add lift while maintaining a natural look.
Hairdryer
A hairdryer with a nozzle attachment helps shape and define your messy style. Use the low heat setting to avoid damaging your hair while blow-drying it in an upward motion.
Wax or Pomade
A high-hold wax or pomade is essential for setting and maintaining your messy hair. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and work it through your hair, focusing on creating texture and separation. Alternatively, a matte paste can provide a more natural, undone finish.
Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray mimics the volumizing effects of the ocean. Spray it onto damp hair and scrunch it up for beachy waves and added texture.
Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and adds volume to the roots. It’s ideal for refreshing your messy hair between washes and creating a more lived-in look.
Choosing the Right Products
Choosing the right products is essential for achieving the perfect messy hair look. There are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting your products:
Hair Type
The type of hair you have will determine which products work best for you. If you have fine hair, you’ll want to use products that won’t weigh your hair down. If you have thick hair, you can use heavier products that will help to define your curls or waves.
Hold
The hold of a product refers to how well it will keep your hair in place. If you want a natural, beachy look, you’ll want to use a product with a light hold. If you want a more structured, defined look, you’ll need to use a product with a strong hold.
Shine
The shine of a product refers to how much shine it will add to your hair. If you want a natural look, you’ll want to use a product with a low shine. If you want a more glamorous look, you’ll need to use a product with a high shine.
Here is a table summarizing the different types of products available for achieving messy hair:
| Product Type | Hold | Shine |
|---|---|---|
| Mousse | Light to medium | Low to medium |
| Gel | Medium to strong | Low to high |
| Pomade | Strong | Medium to high |
| Wax | Strong | Low to medium |
| Clay | Strong | Matte |
Prep Your Hair for Styling
Before you start styling your hair, it’s important to prep it properly. This will ensure that your hair is healthy and easy to style, and that your messy look will last all day.
- Wash your hair. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to remove any dirt or product buildup from your hair.
- Towel dry your hair. Don’t rub your hair with a towel, as this can damage it. Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a towel until it’s no longer dripping wet.
- Apply a heat protectant. This will help to protect your hair from damage when you use heat styling tools.
- Brush your hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently brush your hair from root to tip. This will help to remove any tangles or knots.
- Add some product to your hair. You can use a variety of products to help you achieve a messy look, such as mousse, pomade, or gel. Apply a small amount of product to your hair and work it through with your fingers.
- Start with clean, dry hair. The cleaner your hair is, the better the messy hair look will turn out.
- Apply a small amount of hair product to your hair. You can use a mousse, gel, or pomade. The product will help to hold the messy hair look in place.
- Use your fingers to tousle your hair. Don’t be afraid to get messy! The more you tousle your hair, the messier it will look.
- Optional: If you want to add more volume to your hair, you can use a blow dryer. Be sure to use the lowest heat setting to avoid damaging your hair.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray. This will help to keep the messy hair look in place all day long.
Creating the Messy Texture
Achieving the coveted messy hair look for men requires a delicate balance between texture and definition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master this effortlessly disheveled style:
1. Wash and Condition
Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Use a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to enhance your hair’s natural texture and create a fuller foundation for the messy style.
2. Towel Dry
After washing, gently towel dry your hair to remove excess moisture. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage your hair and create unwanted frizz.
3. Apply Mousse or Pomade
Distribute a dime-sized amount of volumizing mousse or a light-hold pomade throughout your damp hair. Focus on the roots and mid-lengths, avoiding the ends to prevent weighing it down.
4. Blow Dry with Brush
Using a round brush and a hair dryer on a low heat setting, blow dry your hair in an upward motion. This will create volume and lift at the roots while simultaneously smoothing out any tangles.
5. Create Messy Texture
To achieve the messy texture, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to gently tousle your hair. Work in small sections, pulling and separating the strands to create a natural-looking, undone effect. Here are some additional tips to nail the messy look:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Avoid using too much product | Over-using product can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. |
| Play with different parts | Experiment with parting your hair in different ways to create a unique and flattering messy style. |
| Reapply product if needed | Throughout the day, if your hair loses its texture, reapply a small amount of mousse or pomade to restore the messy effect. |
| Embrace imperfections | The key to messy hair is embracing the imperfections. Don’t try to create a perfect, uniform look. |
Adding Volume and Height
Volume and height are crucial elements for achieving a messy hair look. Here are some tips for creating volume and height in your hair:
Use Volume-Boosting Products
Start by applying a volumizing shampoo and conditioner to your hair. These products will help to lift your hair at the roots and create a fuller, thicker appearance.
Blow-Dry Your Hair Upside Down
After washing your hair, flip your head upside down and blow-dry your hair in this position. This will help to lift your hair at the roots and create more volume.
Use a Texturizing Spray
A texturizing spray can help to add volume and texture to your hair. Spray the product evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the roots. Scrunch your hair to distribute the product and create a messy, textured look.
Alternatively, you can use the following table for a more concise summary:
| Technique | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner | Lifts hair at the roots, creating thickness |
| Blow-Drying Upside Down | Boosts volume by pulling hair away from the scalp |
| Texturizing Spray | Adds texture and volume while creating a messy look |
Styling with Pomade or Gel
For a sleeker, more controlled messy look, you can use pomade or gel. These products will help to hold your hair in place while still giving it a natural-looking texture.
Pomade
Pomade is a waxy, oil-based product that provides a strong hold. It is best for thick, coarse hair that tends to frizz or get unruly. To use pomade, work a small amount into your damp or dry hair and style it as desired.
Gel
Gel is a water-based product that provides a medium to strong hold. It is best for fine, thin hair or hair that is prone to oily.
Unlike pomade, gel must be applied to damp hair. After applying the gel, style your hair with a brush or comb until it reaches the desired texture and volume.
Comparison of Pomade and Gel
| Pomade | Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Hold | Strong | Medium to strong |
| Consistency | Waxy, oil-based | Water-based |
| Best for hair types | Thick, coarse hair | Fine, thin hair or oily hair |
| Application | Can be applied to damp or dry hair | Must be applied to damp hair |
| Drying time | Takes longer to dry | Dries quickly |
| Finish | Shiny or matte | Wet or natural |
Finishing Touches with Hairspray
To ensure that your messy hair stays in place throughout the day, give it a final touch with hairspray. You should focus on holding the hairspray about 10 to 12 inches away from your head and applying it in short, even bursts. This will help distribute the product evenly and prevent your hair from looking clumpy or stiff.
Once you have applied the hairspray, use your fingers to gently tousle your hair and break up any clumps that may have formed. This will help create a more natural-looking, effortless style.
If you are using a strong-hold hairspray, be sure to use it sparingly and avoid over-spraying. Too much hairspray can weigh down your hair and make it look crunchy or greasy.
Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in finishing your messy hair look with hairspray:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hold the hairspray 10 to 12 inches away from your head. |
| 2 | Apply the hairspray in short, even bursts. |
| 3 | Use your fingers to gently tousle your hair and break up any clumps. |
| 4 | Use hairspray sparingly and avoid over-spraying. |
Experimenting with Different Looks
With messy hair, you can have some fun and experiment with different looks to find what suits you best. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Shorter Hair
If you have shorter hair, you can create a messy look by using a texturizing spray or pomade. Apply the product to damp hair and then use your fingers to create some texture and definition.
Medium-Length Hair
For medium-length hair, you can try using a sea salt spray to create some natural waves and volume. Apply the spray to damp hair and then let it air dry. Once your hair is dry, you can use your fingers to tousle it and create some messy waves.
Long Hair
If you have long hair, you can create a messy look by braiding it loosely. Start by braiding your hair into a loose braid and then pull out some of the strands to create a more relaxed look.
Product Recommendations:
| Product | Type |
|---|---|
| Bumble and bumble Surf Spray | Sea salt spray |
| Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Texturizing spray |
| Aveda Pure Abundance Style-Prep | Pomade |
Maintaining the Messy Hair Style
Wash and Condition Regularly
Regularly washing removes dirt, oil, and product buildup, keeping the hair clean and healthy. To avoid over-drying, use a shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type and avoid washing too often.
Dry Naturally
Air-drying is the best way to avoid frizz and maintain the messy texture. Towel-dry your hair gently to remove excess moisture, then let it air-dry the rest of the way.
Use Hair Wax or Clay
Hair wax or clay provides hold without weighing the hair down. Apply a small amount to the palms of your hands and work it through damp or dry hair, focusing on the tips and mid-lengths.
Avoid Over-Styling
Messy hair is meant to look effortless, so avoid using too many products or brushing it out too often. Over-styling can make the hair look too neat and polished.
Experiment with Different Lengths and Textures
The messy hair style can be adapted to different hair lengths and textures. Shorter hair can be styled with a messy crop or fringe, while longer hair can be styled with a messy bun or ponytail.
Use a Diffuser if Necessary
If your hair tends to curl easily, you may want to use a diffuser when blow-drying to minimize frizz and maintain the messy texture.
Embrace the Mess
Messy hair is not about perfection. Embrace the natural texture and movement of your hair, and don’t be afraid to let it get a little wild.
Quick Tips for Maintaining Messy Hair
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a detangling spray | Helps prevent knots and tangles. |
| Trim split ends | Keeps the hair healthy and prevents breakage. |
| Avoid using too much heat | Excessive heat can damage the hair and make it frizzy. |
| Touch up with dry shampoo | Absorbs oil and adds texture when hair gets greasy. |
How to Get the Messy Hair Look (Male)
The messy hair look is a popular style for men of all ages. It’s easy to achieve and can be customized to suit your individual style. Here are a few tips on how to get the messy hair look:
People Also Ask
How to get messy hair look without hairspray?
If you don’t want to use hairspray, you can try using a dry shampoo. Dry shampoo will help to absorb excess oil and add volume to your hair, making it look messier.
How to get messy hair look with short hair?
If you have short hair, you can still achieve the messy hair look by using a small amount of hair product. Tousle your hair with your fingers and use a blow dryer to add volume. You can also try using a texturizing spray to give your hair more texture and definition.
How to get messy hair look with long hair?
If you have long hair, you can achieve the messy hair look by braiding your hair or putting it up in a bun. When you take your hair down, it will be naturally messy. You can also use a hair product to add more texture and volume to your hair.
