Messy short hair for men is a versatile and trendy style that exudes a carefree and rebellious vibe. Achieving this look involves a combination of the right haircut, proper hair care, and effective styling techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the steps and tips to help you master the art of styling messy short hair.
Ask Your Barber to Add Texture to Your Hair
Why Texture Matters
Texture is the key to achieving a messy hairstyle that looks effortlessly stylish. By asking your barber to add texture, you’re ensuring that your hair will have varying lengths and layers, which contribute to a more dynamic and visually appealing look. Textured hair is easier to manipulate and style into different messy looks.
How to Get the Right Texture
Consult with Your Barber: Explain the look you’re going for and ask for their professional advice. Show them pictures if possible.
Choose Your Length: Decide whether you want your hair to be short, medium, or long. Your barber can create texture at any length.
Techniques for Adding Texture: Your barber may use thinning shears, a razor, or point-cutting techniques to create texture. These methods ensure that your hair has different lengths and layers.
Benefits of Textured Hair
- Versatility: Textured hair can be styled in numerous ways, giving you flexibility in your daily look.
- Volume: Texture adds volume and prevents your hair from lying flat against your scalp.
- Ease of Styling: Textured hair is easier to style into a messy look because it naturally falls into place with minimal effort.
Shave High Fades on the Sides or Shave the Bottom
The Appeal of High Fades
High fades are a popular choice for men with messy short hair because they create a sharp contrast between the longer hair on top and the closely cropped sides. This style emphasizes the length and texture on top, making it easier to achieve a messy look.
How to Achieve the Perfect High Fade
Choose the Fade Length: High fades can be achieved with different clipper guard lengths. The No. 1 or No. 2 guard is commonly used for a close shave.
Blend the Fade: A seamless blend between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides is crucial. Your barber will skillfully blend the fade to avoid harsh lines.
Maintain Some Length on Top: Keep the hair on top longer so you can create a messy style. The contrast between the faded sides and the textured top adds to the overall look.
Benefits of High Fades
- Clean and Modern: High fades give a clean and modern appearance while allowing you to keep the top messy.
- Low Maintenance: The shorter sides require less maintenance and upkeep.
- Enhanced Texture: The contrast between the faded sides and the textured top enhances the overall messy look.
Wash Your Hair 2-3 Times a Week
The Importance of Proper Hair Washing
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and lack of texture. For a messy hairstyle, it’s essential to maintain the natural oils that give your hair volume and grip.
How to Wash Your Hair for Optimal Texture
Reduce Frequency: Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week. This helps retain natural oils and keeps your hair healthy.
Use a Gentle Shampoo: Choose a sulfate-free shampoo that won’t strip your hair of its natural moisture.
Condition Your Hair: Use a lightweight conditioner to keep your hair hydrated without weighing it down.
Benefits of Less Frequent Washing
- Healthier Hair: Retaining natural oils keeps your hair healthy and prevents dryness.
- Better Texture: Natural oils add texture and volume, making it easier to style your hair messily.
- Improved Styling: Hair that’s not washed daily is easier to manipulate and style into a messy look.
Use Matte Hair Wax or Hair Wax to Style
Choosing the Right Styling Product
Matte hair wax or hair wax is ideal for creating a natural, messy look. These products provide hold and texture without making your hair look shiny or greasy.
How to Apply Hair Wax
Select a Product: Choose a matte hair wax that suits your hair type and desired hold.
Warm It Up: Rub a small amount of wax between your palms to warm it up and make it easier to apply.
Apply Evenly: Distribute the wax evenly through your hair, focusing on the roots and tips.
Style Messily: Use your fingers to tousle and shape your hair into the desired messy style.
Benefits of Using Hair Wax
- Natural Look: Matte hair wax provides a natural finish without shine.
- Flexible Hold: Hair wax offers a flexible hold that allows you to restyle your hair throughout the day.
- Enhanced Texture: The wax adds texture and definition, making your hair look effortlessly messy.
Use Sea Salt Spray to Style
The Magic of Sea Salt Spray
Sea salt spray is a versatile styling product that adds texture and volume to your hair. It’s perfect for achieving a beachy, messy look.
How to Use Sea Salt Spray
Apply to Damp Hair: Spray sea salt spray onto damp hair after washing.
Scrunch and Tousle: Use your fingers to scrunch and tousle your hair, enhancing the natural texture.
Let It Air Dry or Blow Dry: Allow your hair to air dry for a natural look or use a hair dryer for added volume and hold.
Benefits of Sea Salt Spray
- Natural Texture: Sea salt spray mimics the effects of saltwater, adding natural texture and volume.
- Easy to Use: It’s simple to apply and works well with other styling products.
- Versatile: Suitable for all hair types and lengths, enhancing the messy look effortlessly.
Blow Dry Your Hair
The Role of Blow Drying
Blow drying your hair can help you achieve the perfect messy style by adding volume and setting the shape. It’s an essential step for creating a long-lasting messy look.
How to Blow Dry for a Messy Style
Use a Heat Protectant: Apply a heat protectant spray to your hair to prevent damage from the blow dryer.
Blow Dry Upside Down: Flip your head upside down while blow drying to add volume at the roots.
Use Your Fingers: Use your fingers to tousle and shape your hair as you dry it, creating a messy look.
Finish with Cool Air: Use the cool air setting on your blow dryer to set the style and add shine.
Benefits of Blow Drying
- Added Volume: Blow drying adds volume and lift, enhancing the messy style.
- Long-Lasting Hold: Helps set the shape and hold of your hairstyle.
- Versatile Styling: Allows you to shape and mold your hair into the desired messy look.
See Also: How To Style Short Thick Hair Mens
Styling Tips and Tricks
Experiment with Different Products
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling products to find what works best for your hair type and desired look. Combine products like hair wax, sea salt spray, and texturizing powder for a unique and personalized messy style.
Embrace Imperfection
The beauty of a messy hairstyle is its imperfection. Embrace the natural quirks and variations in your hair. The goal is to achieve a look that appears effortless and natural.
Regular Trims
Maintain your messy hairstyle with regular trims. This keeps the ends healthy and prevents your hair from looking unkempt. Ask your barber to maintain the texture and shape while trimming.
Use Dry Shampoo
Dry shampoo is a great tool for adding texture and volume between washes. It absorbs excess oil and gives your hair a fresh, matte finish. Spray it at the roots and tousle your hair for an instant lift.
Avoid Over-Styling
Avoid over-styling or using too many products, as this can weigh down your hair and make it look greasy. Aim for a balance between natural texture and product hold.
Conclusion
Styling messy short hair for men is all about embracing texture, volume, and a carefree attitude. By following these tips and techniques, you can achieve a stylish and effortless messy look that suits your personality and lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to work, a casual outing, or a night out, your messy hairstyle will turn heads and make a lasting impression.