Creating a messy hairstyle for men’s short hair requires a mix of the right products, techniques, and an understanding of individual hair types. This guide will provide detailed steps and professional tips for achieving a perfect messy look.
Understanding the Messy Look
The Appeal of the Messy Hairstyle
The messy hairstyle exudes a relaxed, effortless vibe while still looking stylish and intentional. It’s a versatile look that suits various occasions, from casual outings to semi-formal events.
Who Can Wear the Messy Hairstyle?
The messy hairstyle is suitable for most hair types and face shapes. It works particularly well for men with naturally wavy or curly hair, as these textures add to the unstructured look. However, men with straight hair can also achieve a messy style with the right techniques and products.
Preparing for the Messy Hairstyle
Choosing the Right Haircut
Before styling, ensure your haircut is conducive to a messy look. A layered cut works best, as it adds dimension and makes the hair easier to style. Discuss with your barber or stylist to get a cut that provides enough length on top to play with while keeping the sides and back shorter for contrast.
Essential Hair Products
To achieve and maintain a messy hairstyle, you’ll need the following products:
- Texturizing Spray: Adds volume and texture without weighing down the hair.
- Matte Clay or Paste: Provides hold and definition while maintaining a natural, non-greasy finish.
- Sea Salt Spray: Enhances natural waves and adds grit for a tousled look.
- Hairspray: Helps set the style and adds extra hold without making the hair stiff.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling Men’s Short Hair Messy Look
Step 1: Wash and Towel Dry Your Hair
Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Washing your hair removes any product buildup and ensures a fresh start. Pat your hair dry with a towel to remove excess moisture, but avoid rubbing vigorously to prevent frizz and damage.
Step 2: Apply Texturizing Spray
Spray a generous amount of texturizing spray to the roots and mid-lengths of your hair. This product will add volume and texture, creating a solid foundation for your messy look.
Step 3: Blow Dry with Fingers
Use a blow dryer on a medium heat setting while running your fingers through your hair. This technique helps create a natural, unstructured look. Focus on lifting the hair at the roots to add volume. For added texture, scrunch your hair with your fingers as you dry.
Step 4: Apply Matte Clay or Paste
Take a small amount of matte clay or paste (about the size of a pea) and rub it between your palms to warm it up. Distribute the product evenly through your hair, starting from the back and working your way forward. Use your fingers to tousle and shape your hair, creating a messy, undone look.
Step 5: Use Sea Salt Spray
For added texture and a more tousled appearance, spritz sea salt spray lightly over your hair. This product mimics the effects of ocean water, enhancing natural waves and adding grit.
Step 6: Final Touches
Use your fingers to make any final adjustments, ensuring the hair looks intentionally messy. If needed, add a bit more matte clay or paste to areas that require extra hold or definition.
Step 7: Set with Hairspray
Finish by lightly misting your hair with hairspray to set the style. Choose a flexible hold hairspray to maintain movement and prevent the hair from becoming stiff.
Tips for Maintaining the Messy Look
Regular Trims
To keep the messy hairstyle looking fresh, schedule regular trims every 4-6 weeks. This helps maintain the shape and prevents the hair from becoming too unruly.
Avoid Overwashing
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, making it harder to achieve a textured, messy look. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, using a dry shampoo in between washes if needed.
Experiment with Products
Not all products work the same for everyone. Experiment with different brands and types of texturizers, clays, and sprays to find what works best for your hair type and desired look.
Embrace Imperfection
The key to a great messy hairstyle is embracing imperfection. Don’t strive for symmetry or uniformity; instead, allow the hair to fall naturally and make small adjustments as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Too Much Product
Using too much product can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Overstyling
Overstyling can make the hair look forced and unnatural. Aim for a balance between tousled and controlled, allowing some strands to fall naturally out of place.
Ignoring Hair Type
Not all hair types respond the same way to styling products and techniques. Understand your hair type and choose products and methods that enhance its natural texture and movement.
Advanced Techniques for a Messy Hairstyle
Creating Texture with a Razor
For added texture, ask your stylist to use a razor during your haircut. This technique creates more movement and helps achieve a naturally messy look.
Layering Products
Sometimes, layering different products can achieve the desired messy effect. For example, combining a texturizing spray with a light pomade can provide both volume and hold.
Heat Styling
For men with very straight hair, using a curling wand or straightener can add waves and bends that contribute to a messy look. Use heat styling tools sparingly to prevent damage and maintain hair health.
See Also: How To Cut Men’s Bangs Short
Inspiring Messy Hairstyles for Men
The Tousled Quiff
A modern take on the classic quiff, the tousled quiff combines volume with a relaxed, unstructured finish. This style works well for men with naturally thick hair.
The Bedhead Look
Perfect for men with wavy or curly hair, the bedhead look embraces natural texture and requires minimal styling. Simply apply a texturizing product and let your hair air dry for an effortlessly messy appearance.
The Messy Faux Hawk
For a more edgy look, try the messy faux hawk. This style features shorter sides and back with longer, tousled hair on top, creating a striking contrast.
The Disheveled Crew Cut
A twist on the traditional crew cut, the disheveled crew cut adds texture and movement to a short, structured base. Use a matte paste to tousle the top for a casual, messy look.
Conclusion
Achieving the perfect messy hairstyle for men’s short hair requires a combination of the right haircut, products, and techniques. By understanding your hair type and experimenting with different methods, you can create a stylish, relaxed look that suits any occasion. Remember to embrace imperfection and have fun with your hair, as the best messy styles often come from a playful, carefree approach.