Short messy hair for men is a timeless and effortlessly cool hairstyle that works for almost any occasion. Whether you’re going for a relaxed, casual look or want to add a bit of edge to your style, messy hair is a great choice. This type of hairstyle allows men to look stylish without spending a lot of time on grooming. It’s all about embracing the natural texture of your hair and letting it fall into place, creating a carefree, “just rolled out of bed” vibe that looks both fresh and fashionable.
One of the key things that make short messy hair so popular is its versatility. It’s a hairstyle that can be worn by men of all ages and with different hair types. You can style it to be messy but still sharp, or let it look more relaxed and carefree, depending on your personal style. But despite its effortless appearance, short messy hair does require a bit of technique to get it just right. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to style short messy hair for men, the best products to use, and how to avoid common mistakes.
How to Style Short Messy Hair for Men
1. Understanding Short Messy Hair
What is Short Messy Hair?
Short messy hair refers to a hairstyle where the hair is cut to a short length and styled in a messy, textured way. The look is usually a bit tousled and not perfectly neat, creating an “undone” feel. The length can vary from a buzz cut to a few inches long, but the key is to have enough texture that allows for the messy styling. Short messy hair can be styled in different ways depending on the length and texture of your hair.
For men with short hair, the messy look can be achieved by using the natural texture of the hair, whether it’s straight, wavy, or curly. The goal is to make it look intentional but effortless, a look that combines a relaxed attitude with a sharp edge.
Why is Short Messy Hair Popular?
Short messy hair is incredibly popular because of its low-maintenance nature. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings. It works well for a variety of hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. Plus, it doesn’t require hours of styling or a lot of fancy tools, which is ideal for men who are always on the go.
This hairstyle also pairs well with different face shapes, giving it a universal appeal. Whether you’re rocking a messy quiff or a textured crop, short messy hair has become a go-to style for men looking for a look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain.
2. Key Steps to Style Short Messy Hair
Step 1: Start with Clean, Damp Hair
The first step to creating the perfect short messy hairstyle is to start with clean, damp hair. Washing your hair helps remove product build-up and gives your hair a fresh, healthy look. When your hair is damp, it’s much easier to work with and control.
- Shampoo and Condition: Use a lightweight shampoo and conditioner suited for your hair type. If you have dry hair, opt for moisturizing products. For oily hair, go for volumizing or clarifying products.
- Towel Dry: After washing, gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. Avoid rubbing the hair too harshly as this can lead to frizz and breakage.
Step 2: Apply the Right Product
The next step is to apply the right styling product for your hair type. The product you choose will help define the texture of your messy hair while also giving it hold and control.
For Textured Messy Hair: Use a lightweight texturizing cream or mousse. These products add volume and texture without weighing your hair down. They are perfect for creating that tousled, lived-in look.
- For Wavy or Curly Hair: Opt for a curl cream or sea salt spray to enhance your natural texture. These products help to define waves or curls while keeping them frizz-free.
- For Straight Hair: A lightweight pomade or paste works well for adding a bit of grip and texture. You don’t want to go for something too heavy, as it can make straight hair look too flat.
Step 3: Dry Your Hair
How you dry your hair plays a huge role in the final result of your messy style. There are two main ways to dry your hair: air-drying and blow-drying. Both can work well for different looks.
- Air-Drying for a Natural Messy Look:
- If you want a more natural, relaxed look, let your hair air-dry. Simply towel-dry your hair, then leave it to dry on its own. As it dries, your hair will naturally form its texture, and the product you applied earlier will give it that messy, tousled look.
- Blow-Drying for More Control:
- For more volume and definition, you can use a blow dryer. Set the dryer to medium heat and use a round brush or your fingers to lift the roots as you dry.Blow-dry in different directions to create a messy,tousled look. Don’t worry about making it perfectly neat—messy is the goal here.
Step 4: Create Texture with Your Hands
Once your hair is completely dry, use your fingers to create more texture and volume. The key to short messy hair is to avoid over-styling it, so keep the manipulation minimal.
Scrunch your hair with your hands to add more texture.
Twist or pinch sections of your hair to create pieces that stick up or fall loosely for a natural, imperfect finish.
For added volume:
- Use your fingers to gently lift your hair at the roots.
- If you want a more voluminous, spiky look, you can create some lift by pulling sections of your hair upward with your fingers.
Step 5: Finish with the Right Product for Hold
Once you’ve achieved the messy texture you want, finish off your style with a product that offers hold without making the hair too stiff.
- For Light Hold: Use a flexible hairspray that gives a natural, touchable finish.
- For Strong Hold: If you want your messy hair to stay in place all day, use a strong-hold gel or pomade.
Step 6: Fine-Tune the Look
After applying the final product, check for any areas that need a bit of extra definition or texture. If you want a more dramatic look, you can add more product to certain sections, especially around the crown or the front.
Don’t be afraid to tweak the style with your fingers. The messier, the better!Use a lightweight texturizing spray to add volume and texture to the fringe. Then, use your fingers to tousle the front for a messy, disheveled finish.
Conclusion: Achieving the Perfect Messy Look
Short messy hair for men is a stylish and versatile hairstyle that can be both casual and sharp. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily achieve the perfect messy look that suits your personal style. Whether you prefer a spiky crop, a messy quiff, or a tousled side part, the key is to embrace your natural hair
