Messy haircuts for men have become a go-to style in recent years, offering a laid-back, effortless look. This hairstyle is not only stylish but also low-maintenance, making it popular among men of all ages. Whether you’re aiming for a rugged, beachy look or a more refined, modern take, the messy haircut can be customized to suit your preferences. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to cut a messy haircut for men, from the tools you’ll need to the finishing touches.
What is a Messy Haircut?
A messy haircut is characterized by a tousled, carefree look that appears unstructured yet stylish. It gives the illusion of volume and texture, often with choppy layers that add dimension to the hair. The beauty of a messy haircut lies in its versatility; it can be tailored to different hair types, lengths, and personal styles. Popular messy hairstyles include the messy pompadour, the tousled quiff, the messy side part, and the shaggy look.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin cutting, make sure you have the right tools for the job. A clean, sharp pair of scissors is essential for making precise cuts, while clippers help to trim the hair to the desired length. Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need to create a messy haircut:
- Hair scissors: Invest in a quality pair of scissors to ensure clean, sharp cuts.
- Clippers: A good set of clippers will help you trim the sides and back to the right length.
- Comb: A fine-toothed comb helps in sectioning and controlling the hair.
- Texturizing shears: These shears are great for creating layers and adding texture.
- Hair gel or pomade: For styling the hair after the cut.
- Spray bottle with water: Keeps the hair damp while cutting, which is essential for precision.
Step 1: Prep the Hair
Before cutting, it’s important to properly prepare the hair. Start by washing and conditioning the hair to remove any product buildup. Damp hair is easier to cut and manage, so make sure the hair is wet but not soaking wet. Gently towel-dry the hair, leaving it slightly damp, then comb it through to remove tangles.
Next, decide on the length of the cut. If you’re aiming for a shorter messy cut, use clippers to trim the sides and back, leaving the top slightly longer. If you prefer a longer messy look, leave the hair on the top of the head longer, and just trim the sides.
Step 2: Section the Hair
Once the hair is prepped, it’s time to section it. Sectioning the hair will give you control and make it easier to cut. Use a comb to divide the hair into sections, starting at the crown of the head and working your way down.
- Top section: This is the section of hair that will remain the longest. Clip it out of the way for now.
- Side sections: The sides should be trimmed shorter than the top, creating a contrast in length.
- Back section: The back of the head often follows the same guidelines as the sides, but the length can be adjusted according to your style preference.
Step 3: Trim the Sides and Back
With the hair divided into sections, start by cutting the sides and back of the head. Use clippers for a clean, even trim. If you’re using clippers, choose an attachment that matches the desired length of the sides. Start at the bottom of the sideburns and work your way up in small, controlled movements.
Make sure to blend the sides with the top by cutting the hair gradually. This will prevent any harsh lines from forming between the different lengths of hair. For the back, follow the natural shape of the head, ensuring that the cut is even all the way around.
Step 4: Cut the Top to the Desired Length
After trimming the sides and back, it’s time to focus on the top section. The top should remain longer than the sides, but you can adjust the length based on the style you prefer. If you’re going for a messy, shaggy look, you may want to leave the top a bit longer.
- Choppy layers: To add texture, use scissors to cut the top hair in choppy layers. Start by holding the hair between your fingers, about 1 to 2 inches from the scalp, and cut in an upward motion. This will create layers that give the haircut a messy, tousled appearance.
- Point cutting: Point cutting involves snipping the hair at an angle to create texture. This technique is particularly useful for the messy look, as it adds unevenness to the ends of the hair, giving it a natural, unpolished finish.
- Layering for volume: To create volume, you can layer the hair by cutting small sections at different lengths. The shorter layers will sit on top of the longer ones, giving the hair body and movement.
Make sure to periodically step back and assess the haircut to ensure the layers are even and balanced.
Step 5: Add Texture with Texturizing Shears
Once the basic shape of the haircut is in place, it’s time to add texture. Texturizing shears are designed to create uneven ends, which is perfect for a messy haircut. Use them on the top section to add volume and movement. Texturizing shears work by removing some of the bulk without affecting the length, making the hair appear fuller and more textured.
- Target the ends: Use the texturizing shears on the ends of the hair to create a messy, tousled look.
- Focus on the crown: For a more voluminous, messy style, concentrate on texturizing the crown of the head, allowing the hair to naturally fall into place.
Texturizing the hair will make it easier to style later on, as it reduces bulk and encourages the natural flow of the hair.
Step 6: Refine the Cut
At this point, you should have the basic shape of the messy haircut. Now, it’s time to refine the cut to ensure it looks intentional rather than sloppy.
- Trim any uneven sections: Check for any long strands or uneven cuts and trim them to ensure a balanced look.
- Blend the layers: Go back over the hair with your scissors or texturizing shears to further blend the layers together. This will eliminate any harsh lines and create a smoother transition between the different lengths.
Step back and assess the overall shape. If necessary, make small adjustments to achieve the look you want.
Step 7: Style the Hair
Once the cut is complete, it’s time to style the hair. A messy haircut is all about texture and movement, so you want to enhance these qualities with the right product. Here’s how you can style the hair:
- Add product: Apply a lightweight styling product such as a sea salt spray, texturizing gel, or pomade to damp hair. Work the product evenly through the hair to add texture.
- Scrunch the hair: Use your hands to scrunch the hair and create volume. This will help define the layers and give the hair a natural, messy appearance.
- Blow-dry for added texture: For more volume, blow-dry the hair using your fingers to tousle it as you dry. This will add texture and movement, enhancing the messy look.
- Finish with hairspray: To keep the messy look in place, finish with a light hairspray. This will ensure the hair stays in place without losing its natural texture.
Step 8: Maintain the Messy Look
A messy haircut requires minimal maintenance, but regular trims are essential to keep the shape looking fresh. Trim the sides and back every 4-6 weeks to maintain the length and ensure that the layers remain even. The top can be trimmed as needed, depending on how much length you want to keep.
Additionally, continue to use lightweight, texturizing products to maintain volume and texture. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the hair and make it look greasy.
Conclusion
Cutting a messy haircut for men may seem like a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a rewarding and low-maintenance style. The key is to focus on layers, texture, and volume, all while keeping the cut looking natural and effortless. Whether you’re doing it yourself or visiting a stylist, a messy haircut is a versatile, modern choice that can be tailored to fit any man’s style. By following these simple steps, you can achieve a look that’s both stylish and easy to maintain.
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