30 Best Messy Hairstyles For Men in 2023

Achieving a messy hair look isn’t complicated at all. You can easily do this in no time with just a few products.

41 Best Messy Hairstyles for Men with Long and Short Hair

Messy hairstyles are a go-to for guys for a reason: They’re easy to create and have that effortless ‘I woke up like this’ vibe that’s so sought after. That said, we’ve created a collection of messy hairstyles men can create in five minutes or less. We’ve included many different variations of messy hairstyles men can quickly and easily make their own, so there’s no question about whether or not you’ll find something that suits you. Read on:

Messy Hairstyles for Men

When picking out messy hairstyles, it can be a challenge to know where to start, so we’re here to help. Check out 40 looks that are perfect when achieving medium messy hair.

1. Windblown Hair

This messy style gives the impression that you just climbed off your motorcycle and ran your fingers through your hair. Irresistible, right?

2. Messy White Hair

There’s no age limit when it comes to this style. Pair your messy white strands with a trimmed beard to give the look a more youthful spin.

3. The Thick Hair Solution

The only thing better than a classic messy style is the same look created on thicker hair. The more messy hair you have, the better, right?

4. Messy Hair Men Styled Look

AXE Clean Cut Look: Classic Pomade

Rocking a messy look doesn’t mean you can’t style your strands. Run AXE Clean Cut Look: Classic Pomade through your hair to give it a little bit of shape. Using a pomade is a great way to achieve the messy hair look while still having control and shape to the style.

5. Spiked Up Front

Use a little bit of hair gel to spike up the front of your hair and keep the messy look to a minimum. This adds some texture to your strands, making it the perfect mix of not too messy, but not too perfect.

6. Messy Fade

Pair a messy style with a fade to nail two trends at once. This look is sure to be a go-to for a long time.

7. I Woke Up Like This

In the ultimate ‘I woke up like this’ style, all you have to do is sleep on damp hair and run your fingers through your strands when you wake up. Easy enough, right?

8. The Messy Man Bun

The women in your life are no doubt big fans of the messy bun. Get in on the love and create one of your own. This trend is great because it’s also practical for guys with longer strands. Need to keep your hair out of your face? Try a man bun!

9. Loose Curls

Looking for messy hairstyles men can wear without too much effort? Simply grow out your hair. The longer length will create the perfect messy style.

10. Messy Hair Boy Looks: Wet Hair

Dove Style+Care Compressed Flexible Hold Hairspray

Hopping on to the messy hair boy trend is so easy to do! To achieve a wet hairstyle like this, brush your hair forward and spritz it with a flexible hold hairspray like Dove Style+Care Flexible Hold Hairspray to keep it in place without making your hair hard and crunchy.

11. Sweep it to the Side

Streamline your messy look just a bit by sweeping it over to the side. This is a great way to still achieve the messy look without having to deal with your hair in your face all day.

12. Effortlessly Messy Hairstyles Men

This style allows you to work with your natural texture rather than against it. Skip the hair products and let your hair do its thing.

13. Messy Style for Thinning Hair

Consider this style if you’re dealing with hair loss or thinning hair. A messy style can give the illusion of thicker strands.

14. Embrace Your Cowlick

Use your cowlick to add a touch of easy volume to the front of your messy style. This can help create a natural swooping effect, adding to the overall messy texture of the look.

15. Combed Over (In a Good Way)

Want to achieve that teen heartthrob messy hair boy look? Comb all your strands over to one direction for the ultimate messy style. Bonus points if you’re hair is long enough to flip out at the ends!

16. All Combed Back

Amp up the volume by teasing your hair at the roots and combing it back. This adds messiness to the style while still being controlled.

17. A Grungy Messy Style

Messy meets grunge in this trendy and edgy style. We love this look because it’s appropriate for such a wide variety of occasions.

18. Classic Bowl Cut

Revive a classic bowl cut by embracing a messy texture and make the look more current by incorporating this messy trend.

19. Business Casual

Concerned that you won’t be able to find a messy style that’s appropriate for work? Use this clean-cut look for inspiration.

20. Modern Messy Hairstyles for Men with Bangs

Opt for a messier style and let your bangs air dry for a super laidback look. This shows off the natural texture of your strands, which can lead to a messier style.

21. Centered Afro

Keep the sides of your hair short, and let your afro go all natural in the center. This will create a truly effortless look.

22. Pushed Back Front

Use wax or lightweight gel to push up the front section of your hair. This will give you a messy but still styled look.

23. Swept to the Side

Push your hair all to one side! Not only will this give you a messier style, but it will also keep your hair out of your face.

24. Tousled Front

If your hair is slightly shorter on the sides, mess up the front section of your hair for a stylish yet tousled style.

25. Front Standing Up

Style the front section of your hair so it stands up in various directions. This will give you the ultimate messy hair men look.

26. Free-Flowing Curls

All you have to do is air dry your curls and you’re all set!

27. Lived-In Messy Style

Create that lived-in medium messy hair by pushing the center section of your hair to one side.

28. Stick Straight

Use a gel to stick the front center section of your hair straight up. This adds texture and volume to your style while still having control and light hold.

29. One-Sided Messy Style

Use a gel to create a voluminous one-sided messy style. Whether you’re going out or going to a fancier event, this style works for both!

30. Messy Hair Men Woke Up Like This Style

So, you woke up and your hair is sticking out in practically every direction? That’s perfect for this style! If you want to neaten up any pieces, use wax to help hold the hair in place.

31. Short and Sweet Messy Hairstyles for Men

Who says short hair can’t participate in the messy styles too? Use a lightweight gel to help hair stick out in different directions.

32. Messy Hairstyles Men Stylish Waves

Let your waves air dry and then this style is all set! There’s no need for picture-perfect waves for this messy look.

33. Messy Hair Boy Parted Curls

Change up your typical style by adding a side part. Switching up your part can make a huge difference even if it is a messy look!

34. Messy Hairstyles for Men Man Bun Style

Don’t want to deal with messy hair at all? If you’re stuck in a rut, go for that laid-back look and create a messy man bun–you can’t go wrong here!

35. Dreadlocks Style

Ever wanted to try dreadlocks? Now it’s your chance to try this ‘do out! If you already have dreadlocks, try wearing them in a ponytail or bun.

36. Voluminous Quiff

When your hair is still wet, use a hairdryer to brush the center section in an upwards motion to create a voluminous quiff style.

37. Messy Volume

So, maybe you want all-over volume? Dry your hair in the same upward motion as mentioned above, and you’ll be on your way to sky-high hair!

38. All-over Messy Hairstyles for Men

All you have to do is warm up a dime-sized amount of hair wax in your hands, run it through your hair for a light-weight messy hold, and then you’re all set! It really is that easy!.

39. Messed Up Center Style

If your hair is shorter on the sides and longer in the center, opt for a messy center style. Just use a lightweight gel to push the center section of hair back and to one side then you’re all set! Don’t worry, you don’t have to be too neat with this style.

40. Messy Hair Boy Disheveled Style

Dove Men + Care Well Defined Taming Gel

This disheveled look can quickly be achieved with a small amount of gel. All you need to do is run a dime-sized amount of Dove Men + Care Well Defined Taming Gel through your hair to achieve the ultimate messy, but still styled look!

41. Medium Messy Hair

Experimenting with a medium-length fade haircut is the perfect way to try out a messy hairstyle. The longer length at the center of your hair is perfect for creating a messy look.

How to Achieve Messy Hairstyles for Men

Achieving a messy hair look isn’t complicated at all. You can easily do this in no time with just a few products.

How to Style Your Hair Men Messy Look

Suave Men Thick and Full 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner

Creating messy hairstyles for men is incredibly easy. If you’re familiar with any of the aforementioned rules, you know that a great style starts in the shower. Suave Men Thick + Full 2-in-1 Shampoo + Conditioner is the efficient thickening wash and care system of your dreams. Give your hair a boost and prepare for strands that feel and look thicker after just one shower. Simply massage the product into wet hair, let it foam up into a lather, and rinse thoroughly.

Bed Head for Men by TIGI Pure Texture Molding Paste

After your shower, you’ll want to towel dry your strands before raking Bed Head for Men Pure Texture Molding Paste through your hair. Whether you’re working with hair that’s on the shorter side or you’ve grown your strands out into longer locks, this styling paste will add loads of texture and movement to your hair.

Suave Extreme Hold Unscented Aerosol Hairspray

Lastly, mist your hair with Suave Extreme Hold Unscented Aerosol Hairspray. This unassuming hairspray will lock your texture in place and give your hair an intentional finish. The results? Easy, messy hair that will give you that bad boy meets fashion week vibe.

Now that you’ve gotten a true taste of messy hairstyles for men, you have plenty of inspo to choose from! Be sure to take a picture of your style and tag us @AllThingsHairUS! Happy styling!

30 Best Messy Hairstyles For Men in 2023

Looking for one of the more effortless cuts that can work across various occasions? Of course, in our minds, you’ve only got one option – messy hairstyles for men.

Whether you’re after that I-woke-up-like-this bed head looks or want to toe the line between effortless and this-took-three-hours look; we have found a style for you. All it takes is a bit of product and some inspiration.

Keep reading to find some of the best of both worlds (messy and professional) and how to nail them every time, no matter what the occasion calls for.

1. Short Messy Hair

One of the easiest messy hairstyles to achieve if you’ve got shorter hair, all you need to do is work a bit of wax or matte product into your scalp to add a bit of volume and, boom, you’ve got a textured finish that somehow looks both sharp and rugged. To keep your hair looking even as it grows out, try a shorter taper fade.

2. Medium Length Messy Hair

When you’ve got a bit more hair to play with, there are a few different messy hairstyles you can go for. If you’re feeling wild, just let it hang loose and do what it wants to, or you can sweep it back with a little bit of product to give it some form. Try hair mousse for some added volume and structure.

3. Long Length Messy Hair

Long hair, don’t care (well, not that much). If your locks fall past your jawline, you can still master those messy hairstyles. All you need to do is spray some sea salt spray onto already damp hair and let it dry on its own. Voila. Finito.

4. Messy Curly Hair

If you’re after that messy, surfer look and are blessed with natural curls, then this style is perfect. Get your hair damp and work some styling mousse into your curls – not your scalp – and tousle your hair until you find the desired look.

5. Messy Wavy Hair

Nailing that suave yet nonchalant look is no easy feat, but messy hairstyles take one step in the right direction. Apply some sea salt spray for men or mousse and run a comb a few times through your locks to give it some shape.

6. Bed Head Hairstyle

Bedhead is arguably the OG of messy hairstyles looks and is easy to adapt. Just apply a small amount of hair gel or matte product and tousle your hair – simple. Make sure to have a solid mixture of hair standing slightly up and some closer to the head.

7. Messy Hairstyle for Thick Hair

Don’t go overboard with products if you’re working with a dense mane. Work some pomade or wax through the middle and ends of your hair until you get the style you want. Try a light hold product versus something heavier.

8. Messy Straight Hair

It turns out your hair can be messy and straight at the same time – who knew? Use a small amount of gel or wax through the entire length of your hair to stick it straight up, making sure you tousle it slightly (rub hair in various directions). If your hair is long, try some sea salt spray right after stepping out of the shower.

9. Messy Shaggy Hair

The shaggy, rugged look isn’t one that every man can pull off, but when it works, it works. Whether you’re wearing the hair up in a bun or leaving it down, make sure you style it when it’s damp. This style pairs exceptionally well with a well-groomed beard.

10. Messy Pompadour

The pompadour is a retro classic that’ll make anyone stand out from the crowd. Use plenty of pomade or gel and comb through your hair, making sure to lift the front into a thick quiff.

11. Messy Fringe

Add some extra layers to your hair by growing your fringe and add a messy style. Wax or matte products work best to complete this look. Try pushing the fringe to the side for a curtain fringe effect that will help add structure to your cheekbones.

12. Messy Spiky Hair

If it’s the height you’re looking for, then messy spikes could be your best bet. You’ll need a strong product to keep them lifted, and make sure the spikes don’t look too uniform – it’s ok for the hair to have a floppy texture.

13. Messy Blow Out

It’s as if a gust of wind has swept through and blown your hair in different directions, except you did it all yourself. Sweep some pomade or wax into your hair, from root to tip, to achieve this messy look.

14. Messy Bro Flow

This really is almost effortless. All you need to do is wet your hair slightly and run a comb through it to brush it back past your ears. If your hair is longer, run some light hold gel from root to tip, pulling the hair back.

15. Messy Crew Cut

Short on the sides and slightly longer on top, the crew cut is primed for a messy look. All you need to do is add a bit of product and tousle your hair.

16. Messy Soft Side Part

The trick here is to not make the parting too pronounced; you just need a slight separation on the side of your hair, and then sweep things back in a messy manner to keep it casual yet fashionable.

17. Messy Hard Part

A hard part is a drastic cut to differentiate between two lengths of hair, achieved by razoring the part in. Use some product to ensure the hair is parted in two separate directions, sweeping it to either side—a sophisticated yet laid-back look.

18. Windblown Messy Hair

Nothing says, ‘I’m not fussed about my looks, but still look great’ than a messy windswept look. You can use a product or just spray your hair wet and run your fingers through it, pushing it towards the back of your head.

19. Messy Fade

Likewise, adding a messy top to a well-cut fade creates a sharp yet casual look that is very much in style. You don’t need to worry about styling your back and sides, so you can focus on the style where it counts most.

20. Messy Man Bun

Probably the easiest messy option if you have long hair; all you need to do is tie it up into a bun and leave the rest as it is. It’s an easy-going look that also keeps hair out of your face.

21. Wet Messy Hair

While you won’t be able to keep your hair wet for long, as it’ll naturally dry on its own, you can use products like gel and pomade to maintain this refreshing look. When getting your haircut, make sure to ask your barber to add layers to the hair on top of the head; this will help frame the face.

22. Messy Hairstyle for Thinning Hair

Messy hairstyles can work wonders when you’re dealing with thinning hair. You can sweep over areas with less coverage, and the messy look helps add more texture and volume to take the hair away from the scalp, creating the appearance of more hair.

23. Messy Cowlick

A cowlick and a messy hairstyles style go hand in hand. Rather than looking like a farm animal has just licked your head, the cowlick adds another interesting dimension to a messy style when executed properly.

24. Grungy Messy Hair

Grunge is back, and if you want to incorporate it into your hairstyle, there are plenty of different ways to do it – but these messy hairstyles are easily one of the best. Try adding most of the product to the ends of your hair to add texture and keep the hair going in different directions.

25. Modern Messy Hairstyle with Bangs

Let your bangs hang free and give them a scrunch to add that messy look while keeping the rest of your hair in the same style to embrace a look you don’t often (enough) see on men.

26. Messy Hair with Volume

The more volume in your hair, the more you can do with it, and if you’ve got plenty of thickness up top, then these messy hairstyles work perfectly. A blow dryer comes in handy to puff up the volume, while some wax or pomade will keep it in place.

27. Messy Undercut

Popularised in TV shows like Peaky Blinders , the undercut is having a moment with men and messy hairstyles. To stand out from the crowd, keep the top of your hair messy and textured to stand out from the crowd.

28. Messy Comb Over

A classic in the men’s messy hairstyles department, a messy comb over can create striking results. You’ll need a comb and a little bit of product, but don’t be too strict with the end results to ensure a relaxed style.

29. Messy Slick Back

Similarly, slicking your hair back but allowing it to be a bit more free form is another one of the popular messy hairstyles for men. Try grabbing a little bit of hair clay, rubbing it between your hands to loosen up, and casually run your hands through your hair (towards the back of your head).

30. Messy Quiff

This style is similar to the faux hawk crowd keep but less uniform. If you can pull off a quiff, messy hairstyles add an extra level of style.

Messy Hairstyles for Men FAQ:

How to get messy hairstyles for men?

Your hair doesn’t need to be long to get messy hairstyles, and you just need to add some product and tousle your hair with your fingers.

How to style messy hairstyles?

There are plenty of options; you can use some water and your hands, or use a product, or even a comb and blow dryer. Whatever the case, don’t be too strict with how the style looks – the clues in the title.

How to style short messy hairstyles for men?

Using wax is best with short hair. Rub some into your hands, and then rub your hands into your hair, using your fingers to twist and create some texture.

How to make your hair look good and messy at the same time

Firstly, your hair should always be clean and well-maintained. Using some sort of product when creating messy hairstyles is also a good idea, and you want to create a look that doesn’t seem unkempt but also not too polished. Practice makes perfect.