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Everyone loves a messy style haircut: one that is ruffled and unkempt looking, but somehow still looks great. The short messy hairstyle started hitting the scene back in the early 2000s when pop culture icons and film stars began to embrace a more rugged and unconventional trim.
It wasn't long before men all over the globe embraced the freedom and individuality that messy hairstyles offer. From a laid-back Sunday brunch to a night out, it's hairstyle suited to any occasion.
Discover the best looks and how to style them right here.
The Best Styling Products for Messy Haircuts
Getting the right look for your messy style haircut is all about finding the right product. So, here is a rundown of the styling products you’ll need.
The effortlessly cool, matte messy style
If the "woke up like this" look is what you're aiming for, the matte messy style is for you. It’s ideal for all face shapes and perfect for medium to thick hair. The matte finish also gives you a put-together yet relaxed look. But how do you make hair matte? Our Matte Wax provides the magic touch — just a dab and you're set. It gives your hair enough hold without making it look like you tried too hard.
The natural, textured messy style
If you're the kind of person who likes to keep things relaxed but still wants a hint of style, this look is for you. It’s ideal for any face shape and works well on fine to medium hair. The natural, textured look is all about low effort and high reward. A dab of our Texturizing Cream is the secret here.
Just work a small amount into your hair and you're good to go, adding just the right amount of texture without going too far.
For the high-gloss, smooth messy style
Do you love that high gloss look? This style's for you. It’s ideal for oval and rectangle faces and best for medium-length hair. A little of our Shine Pomade and you'll be red carpet ready while still looking relaxed.
The messy hairstyle is all about variety — whether it’s playing with length or texture — it's all about finding a style that works for you.
6 Short Messy Hairstyles for Men
To help you find your look, we’ve lined up our 6 favorite short messy hairstyles with some advice on how to master them.
1. Bedhead Messy Hairstyle
Waking up with perfect hair might seem like a dream, but that's what the bedhead messy hairstyle is all about. It's an effortless look that says, "I woke up like this, and I look great". This style thrives on natural waves and curls, giving you a relaxed yet put-together look.
Who can wear it?
Oval or round face? Perfect. Wavy or curly hair? Even better. This style is made for men who want to keep it relaxed but still turn heads. To finesse the look, get some of our Matte Wax, warm a small amount between your palms and work it into your hair for that perfect blend of hold and texture.
2. Faux Hawk Messy Hairstyle
Ever wanted to rock a mohawk without commitment? Enter the faux hawk messy hairstyle. It's the middle ground between edgy and relaxed, letting you embrace the style without going all out. This look gives you volume at the top while keeping the sides tamer, offering an adventurous yet manageable style.
Who can wear it?
This style is made for those with diamond and heart-shaped faces. A faux hawk really pops with textured hair, making it a favorite for men who aren't afraid to stand out.
3. Pompadour Messy Hairstyle
Take the classic pompadour, dial it down a little, and you've got the pompadour messy hairstyle. Vintage charm meets modern ease; this look is all about volume and lift at the front with a laid-back finish.
Who can wear it?
Got a rectangle or oval face? You're the perfect fit for this look. Medium-length, thicker hair? That's also great. This style is all about adding a refined touch to your laid-back look. For a high-shine finish, our Shine Pomade can work wonderfully. Just spread a dab through your hair to give it a cool and casual look.
4. Side-Parted Messy Hairstyle
Who says messy can't be sophisticated? The combed-over side part messy hairstyle offers a clean divide with a playful twist, for a look that is both orderly and carefree. For more information, check out our guide to Comb Over Hairstyles.
Who can wear it?
This look is perfect for square and oval faces. Whether your hair is fine, thick, or somewhere in between, this style is all about striking the balance between relaxed and professional — ideal for men who are as much about the café as the cubicle.
5. Fringe Messy Hairstyle
Not all messy styles have to be wild. The fringe messy hairstyle gives you a softer, more relaxed look with bangs that are more bohemian than bedhead. It's the ultimate in low-key, high-style hair.
Who can wear it?
This style is most flattering on those with round and square faces, especially men with straight to wavy hair.
6. Short Quiff Messy Hairstyle
The short quiff messy hairstyle is all about getting lift at the front while keeping things relaxed everywhere else. It's an eye-catching style that's a lot less work than it looks. For more inspiration, check out our full guide to Short Quiff Hairstyles.
Who can wear it?
Those with a triangle or heart-shaped face will suit this style. If you're blessed with thicker hair, even better. This look mixes a touch of old-school charm with modern messiness, making it a fantastic choice for guys who want the best of both worlds. To master this laid-back, yet polished look, a touch of our Texturizing Cream is all you need.
Rub a little between your palms and lightly work it through your hair to create a look that is casual and refined.
Let's wrap this up
So, there you have it — a full introduction to the short messy hairstyle. It's not just about looking relaxed, it's about feeling confident and owning your look, whether at work or home.
We've broken down the who, what, and how of this style, and now it's up to you. If you’re ready to embrace a messy haircut, grab that styling product, visit your barber and get ready to turn heads.
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