A messy hairstyle can make you look effortlessly cool, but how do you achieve this without looking like you actually just rolled out of bed? Intentionally messy hair is all about maximizing your hair’s volume and waves, and there are some easy techniques you can use to do so.

Here are 10 things that will help you rock a messy, effortless hairstyle.

1

Have a barber texture your hair.

  1. Getting your hair textured is optional, but definitely helps make styling messy hair easier. Go to your barbershop and tell your barber that you want them to texture your hair. Let them know that your end-goal is a messy style, so they can texture it in all the right places.[1]
    • Texturing is basically cutting the hair to different lengths in different places. That way, when you style it using different techniques there is more visual interest and it ends up looking more untamed and rebellious.
    • The length of your hair is totally up to you. There are ways to style short, medium, and long hair messily.
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3

Shampoo your hair 2-3 times a week.

4

Use matte pomade or wax to style your hair.

  1. These types of products keep your hair looking more natural. Rub a bit of the product you choose onto your hands to coat them in a thin, even layer. Work it into your hair by running your fingers through it, then style your hair in whatever messy way you want.[5]
    • For example, if you have medium-length hair, you can brush it to the back after you put the product in for a disheveled swept-back look. Or, just let your hair fall into its natural positions after you put the product in for a more free and loose textured style.
    • Hair wax is also known as putty, clay, texturing paste, or styling paste.
    • Avoid shiny hair products like traditional glossy pomades or gels that can detract from the effortlessly messy vibe you’re going for.
    • You can apply styling products when your hair is dry or damp.
5

Style your hair with a sea salt spray.

  1. This helps give your hair a messy “just went to the beach” look. Start with wet hair — doing this when you get out of the shower is a good time. Spray the sea salt spray all over your hair from all sides, then work it in with your hands as you style your locks.[6]
    • Use as much or as little sea salt spray as you like. The more spray you use, the drier and coarser your hair looks when it dries.
    • You can buy a commercial sea salt spray or make your own by combining warm water and sea salt in a spray bottle at a ratio of 1  c (240 mL) of water to 1 tbsp (17 g) of sea salt.
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6

Blow dry your hair.

  1. This gives your hair a messy windblown look. Start with wet hair and move the blow dryer around your head to dry it from all angles. Brush your free hand through your locks from different angles as you blow dry to get your hair to dry in different directions and achieve that carefree, wind-swept look you want.[7]
    • Keep the blow dryer moving and pretend it’s like the wind — wild and free. Don’t just blow dry your hair in one direction or your hair won’t look messy and natural.
    • Avoid rubbing your hair dry with a towel because all the static creates frizz
    • You can also do this after you apply sea salt spray to your hair to achieve a look like you just spent the day on a windy beach.
10

Rock a natural afro.

  1. This is a great option for people with curly and afro-style hair. Let your hair grow out long and keep it moisturized by not over-shampooing and by applying a moisturizer every day. Leave the locks alone to let them do their natural, messy thing.[11]
    • You can add a side part if you want by picking a spot in the middle of the afro and brushing the locks in opposite directions. Avoid brushing your ‘fro too much, though, so you keep it looking untamed.
    • Shampooing even less than 2-3 times a week is good for afro-style hairstyles. For example, once a week can be enough.
    • Curly hair is drier by nature.[12] When you over-shampoo, you actually exacerbate the problem with frizz, since curly hair needs some natural oils to smooth it down.

About This Article

Michael Van den Abbeel
Co-authored by:
Professional Hair Stylist
This article was co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel. Michael Van den Abbeel is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar in Orlando, Florida. He has been cutting, styling, and coloring hair for over 17 years. Michael loves showing his clients how to wash and wear their hair easily and effortlessly. Mosaic Hair Studio and Blowout Bar is recognized as a Diamond Top Tier level Wella salon. This article has been viewed 232,522 times.
30 votes - 65%
Co-authors: 9
Updated: March 2, 2023
Views: 232,522
Categories: Hairstyles for Men
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