Key Features:
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Works with short, medium, or long hair
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Can be achieved with waves, curls, or straight hair
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Often styled with matte clay, sea salt spray, or texturizing powder
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Popular among men seeking a relaxed, modern, and youthful style
đ Barberâs Tip:
To get a great messy look, ask for layers or texture on top. Then, use your fingers (not a comb) to style with a light productâthis keeps it natural and low-maintenance.
Why Choose a Messy Hairstyle?
A messy hairstyle is versatile, low-maintenance, and universally flattering. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a textured, undone look adds:
â
 Volume â Makes thin hair appear thicker
â
 Dimension â Breaks up flatness for a more dynamic style
â
 Effortless appeal â Looks like you didnât try too hard (even if you did)
But hereâs the catchânot all messy hairstyles work the same. The key is tailoring the look to your hair type and face shape.
Best Messy Hairstyles for Men (With Styling Tips)
1. The Classic Messy Crop
Best for:Â Short to medium hair | Straight or slightly wavy textures
This is my go-to recommendation for guys who want a clean yet undone look.
How to Style:
- Apply a matte paste or clay to damp hair.
- Use your fingers to push hair forward and upward, creating uneven texture.
- Let it air-dry or use a blow dryer on low heat for extra volume.
Pro Tip:Â Avoid over-stylingâthe more random the texture, the better.
2. Messy Fringe (Textured Bangs)
Best for:Â Oval & square face shapes | Straight or thick hair
A disconnected fringe adds a rebellious yet polished touch.
How to Style:
- Start with towel-dried hair.
- Apply a lightweight fiber wax and scrunch the front section upward.
- Use a comb to slightly separate strands for a piece-y effect.
Why It Works:Â This style keeps hair out of your face while maintaining a laid-back vibe.
3. The Bedhead Curls
Best for:Â Naturally curly or wavy hair
If you wake up with wild curls, lean into it!
How to Style:
- Apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair.
- Scrunch with your hands and let it air dry.
- For extra hold, spritz with sea salt spray.
Personal Experience: My clients with curly hair love this because it minimizes frizz while keeping definition.
4. Messy Pompadour (Modern Retro Look)
Best for:Â Medium to long hair | High-density hair
A toned-down pompadour with textured ends keeps it modern.
How to Style:
- Blow-dry hair upward for volume.
- Use a strong-hold pomade, but leave the ends loose.
- Finger-comb the sides for a slightly undone finish.
Common Mistake: Using too much productâthis should look lived-in, not stiff.
đĽ Short Messy Hair for Men: Effortless Style with a Modern Edge
Short messy hair for men is a top trending style in 2025. Itâs clean, low-maintenance, and gives off a confident, relaxed vibe. Perfect for guys who want to look stylish without trying too hard.
đââď¸ What Is Short Messy Hair?
Short messy hair features textured layers on topâusually 1 to 3 inches longâwith short sides, often done with a fade, taper, or undercut. The top is styled loosely with matte product, using fingers instead of a comb for that natural, tousled look.
â Why It Works:
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Low effort, high reward
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Great for all face shapes
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Adds volume to thin hair
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Looks good even as it grows out
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Works with fades, tapers, or undercuts
đ§´ How to Style Short Messy Hair:
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Towel dry or lightly blow-dry your hair.
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Apply matte clay, styling cream, or sea salt spray.
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Use your fingers to create texture and movement.
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Optional: Use a blow dryer for added volume or hold.
âď¸ Best Short Messy Hairstyles for Men:
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Textured Crop with Skin Fade
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Messy French Crop
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Messy Quiff with Taper
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Short Spiky Fringe
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Messy Ivy League Cut
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Messy Caesar Cut
đ Barberâs Tip (from experience):
Ask your barber for a textured top with short faded sides, and point cutting or razor texturizing to enhance the messy look. Keep the top around 2 inches for the best styling flexibility.
Best Products for a Messy Hairstyle
Not all styling products work for messy looks. Hereâs what I swear by:
Product Type | Why It Works | My Top Picks |
---|---|---|
Matte Paste | Adds texture without shine | American Crew Fiber |
Sea Salt Spray | Enhances natural waves | Hanz de Fuko Sea Salt Spray |
Clay Pomade | Strong hold, matte finish | Baxter of California Clay Pomade |
Texture Powder | Boosts volume for fine hair |
3 Mistakes That Ruin a Messy Hairstyle
- Using Too Much Product â Turns hair stiff and unnatural.
- Over-combing â Makes it look too neat (defeats the purpose).
- Ignoring Hair Type â Curly hair needs different care than straight hair.
Fix: Start with a pea-sized amount of product and build up as needed.
Final Thoughts: Own the Messy Look
A great messy hairstyle is all about balanceâstructured yet undone, polished yet carefree. Whether youâre going for a casual day out or a night with friends, the right technique and products make all the difference.
Whatâs your go-to messy style? Let me know in the comments!
FAQS
How to Get Messy Hair for Boys?
To get messy hair, start with medium-length hair on top. Ask your barber for texture or layers. Then, apply a light styling product (like matte clay or sea salt spray) and use your fingers to tousle the hair. Avoid combsâmessy hair should look casual, not stiff. Blow-drying while scrunching the hair can add extra volume.
What Are the 7 Basic Haircuts?
Here are the 7 fundamental haircuts every guy should know:
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Crew Cut
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Ivy League
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Taper Fade
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Undercut
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Pompadour
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Temple Fade
These classic styles form the base for most modern variations.
Is Messy Hair Attractive on Guys?
Yes! Messy hair is often considered attractive because it looks natural, effortless, and confident. It gives off a relaxed vibe and works great with textured hair or layered cuts. Celebrities like TimothĂŠe Chalamet and Zayn Malik have made messy hair a go-to look for younger guys.
How to Style a 12-Year-Old Boyâs Hair?
Choose something easy and age-appropriate, like:
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Messy fringe with a fade
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Short textured crop
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Side-swept style with low taper
Use lightweight gel or styling cream. Keep it fun, easy to manage, and school-friendly. Also, involve them in choosing the styleâit boosts their confidence!
What Is the Best Hairstyle for a 13-Year-Old Boy?
Popular 13-year-old hairstyles in 2025 include:
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Messy quiff
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Mid fade with curls
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Side part with volume
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Twists or waves on top with a taper
These styles are trendy, easy to style, and let boys express their personality while staying neat.
What Is a Number 7 Haircut for a Boy?
A Number 7 haircut uses a #7 clipper guard, which leaves about 7/8 inch (22 mm) of hair. Itâs a longer buzz cut, ideal for boys who want a short but not too exposed style. Itâs great for thick hair, low-maintenance, and works well with tapers or fades on the sides.

Alax, the mind behind hairecho.com, has spent 13+ years perfecting the art of hairstyling for both men and women. As a skilled barber and stylist, he crafts precise fades, clean cuts, and textured styles for men while creating flattering, versatile womenâs cuts that enhance natural hair texture. Alaxâs commitment to staying ahead of trends while delivering timeless, confidence-boosting results has made him a trusted figure in the modern grooming and hair community.
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