The messy hair look is every guy’s secret weapon these days. It’s that perfect mix of “I woke up like this” and “but actually spent 10 minutes styling it.” Whether you’re off to a casual brunch or a night out, this effortlessly cool vibe has you covered. And no, it’s not as wild as it sounds—it’s more about nailing that sweet spot between “totally natural” and “just a little help from my styling products.”

Messy men’s hairstyle trends are here to stay. Ready to upgrade your bedhead to head-turner? Here’s how to master the art of controlled chaos.

Prepping for the Look

Before you even think about styling, prep like a pro. The secret to nailing this look? Start with a solid foundation—aka clean, cooperative hair. Because messy beginnings rarely lead to great endings.

Start by showing your hair some love with a lightweight shampoo that suits its vibe. Skip the heavy stuff unless you’re going for the weighed-down look (hint: you’re not). Go easy on the conditioner unless your hair is extra thirsty—too much and your ‘effortlessly textured’ style might just look like it gave up entirely.

Towel-dry your hair until it’s damp—not looking like you just stepped out of a rainstorm. Over-drying? Big mistake if you want your hair to cooperate. And don’t forget the heat protectant spray—it’s basically armor for your hair against the fiery wrath of your blow-dryer.

The next step is product selection. For that textured, undone look, invest in products like sea salt spray, texturizing clay, or matte pomade. These create a natural hold and add dimension without looking overly styled or shiny. Choose a product based on your hair length and desired level of hold. A messy haircut for men thrives with the right products.

Styling Techniques

Styling depends on your hair length, but the messy look is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—whether you’re rocking a pixie or a shoulder-grazing mane, chaos has never looked so good. Here’s how to tailor your approach:

For short hair, use a small amount of matte pomade or styling clay. Work it between your palms and apply it evenly through your hair using your fingers. Then, start tousling to create a choppy, textured effect. The goal is to avoid sharp lines or flatness—make it look spontaneous. A slight lift at the roots adds dimension, so scrunch your hair upward or gently use a blow-dryer on low heat to achieve this effect. This is perfect for anyone trying out guy’s hairstyles that are messy.

If you have medium-length hair, sea salt spray is your best friend. Apply it generously throughout damp hair, then blow-dry while scrunching your hair with your fingers to enhance natural waves. For added texture, follow up with a lightweight clay or cream. Use a pinching motion to shape select sections of hair while keeping the rest loose and natural. For men with messy hairstyles, this technique strikes the perfect balance of polished and undone.

For longer hair, the messy look pairs best with controlled waves or defined layers. Use a curling wand on a few strands for an effortlessly disheveled look, or stick with sea salt spray for a natural vibe. Focus on volume at the crown, as flat, long hair can detract from the “messy but polished” aesthetic. Finish with a texturizing powder to keep your hair looking light and airy. Long messy fringe hairstyles for a male can benefit from these techniques.

Make the Messy Look Yours

The beauty of the messy hairstyle lies in its ability to look relaxed yet deliberate. With the right techniques, tools, and care, you can make this versatile look work for you—no matter your hair type. Experiment with products and styling methods to find a routine that feels natural and fits your overall vibe. Once you master the art of “messy,” you’ll have a look that’s as low-maintenance as it is fashionable. A messy hairstyle for men is always on-trend and works for nearly any occasion.

Want to take the next step? Book an appointment today to get the messy hair look for men just right. Whether you’re aiming for something casual or a refined edge, a pro stylist can help you achieve controlled chaos like never before!

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Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.