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A messy hairstyle can give you a rugged, charming vibe, but how can you make sure it looks intentional rather than like you just rolled out of bed? Creating a messy look is all about adding volume to your hair and creating waves that you can easily achieve using some simple techniques. Here are 10 tips to help you easily master the messy hairstyle.
Steps
Visit a hairstylist to get textured layers.
This step is optional, but it will definitely make achieving the messy hairstyle easier. Go to a salon and tell the stylist that you want textured layers. Explain that your goal is to create a messy look so they can cut your hair accordingly. Textured cutting involves trimming your hair at different lengths in various spots, so when you style it, your hair will have more volume, a wilder feel, and a more rebellious look.
- Textured cutting involves varying lengths in different areas of your hair, which helps create a more dynamic, untamed look.
- The length of your hair is up to you. There are many ways to create a messy hairstyle, whether you have short, medium, or long hair.
Create a high fade or undercut on the sides.
This style is great for short, messy hair. Ask your barber to trim the hair on the sides and back really short using a number 1 or number 2 clipper setting. Keep the top longer so you can style it into a messy look.
- The extremely short sides will create a sharp contrast with the longer hair on top, drawing attention to the messy hairstyle on top of your head.
Wash your hair with shampoo 2-3 times a week.
Washing your hair less often will help add volume and make it better suited for a messy hairstyle. Try cutting down on daily washes if you have the habit of shampooing every day. This will help your hair stay healthier and more voluminous because the natural oils and moisture in your hair won’t be stripped away every day.
- If your hair gets greasy quickly, wash it every two days. If it doesn’t, you can go up to three days between washes.
- Dry shampoo can also be used between washes to keep excess oil at bay.
Use matte pomade or wax for styling.
These products help give your hair a more natural look. Rub a small amount of your chosen product between your hands and apply a thin, even layer to your hair. Use your fingers to spread the product throughout your hair, then style it into the messy look you prefer.
- For example, if you have medium-length hair, you can comb it back after applying the product for a backward messy look. Alternatively, you can let your hair fall naturally after applying the product for a more free-flowing, textured style.
- Hair wax is also known as putty, clay, texturing paste, or styling paste.
- Avoid shiny hair products like traditional pomades or gels, which can ruin the messy style you're aiming for.
- You can apply styling products to wet or dry hair.
Style your hair with sea salt spray.
This technique will give your hair a “just back from the beach” messy look. Start with damp hair, such as freshly washed hair. Spray the product all over your hair from all directions, then use your hands to shape the strands.
- Use as much or as little sea salt spray as you like. The more you apply, the drier and rougher your hair will look once the product dries.
- You can buy sea salt spray or make your own by mixing warm water with sea salt in a spray bottle, using a ratio of 1 cup (240 ml) of water to 1 tablespoon (17g) of sea salt.
Blow-dry your hair.
This method will give you a windswept messy look. Start with damp hair, then move the blow dryer around your head to dry your hair from all angles. Use your fingers to tousle the hair in different directions as it dries to create a windswept, messy style.
- Keep moving the blow dryer as if it's the wind – wild and free. Don’t dry in just one direction, or your hair won’t have the natural messy appearance you're going for.
- Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel when it's dry, as static electricity can cause frizz.
- You can also use this method after applying sea salt spray for that beach-day windswept look.
Try styling your hair into a faux hawk.
The faux hawk is a perfect style for thick hair. Trim the sides of your hair short, leaving at least 8-10 cm of hair on top. Apply a high or medium-hold product to the hair on top and spike the hair upward to create a mohawk look.
- This style can work with various hair lengths and textures, so don’t hesitate to experiment with a more modern, edgy messy style.
Comb your hair to one side.
This is a classic and quick way to style your hair. Rub a styling product into your hair, then mess it up. Use your fingers to quickly comb the hair to one side for a natural, free-spirited look.
- This style works for various hair lengths, but the hair on top should be at least medium length, about 8-10 cm or longer.
Create defined spikes and style the tips of your hair.
This hairstyle is ideal for those with slightly shorter hair on top. Apply the product to dry hair. Separate and twist sections of hair, pulling them in multiple directions to achieve the desired messy look.
- This hairstyle works well for all hair types, regardless of texture or thickness.
Embrace your natural afro hairstyle.
This is an excellent choice for individuals with curly or African-style textured hair. Let your hair grow long and maintain moisture by minimizing shampoo use and applying a daily moisturizer. Allow the curls to naturally form into a messy afro style.
- If desired, you can refine the look by selecting a center point of your afro and combing sections of hair in opposing directions. Avoid excessive combing to preserve the wild appearance.
- Shampooing 2-3 times a week is recommended for afro hair. For example, washing once a week is sufficient.
