How to Do a Messy Hairstyle for Men (Without It Looking Scruffy) (2024)

When done right, a messy hairstyle on men can really work to create a cool, laid-back and effortless style. But there's definitely a fine line between looking stylishly dishevelled and just plain scruffy.

So, how do you make sure you don't look like you just rolled out of bed?

It's really all in the products and the techniques you use.

You'll want a good set of hair styling products on hand that will help you smooth down the frizz but still create that messy texture. And the techniques you use to get there will keep your style locked in place all day long, ensuring it doesn't fall flat or look too wild.

We've laid out our 4 steps to achieving a perfectly imperfect messy hairstyle for men, along with the best products to get the job done.

First things first, you'll need to stock up on a few key hair styling products.

A messy 'do essentially requires tousling up your hair and adding some light curls or waves to create that textured look. There are a couple of different products you can use to do this, but here are our recommendations...

One of the key characteristics of a messy hairstyle is volume. So, it's important to start with the right foundation – your shampoo and conditioner.

We recommend using a volumising or thickening shampoo and conditioner to give your hair a bit of extra oomph. If you have straight, fine, or flat hair, this will be important in creating that messy texture later on.

Without the right shampoo and conditioner, your hair may end up looking limp and lifeless – definitely not what we're going for.

We always reach for our , as these two products work together to give us the volume and texture we need for a perfect messy hairstyle.

Even just after the first wash, you'll notice your hair feeling fuller and thicker, which is exactly what we're after.

Plus, the ingredients in our formulations help to combat male pattern hair loss and restore hair health, so you're not only getting a great messy hairstyle but also taking care of your hair at the same time.

If you don't already have a bottle of sea salt spray in your styling collection, now's the time to invest.

A sea salt spray is exactly what it sounds like – a spray that contains sea salt (and other minerals and ingredients) to create texture and volume in hair. The salt expands hair fibres, making it appear thicker and adding a gritty texture.

The important thing is to choose a lightweight sea salt spray, especially when creating a messy hairstyle. A formula that is too heavy will weigh down your hair and make it appear greasy and clumped together, which is definitely not the look we're going for.

Our top choice (and our customers’) is Marine Mist.

This premium, powerful sea salt spray is enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5 and a professional blend of amino acids and proteins, making it gentle on your hair while still providing all-day texture and hold.

We also use Unrefined Atlantic Sea Salt in our spray, with a higher salt density than you'll find in most off-the-shelf brands. This means more texture in your hair and less fuss with reapplying throughout the day.

Sea Salt Spray For Men: The Ultimate Guide 2024

For extra hold, we like to use a styling clay or compound alongside a sea salt spray. Where a sea salt spray is great for adding texture, a clay or compound will give you more control over the shape and style of your hair.

These products work by coating your hair strands and creating a matte finish, without making your hair feel stiff or sticky.

The best pick for a messy hairstyle is our Hybrid Hair product. With an average 5-star rating from our customers, this versatile hair styling product is perfect for creating a messy look that lasts all day.

Formulated with Icelandic Bentonite Clay, British Beeswax, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Atlantic Sea Salt, this hybrid styling compound provides a flexible hold and texture, without leaving a greasy residue or weighing your hair down.

It also smooths down flyaways, which will stop you from looking too dishevelled and unkempt.

Start by washing your hair with a volumising shampoo and conditioner, like our Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner Set mentioned earlier. This will give your hair the foundation it needs for volume and texture.

Make sure to really work the product in and thoroughly wash it out.

Using a blast of cold water after rinsing can also help to prevent any frizz or flyaways.

After lightly and gently towel-drying your hair, spritz a small amount of sea salt spray directly into your hair, coating from root to tip.

Gently scrunch your hair with your hands to help distribute the product and create that messy texture.

Use pulsing motions rather than rubbing or combing through, as this can create unwanted flat spots in your hair. You can also use your fingers in a comb-like motion to separate and lift your hair for added volume.

This step is optional, but it will help to define the texture you've created even further.

Using a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment, gently move the hairdryer around your head, focusing on lifting and scrunching your hair as you go.

The diffused heat will help to set the sea salt spray in your hair, while also adding more volume and texture.

Finally, scoop out a small amount of Hybrid Hair (or whatever styling clay or compound you have on hand) and rub it between your palms. Make sure you've properly warmed up the product before applying it to your hair.

Use the same combing motion with your fingers to create separation and texture, while also adding more hold and control.

Remember, a little goes a long way with these products, so start small and add more as needed. You can always go back and add more, but it's harder to take away once it's been applied.

A messy hairstyle can work on any hair length, whether you have a short crop or longer locks. And the techniques are really the same, too.

You'll just need to adjust the amount of product you use depending on your hair length and thickness. For example, you'll need to use less product on shorter hair than you will on medium or long hair.

For long hair, you might want to spend a little longer scrunching the product in and diffusing it to ensure it's evenly distributed throughout your hair. There's also more hair on your head (to state the obvious), so you may need more product for hold and control.

Men’s Hair Length Chart With Styling Ideas

Whether you're searching for your new daily go-to 'do, or want to try out a more casual and relaxed style for an occasion, a messy hairstyle for men is the way to go.

Just make sure you have the right products and techniques on hand, and you'll be rocking that effortlessly cool and edgy look in no time.

You can shop all our essential hair styling products mentioned in this guide below, along with our other premium hair care and grooming products. Hair styling has never been so easy.

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