In a world where perfection often reigns supreme, the messy hair look stands as a refreshing rebellion, a celebration of effortless beauty and carefree charm. It’s a style that defies convention, embracing the natural texture and movement of hair, transforming it into a statement of individuality and style.
From celebrities gracing the red carpet to fashion icons rocking the streets, the messy hair look has captivated hearts and imaginations, proving its versatility and universal appeal. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, straight or curly, thick or thin, this guide will unveil the secrets to achieving this coveted look, empowering you to embrace your natural beauty and exude confidence.
Introduction to Messy Hair Look
The messy hair look has captivated hearts with its effortless charm and rebellious spirit. It exudes a sense of freedom, creativity, and nonchalance that resonates with people from all walks of life.
Celebrities and influencers like Cara Delevingne, Kristen Stewart, and Alexa Chung have made the messy hair look their signature style, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their natural texture and rock a more relaxed and lived-in aesthetic.
Suitability of Messy Hair Look
The messy hair look is a versatile style that can flatter a wide range of face shapes and hair types. For those with oval or diamond-shaped faces, the messy hair look can add width and create a more balanced appearance.
For those with round or square faces, the messy hair look can help soften sharp angles and create a more elongated look.
In terms of hair type, the messy hair look works well on both straight and curly hair. Straight hair can be styled with a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to create a beachy, undone look. Curly hair can be styled with a leave-in conditioner and a diffuser to enhance natural curls and create a voluminous, carefree style.
Techniques for Achieving the Messy Hair Look
Creating a messy hair look is an art form that combines effortless style with a touch of rebellion. Whether you have short, medium, or long hair, there are various techniques and products you can use to achieve this coveted look.
Step-by-Step Guide for Different Hair Lengths
Short Hair:
- Start with dry or slightly damp hair.
- Apply a small amount of mousse or gel to your roots for added texture and volume.
- Scrunch your hair with your hands to create natural-looking waves.
- Use a texturizing spray to add grit and definition to your hair.
Medium Hair:
- Begin with damp hair.
- Apply a volumizing mousse or spray to your roots.
- Braid your hair into two or three loose braids and let them dry naturally.
- Once dry, unravel the braids and gently separate the strands with your fingers.
Long Hair:
- Start with slightly damp hair.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to tame frizz and add moisture.
- Divide your hair into small sections and twist each section into a loose bun.
- Secure the buns with bobby pins and let them dry.
- After drying, undo the buns and finger-comb your hair to create soft, tousled waves.
Hair Products for Messy Hair
The right hair products can make all the difference in achieving the perfect messy hair look.
- Mousse: Adds texture and volume to hair, creating a foundation for the messy look.
- Gel: Provides a stronger hold and definition, ideal for creating spikes or more structured messy styles.
- Spray: Offers a light hold and a natural-looking finish, perfect for adding texture and movement to hair.
Hair Accessories for Enhancing the Messy Hair Look
Hair accessories can add an extra touch of style and personality to your messy hair.
- Headbands: A stylish way to keep hair out of your face while adding a pop of color or pattern.
- Clips: Use bobby pins or decorative clips to pin back sections of hair for a more structured look.
- Scarves: Tie a scarf around your head or wrap it loosely around your hair for a bohemian-inspired messy style.
Variations of the Messy Hair Look
The messy hair look is a versatile style that can be adapted to suit different occasions and personal preferences. From the beachy waves to the undone bun, there are numerous variations of this popular hairstyle. Let’s explore some of the most common messy hair looks and provide tips for achieving them.
Beach Waves
Beach waves are a relaxed and effortless style that exudes a carefree vibe. To achieve this look, start by applying a volumizing mousse or sea salt spray to damp hair. Scrunch your hair with your hands to create natural-looking waves.
You can also use a curling iron to create loose, beachy curls. Finish the look with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place.
Bedhead Look
The bedhead look is a tousled and messy style that gives the impression of just waking up. To achieve this look, start by rough-drying your hair until it is about 80% dry. Apply a texturizing spray or pomade to your hair and use your fingers to create separation and texture.
You can also use a curling iron to create loose, messy curls. Finish the look with a light-hold hairspray.
Undone Bun
The undone bun is a casual and chic style that is perfect for everyday wear. To achieve this look, start by pulling your hair into a high ponytail. Wrap the ponytail around the base of the ponytail holder to create a bun.
Leave a few strands of hair loose around your face for a relaxed and effortless look. You can also use a donut bun maker to create a more polished undone bun.
Examples of Celebrities and Influencers
- Beach Waves: Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston
- Bedhead Look: Kristen Stewart, Cara Delevingne, Alexa Chung
- Undone Bun: Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Styling Tips for the Messy Hair Look
The messy hair look can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions, from casual to formal. This look can be achieved with different hair types and textures, and with a few simple styling tricks, you can maintain it throughout the day.
Occasion-Based Styling
Styling the messy hair look for different occasions requires some consideration. For casual outings, a relaxed and effortless style is ideal. For formal events, a more polished and put-together look is appropriate. Work environments may call for a style that is professional yet stylish, while parties allow for more creativity and fun.
Hair Texture and Volume
The texture and volume of your hair play a crucial role in achieving the messy hair look. Thicker, denser hair holds the style better and creates more definition. Finer, thinner hair can benefit from texturizing products and styling techniques that add volume.
Maintaining the Look Throughout the Day
Maintaining the messy hair look throughout the day involves small touch-ups and styling tricks. Dry hair can be spritzed with a texturizing spray or dry texture spray to revive the look. Fine hair can be lifted at the roots with a root lifter or dry texturizer to keep it from falling flat.
Touch-Up Techniques
For quick touch-ups, using a small amount of dry texture spray or pomade can help refresh the style and add definition. If your hair is starting to look too messy or tangled, a quick brush-out or combing through the ends can help restore the look’s intended texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While achieving the messy hair look, it’s essential to avoid certain common mistakes that can lead to an unkempt or sloppy appearance. These mistakes often arise from a lack of understanding of the techniques and styling principles involved in creating a stylish messy hair look.
To help you achieve a perfectly messy hair look, we’ve identified some common pitfalls to avoid:
Over-brushing or Combing
Excessive brushing or combing can strip your hair of its natural oils, resulting in a dry, frizzy texture that lacks volume and definition. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair and create a more natural, lived-in look.
Using Too Much Product
Applying excessive hair products, such as gels, mousses, or sprays, can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy or stiff. Instead, use products sparingly and focus on creating texture and volume at the roots. Consider using a volumizing spray or dry shampoo to add body and lift to your hair.
Neglecting Hair Care
Healthy hair is the foundation for a stylish messy hair look. Make sure you’re following a regular hair care routine that includes washing, conditioning, and nourishing your hair. This will help keep your hair healthy, shiny, and manageable, making it easier to achieve the desired messy texture.
Creating Mess Without Purpose
Simply tousling your hair without any intention or technique can result in a messy look that lacks definition and style. To create a stylish messy hair look, focus on creating controlled chaos. Use your fingers or a comb to create texture and volume at the roots, while leaving the ends of your hair smooth and sleek.
This will give you a messy look with a polished finish.
Ignoring Your Face Shape and Hair Type
Not considering your face shape and hair type when styling your hair can lead to a messy look that doesn’t flatter your features or hair texture. For example, if you have a round face, avoid creating too much volume at the sides of your hair, as this can make your face look wider.
Instead, focus on adding height at the crown of your head to elongate your face shape.
Additional Resources
Expand your knowledge about messy hair with these valuable resources that offer tutorials, tips, and product recommendations.
Hair Care Blogs
- The Beauty Department: Offers in-depth guides and tutorials on achieving various messy hair looks, along with styling tips and product recommendations.
- A Beautiful Mess: Provides creative and easy-to-follow tutorials for messy hair, incorporating unique styling techniques and accessories.
- The Right Hairstyles: Features a comprehensive collection of messy hair looks, including step-by-step tutorials, styling advice, and product reviews.
YouTube Channels
- Hair by Chrissy: Chrissy Rasmussen’s channel is dedicated to messy hair styling, offering tutorials for different hair types and lengths, as well as product recommendations.
- TheSalonGuy: Guy Tang showcases his expertise in messy hair styling, sharing techniques for creating effortless and textured looks.
- Manes by Mell: Melissa Alatorre’s channel provides tutorials and tips for achieving messy hair looks, along with styling advice and product reviews.
Social Media Accounts
- @messyhair_inspo: An Instagram account dedicated to showcasing messy hair looks, featuring creative styling ideas and product recommendations.
- #messyhair: Explore the messy hair hashtag on Instagram for an endless stream of inspiration, styling tips, and product recommendations.
- r/MessyHair: Join the Reddit community dedicated to messy hair, where you can share your looks, ask questions, and learn from others.
Articles and Videos
- “The Messy Hair Trend: How to Get the Look”: An article from Harper’s Bazaar featuring step-by-step instructions, styling tips, and product recommendations for achieving messy hair.
- “Messy Hair Tutorial: 3 Easy Ways to Get the Look”: A video tutorial from Cosmopolitan that demonstrates three different methods for creating messy hair, suitable for different hair types and lengths.
- “The Best Messy Hair Products for Every Hair Type”: A buying guide from Byrdie that reviews and recommends hair care products specifically designed for creating messy hair.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on your messy hair journey, remember that the key lies in embracing your unique hair texture and personality. Experiment with different techniques, products, and accessories to discover the perfect combination that complements your style and enhances your natural beauty.
Embrace the freedom and playfulness of the messy hair look, allowing it to become an extension of your authentic self.
