Looking for a hairstyle that makes you look effortlessly cool? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Messy Short Look Hairstyle Ideas are perfect for guys who want to look sharp without spending too much time styling.
It’s all about that laid-back, yet put-together vibe that says, “I woke up like this.” Whether you’re running errands or meeting friends, this style works for any occasion and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance – who doesn’t love that?
“To get the perfect messy short look, use a light product like sea salt spray to add texture. It’ll keep your hair looking natural and messy without weighing it down. It’s all about that carefree style with a little bit of edge!” — John Doe, Hair expert
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. The Short Look Hairstyle is easy to rock, versatile, and can be adjusted to fit your personal style.
From a slightly tousled look to a more defined, spiky style, this hairstyle works with almost every type of hair. So why not give it a shot and let your hair do the talking? You won’t regret it!
15 Messy Short Look Hairstyle Ideas for Men
Here are the 15 Messy Short Look Hairstyles for Men with detailed descriptions, how-to steps, and tips:
1. Messy Textured Crop

The messy textured crop is a great hairstyle for men who want something stylish and easy to maintain. With short, choppy layers and a slightly messy finish, this look is perfect for men with thicker hair. It’s a modern, edgy style that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a crop cut with short, choppy layers.
- Keep the top slightly longer than the sides.
- Use a texturizing paste to add volume and texture.
- Blow-dry the top with your fingers for a messy, tousled finish.
- Use a small amount of pomade or wax to define the layers.
Tips:
- Keep the sides trimmed for a clean contrast with the top.
- Use a lightweight styling product to avoid weighing down the hair.
- Regular trims help maintain the texture and shape.
- Don’t over-style it; the messiness is the key!
2. Messy Quiff

A messy quiff combines volume and texture with a hint of classic style. The quiff adds height to the top of your head, while the messy finish gives it a modern, relaxed feel. It’s great for men who want a bold look that’s still easy to style.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for short sides and a longer top.
- Use a texturizing mousse to create volume at the top.
- Blow-dry the top while lifting it with a round brush for volume.
- Once dry, apply a light styling gel or pomade to hold the quiff.
- Use your fingers to style the quiff, giving it a messy finish.
Tips:
- Don’t make the quiff too neat—messy is key.
- Use a medium-hold styling product for flexibility.
- For extra volume, blow-dry your hair upside down.
- Trim the sides regularly to maintain the shape.
3. Messy Spiky Hair

The messy spiky hair look is all about giving your hair a bold, edgy appearance. With spiky ends and a lot of texture, this style works well for men who want a carefree, fun style that’s perfect for casual days.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a short, layered cut to create spikes.
- Apply a strong-hold gel or wax to damp hair.
- Use your fingers to style the spikes by lifting the ends.
- Blow-dry with your fingers to help define the spikes.
- Finish with a light hairspray to hold the spikes in place.
Tips:
- Avoid using too much product—just enough to hold the spikes.
- Use a lightweight hairspray to prevent the style from becoming stiff.
- Regular trims are essential to keep the spikes sharp.
- For a more natural look, try using a texturizing spray.
4. Messy Faux Hawk

The messy faux hawk combines the boldness of a mohawk with a more relaxed, tousled style. This look has short sides and a messy, voluminous top that gives it a cool, edgy vibe. It’s perfect for men who want something unique but not too over-the-top.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for short sides with a longer top section.
- Apply a voluminizing mousse to the top for lift.
- Blow-dry the hair upwards to create height and texture.
- Use a strong-hold wax or gel to define the faux hawk.
- Style the hair with your fingers for a messy, spiked look.
Tips:
- Don’t over-style; keep the top messy for a relaxed look.
- Use a medium-hold product for flexibility.
- Regular trims help keep the shape of the faux hawk.
- Finish with a light hairspray to hold it in place.
5. Messy Tapered Fade

The messy tapered fade is a modern take on the classic fade haircut. The sides are faded short, while the top is left longer and messy. It’s a great look for men who want a clean, sharp style with a little bit of texture on top.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a tapered fade on the sides and longer hair on top.
- Apply a texturizing cream to the top to add texture.
- Blow-dry with your fingers for a natural, messy look.
- Use a light-hold pomade to style and define the top.
- Keep the fade fresh with regular trims.
Tips:
- Use a texturizing spray for added volume on the top.
- Keep the fade clean and neat to contrast with the messy top.
- Avoid using heavy styling products—keep it light.
- Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the fade.
6. Messy Short Pompadour

The messy short pompadour combines volume with a more relaxed, tousled style. The hair is styled upwards and back, with the sides kept short. This is a great look for men who want a vintage-inspired hairstyle with a modern twist.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a short pompadour with a longer top and faded sides.
- Apply a voluminizing mousse to create lift at the roots.
- Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to shape the pompadour.
- Use a pomade or styling cream to hold the style in place.
- Finish by running your fingers through the hair to create a messy look.
Tips:
- Don’t overdo it with the products—keep it light and flexible.
- For extra volume, blow-dry your hair upside down.
- Trim the sides regularly to keep the shape neat.
- Let the style air-dry for a more natural look.
7. Messy Side-Parted Hair

A messy side-parted haircut is a versatile, classic style with a messy twist. The side part adds structure, while the messy texture on top keeps it modern and relaxed. It’s perfect for men who want a sophisticated yet casual look.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a side part with slightly longer hair on top.
- Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to add volume.
- Blow-dry your hair with a round brush to add texture.
- Use a light pomade or gel to define the side part.
- Finish by running your fingers through the hair for a messy, tousled effect.
Tips:
- Keep the part clean and defined for a more polished look.
- Use a light-hold product to avoid a stiff finish.
- For more texture, try using a sea salt spray.
- Trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the side part fresh.
8. Messy Textured Caesar Cut

The messy textured Caesar cut is a short, classic hairstyle with a modern twist. The bangs are kept short and textured, while the sides are tapered. This style works well for men who want a low-maintenance, yet stylish look.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a Caesar cut with short, textured bangs.
- Keep the sides tapered for a clean, sharp look.
- Use a texturizing cream or pomade to add definition.
- Blow-dry with your fingers to create a messy finish.
- Style the bangs forward for a textured, tousled appearance.
Tips:
- Keep the bangs short for a neat, defined look.
- Use a light styling cream to avoid weighing down the hair.
- Trim the sides regularly to keep the shape sharp.
- Let the hair air-dry for a more natural look.
9. Messy Brush-Up Hairstyle

The messy brush-up hairstyle is all about volume and movement. The hair is brushed up and back, but the messy texture gives it a laid-back, effortless vibe. This look is perfect for men who want a voluminous yet casual style.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a medium-length cut with more volume at the top.
- Apply a volumizing mousse to lift the roots.
- Blow-dry the hair upward to create volume and texture.
- Use a small amount of pomade or wax to define the shape.
- Style with your fingers to create a messy, tousled finish.
Tips:
- For more volume, blow-dry your hair upside down.
- Keep the sides short to contrast with the volume on top.
- Avoid using heavy products; keep it light and airy.
- Trim regularly to keep the shape fresh.
10. Messy High Fade with Textured Top

The messy high fade with textured top is a bold, stylish haircut that combines a sharp fade with a messy, voluminous top. It’s a modern look that’s perfect for men who want a high-contrast, edgy style.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a high fade with a longer, textured top.
- Apply a texturizing mousse to add volume to the top.
- Blow-dry with your fingers to create a messy look.
- Use a light pomade or wax to define the texture.
- Finish with a hairspray to keep the style in place.
Tips:
- Keep the fade clean and neat to contrast with the messy top.
- Use a lightweight product to avoid weighing down the hair.
- Trim the fade regularly to maintain the sharp look.
- Let the top air-dry for a more natural finish.
11. Messy Textured Fringe

The messy textured fringe is a fun and youthful style that’s perfect for men who want a messy, yet fashionable look. The fringe adds dimension to the front, while the layers on top create a relaxed, effortless vibe. This style is all about embracing texture and volume.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a medium-length cut with a textured fringe.
- Keep the sides shorter than the top for a clean contrast.
- Apply a lightweight styling cream to add texture.
- Blow-dry the top and fringe to add volume.
- Use your fingers to style the fringe and create a messy, tousled look.
Tips:
- Keep the fringe slightly uneven for a natural look.
- Use a light-hold styling cream to avoid stiffness.
- Trim the fringe regularly to keep it fresh and defined.
- Let your hair air-dry for a more natural finish.
12. Messy Crew Cut

The messy crew cut is a short, practical hairstyle with a bit of texture on top. It’s perfect for men who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The messy texture adds volume and gives the crew cut a modern, relaxed twist.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a crew cut with a slightly longer top and faded sides.
- Use a texturizing spray to add volume to the top.
- Blow-dry with your fingers to create a messy, tousled finish.
- Apply a light pomade or wax to define the texture.
- Use your fingers to style the top for a natural look.
Tips:
- Keep the sides short to contrast with the messy top.
- Don’t overuse styling products—keep it light and natural.
- Trim every few weeks to maintain the shape and fade.
- Let the hair air-dry for a more casual, relaxed style.
13. Messy Buzz Cut with Texture

The messy buzz cut with texture is a bold and edgy style that combines the clean lines of a buzz cut with added texture on top. It’s perfect for men who want a low-maintenance look with a bit of personality.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a buzz cut with slightly longer texture on top.
- Keep the sides very short for a clean, sharp look.
- Apply a texturizing cream to the top to add volume.
- Use your fingers to style the texture on top.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the texture intact.
Tips:
- Use a lightweight styling cream to avoid a heavy finish.
- Trim the sides regularly to keep the buzz cut sharp.
- Keep the texture on top subtle—don’t overdo it.
- Air-dry for a more natural look, rather than blow-drying.
14. Messy Caesar Cut

The messy Caesar cut is a classic, short hairstyle with a modern twist. The fringe is styled forward in a messy, textured way, while the rest of the hair is cut short for a clean, balanced look. This hairstyle is great for men who want a bold, easy-to-manage style.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a Caesar cut with a short, textured fringe.
- Keep the sides short and well-defined for contrast.
- Apply a texturizing mousse to add volume to the top.
- Blow-dry the fringe forward to create a messy look.
- Use a small amount of pomade to define the fringe.
Tips:
- Keep the fringe short and neat for the best effect.
- Use a light-hold product to maintain flexibility.
- Trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the cut fresh.
- Let your hair air-dry for a more natural finish.
15. Messy Short Side-Parted Haircut

The messy short side-parted haircut is a stylish yet relaxed look that combines structure and mess. The side part adds sophistication, while the texture on top keeps it casual and fun. This hairstyle is perfect for men who want a modern yet versatile style.
How to get the hairstyle:
- Ask for a short side-parted haircut with a longer top.
- Apply a volumizing mousse to the top for lift.
- Blow-dry the hair while lifting it at the roots.
- Use a small amount of pomade or gel to define the part.
- Scrunch the hair with your fingers for a messy, tousled look.
Tips:
- Keep the side part clean and well-defined for structure.
- Use a light-hold product to keep the texture flexible.
- Trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape and part.
- Let your hair air-dry for a natural, laid-back look.
FAQs
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does short hair make you look fatter? | Short hair does not necessarily make you look fatter. It depends on the cut, shape, and how it complements your face. |
How to make long hair look short? | You can make long hair look short by using hair clips, braiding, or by styling with bouncy curls or waves to create the illusion of shorter hair. |
How to get short hair to look messy? | To make short hair look messy, use a texturizing spray or mousse, blow-dry with your fingers, and add a little styling gel or pomade for extra texture. |
What are the 7 basic haircuts? | The 7 basic haircuts are: Bob, Blunt cut, Pixie cut, Layered cut, Shag cut, Buzz cut, and Bowl cut. |
Is short hair okay for chubby girls? | Yes, short hair can look great on chubby girls. It’s all about finding a flattering cut that complements your face shape and adds structure. |
What is the bixie haircut? | The bixie haircut is a combination of a bob and a pixie, offering the best of both worlds—short, choppy, and textured. |
How to style short hair? | To style short hair, use lightweight styling products, blow-dry with your fingers, and embrace natural texture for a messy or sleek look. |
Is short hair trendy in 2025? | Yes, short hair is expected to be trendy in 2025 with more people embracing modern, low-maintenance styles. |
What to wear on short hair? | With short hair, try statement earrings, scarves, or a chic outfit to highlight your hairstyle. Clothes that frame your face work best. |
Is short hair for summer or winter? | Short hair works well for both summer and winter. It’s versatile, cool for warmer weather, and can be styled with hats or scarves in colder months. |
Conclusion
And there you have it! We’ve shared plenty of messy short look hairstyle ideas for men, giving you all the inspiration you need to try something new and fresh. Whether you’re going for a bold, edgy look or just want something laid-back and effortless, there’s a style for everyone.
It’s all about having fun with your hair and embracing that messy, carefree vibe—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want to look great without spending too much time in front of the mirror?
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t be afraid to experiment with texture, layers, and volume. Messy is the new cool, and it’s all about wearing it with confidence. Have you tried any of these styles yet, or are you thinking of giving one a go? We’d love to hear about your experience!
Share your thoughts with us in the comments—we’re all in this together, and styling is all about having fun. Go ahead, rock that messy short hair and own the look! 🙌💇♂️