I. Introduction
Sick of that old predictable cut? Messy hair is so easy and excellent for guys with straight hair, but it is also one of the most unachievable cuts: you don’t want it to look clean, but you want it to be textured and voluminous.
With this guide we break down the process so you can empower yourself with knowledge and products to create your little style mess.
Learn the ideal cuts, styling tips, product recommendations, and straight hair maintenance to try that elusive, effortlessly cool style.
II. Understanding Straight Hair’s Unique Needs for a Messy Style
Straight hair often lacks curly or wavy hair’s natural texture and volume. You must create texture and volume to achieve a messy look—not just let your hair fall.
- Product Recommendations (by hair type): The right product makes a huge difference. Different products cater to other hair types and desired levels of hold:
- Fine Hair: Using volumizing mousses (e.g., Redken Windblown Mousse) or lightweight texturizing sprays (e.g., Living Proof Full Shampoo) is ideal. Avoid heavy pomades or waxes.
- Medium Hair: Texturizing sprays (e.g., Kevin Murphy Angel Wash) or pliable waxes (e.g., a styling wax like the American Crew Shaping Wax) work well. You can also use light-to-medium hold pomades, for example, Baxter of California Clay Pomade.
- Thick Hair: Texturizing sprays such as American Crew Anti-Humidity Styling Spray can be used along with some strong-hold pomade or clay pomade, American Crew Shaping Pomade; one can use all of them at the same time for the best effect.
- Washing & Drying: Use sulfation-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the natural oils and avoid excessive washing. Dry with a high-velocity hairdryer, directing airflow upwards to lift the roots. Diffusing can also create a tousled, less structured look. Detangle it with a wide-tooth comb and some volume supplied with a boar-bristle brush.
III. Top 10 Messy Haircuts for Guys with Straight Hair
1. Effortless Crop (The “Low-Key Mess”):
A short, slightly layered crop with a slightly uneven texture. For an easy and quick casual style with subtle texture, this one is suitable for those searching.
Styling: Texturizing spray or light hold of a pomade. Use your fingers to tousle and shape the hair, focusing on creating slight variations in length.
2. Textured Fringe (The “Statement Mess”):
A versatile option, especially for straight hair. It can be varied in length and style to complement different face shapes.
Apply a strong-hold texturizing paste or a pliable styling wax for hold and definition, and sculpt the fringe into place, working in sections to achieve the desired look and feel.
3. Wavy Undercut (The “Edgy Volume”):
This is the “Edgy Volume a layered undercut with natural-looking waves or bends, great for any person looking for a radical, textured look.
Styling: Use a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray for added texture. Add some product to the top section to add volume and shape. Then, style the undercut into a sharp, layered look.
4. Long Layered Mess (The “Controlled Chaos”):
Perfect for longer straight hair, graduated layers add dimension for a naturally messy appearance. The look is controlled messiness.
Styling: Apply a texturizing spray or lightweight pomade, working in sections with a round brush, to enhance the layered structure of the hair. Work with your fingers to add volume and direction.
5. Side-Swept Tousled Look (The “Effortless Cool”):
Casual yet stylish. Hair brushed off to one side, with a highly relaxed yet fashionable look.
Styling: An application of a wee bit of texturizing spray or light hold pomade with a light hair mess at the ends by running fingers through to one side.
6. High-Fade with Textured Top (The “Modern Edge”):
A smooth fade with a textured top has given this a stylish, street-edge line. This is a more structured, messy look.
Styling: Use a texturizing spray or pomade to add texture to the top section. Maintain the clean lines and sharp angles of the fade.
7. Tousled Quiff (The “Full-On Volume” ):
A somewhat messy quiff.
Styling: Utilize a volumizing mousse or clay pomade to create maximum volume. Use a styling brush or comb to shape the quiff.
8. Modern Pompadour (The “Defined Mess”):
A sculpted, controlled mess with a modern take on the classic pompadour.
Styling: Style and add texture using a pliable clay pomade or wax.
9. Long Straight Mess with a Graduated Back (The “Sleek & Laid-back”):
Longer straight hair with a graduated, textured back. A clean yet effortless appearance.
Styling: Focus on creating texture and dimension in the top and mid-sections of the hair. Maintain a smooth look in the back, focusing on a well-defined line.
10. Classic Messy Undercut (The “Sharp Mess”):
A classic undercut with a slightly messy, yet controlled, top section.
Styling: Use a texturizing paste or pliable wax to hold and texture the top section of hair. Maintaining the clean and crisp line of the undercut but adding a touch of mess to the top.
IV. Styling Tips and Tricks
Prepping Your Straight Hair:
- Step 1: Wash and Condition: Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your natural oils intact in your hair. Do not over-wash, as multiple washes can help remove the natural oils from your hair that would have otherwise been rich, which makes it hard to get and maintain a messy look. Perfect quality conditioner is essential for healthy hair.
- Step 2: Use of pre-styling products: For straight-haired, using such products has no alternative because they offer no texture, and applying a texturizing spray, volumizing mousse and the same flexible styling cream will give hair that lift and hold for the first time. The product type depends on your hair’s thickness and the desired texture. For fine hair, focus on mousses and light sprays; for thicker hair, you might need a combination of products.
- Step 3: Dry Your Hair Strategically: Use a hairdryer at medium to high speed and heat, directing the airflow upwards to lift the roots and create volume. For a textured, tousled look, try diffusing your hair instead of using a brush to dry it. This will help develop natural-looking waves and bends.
- Step 4: Apply Styling Products During Drying: Use your fingers and a round brush to mold and shape your hair. Apply more styling products as needed to achieve your desired level of texture. This step helps the product work into the hair.
Achieving the Perfect Mess:
- Section by Section Styling: Divide your hair into sections. Work with each section independently to create texture and volume. Apply product to each section as needed. Use your fingers or a styling brush to create the desired messy look.
- Texturizing Techniques: Avoid creating overly stiff or structured styles. Instead, focus on creating a loose, textured appearance. Use your fingers to scrunch, twist, and tousle sections of your hair. Don’t brush excessively once styling is complete.
- Maintaining Control: Use the right products. Too much product can look unnatural; too little product may give you insufficient hold and make the hair look flat.
- Layer Texture with the Cut: Work with the shape of your cut. Consider how layering, or lack of layering, can contribute to a messy style.
Styling Products Comparison:
- Texturizing Sprays: Add volume and texture. Best for fine or medium hair, it adds lift. Example: Living Proof Full Shampoo.
- Mousses: For maximum lift and volume, especially on fine hair. Example: Redken Windblown Mousse.
- Pomades: Varying holds for shaping and texture from light to firm. Example: Baxter of California Clay Pomade or American Crew Defining Paste.
- Waxes: Provide hold, texture, and shaping flexibility. Example: American Crew Defining Wax.
- Tips for Product Choice: Consider your hair type (fine, medium, thick), desired hold (light, medium, strong), and desired level of texture when selecting products. A combination of products may be necessary for the desired outcome.
V. Maintaining Your Messy Haircut
Daily/Weekly Styling Routines:
Depending on the style and products used, you may want to refresh your hair with a light texturizing spray or a touch of styling cream throughout the week.
Consider whether you must reapply the product on specific areas or sections for continued volume and texture.
Product Maintenance Guide:
Learn to layer products for long-lasting hold. Some styling products provide longer hold than others. Pay attention to how your hair responds to different products to achieve optimal hold.
Addressing Problems:
- Hair looking too slick: Reduce the amount of product used or try a different product with less hold or more texture.
- Hair looking too flat: Add more product or try a more robust hold product. Consider altering your drying technique to encourage more volume.
VI. Styling Considerations Based on Face Shape
Different face shapes benefit from different messy haircuts. And, of course, your chop and style may accentuate the face shape, so a messy side-swept look will elongate a round face, while a shorter crop is much more flattering for a square-shaped face.
VII. Hair Length, Product Choice, and Your Hair Type
- Hair Length Compatibility: Longer hair may require more layering to achieve a similar effect and volume as shorter hair. The approach and product selections should match the length of your hair and the desired level of messiness.
- Product Recommendations Tailored to Straight Hair: Fine hair may benefit from more mousse or volumizing sprays. Thicker hair might require a more concentrated or potent hold, pomade, or wax.
VIII. How to Find a Stylist for Your Messy Haircut?
- Salon Search: A glance at salons that should have Stylists who are trained to make textured hairstyles and then someone who specializes in working with straight hair types.
- Salon Criteria: Ask stylists about their experience with men’s styling, exceptionally messy looks, and how they can create texture and volume on straight hair. A great stylist will be able to understand your style and your needs.
IX. Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a quick FAQ on messy men’s cuts for the straight-haired gentleman, sorted for your convenience:
About the Haircut Itself:
Q: How do I know what messy haircut will suit me best?
A: Consider face shape, hair length, and lifestyle. A stylist will help you pick a cut that balances well with your features and how you like wearing your hair. A consultation with a stylist is always necessary. Do not be afraid to experiment!
Q: Can I achieve a messy look with any straight hair length?
A: Yes, you can. However, styling techniques and product choices may differ based on hair length. Longer hair may benefit from specific layering techniques for volume and texture.
Q: Will a messy haircut look good on my face shape?
A: Different face shapes can benefit from different messy cuts. A stylist can help you determine which styles will enhance your features. For example, a side-swept style can elongate a round face. A textured crop or shorter cut might suit a square face better.
About Styling and Products:
Q: How do I know which products work best for my straight hair?
A: Experiment! This guide provides product suggestions based on hair thickness and texture. Start with a small amount of product and adjust as needed.
Q: Can I get a messy look without using many products?
A: Yes! Start with a texturizing spray or a light-hold pomade. Focus on proper styling techniques, including the suitable drying method, to create the desired volume and texture without overwhelming the hair.
Q: How long will my messy hairstyle last?
A: The longevity of a messy hairstyle depends on hair type, the styling products used, and your lifestyle. Some styles will last longer with certain products.
Depending on the chosen product and style, you may need to refresh your style with product reapplication throughout or at the end of each day.
About Maintenance and Styling:
Q: How do I maintain the texture and volume of my messy cut over time?
A: Follow the specific maintenance tips outlined for your chosen style. Regular use of texturizing spray or dry shampoo can help maintain texture.
Q: How can I keep my hair less slick and more textured?
A: Be sure to use appropriate styling products. Dry your hair in a way that allows for the texture to be created.
Using your hands to style and shape the hair will also help with the texture. Avoid over-brushing or using excessive amounts of product.
X. Conclusion
Recap of Key Points: This guide has covered the importance of understanding straight hair’s specific needs for achieving a messy style.
Key factors include choosing the correct products tailored to your hair thickness, using appropriate styling techniques, and understanding how to maintain the style over time.
The right haircut and styling choices are essential to ensure the style will be relevant to your face shape.
Final Styling Advice:
Adjusting for Different Activities: If you’re preparing for an event or are involved in an activity that requires a more structured look, consider changing your style accordingly.
Use a more flexible hold product, and feel the need to redo any areas of your haircut that might loosen throughout the day.
Styling for Different Occasions: A relaxed, slightly messy style might be perfect for casual outings.
A more controlled version of the messy style may be more appropriate for formal events or more structured settings.
Use a more robust hold product if necessary, or pay more attention to details when shaping the hairstyle.
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