30 Best Short Messy Hair Men Styles for 2025
Messy hairstyles for men are one of the biggest trends in recent years. They give off a relaxed, confident vibe while still looking stylish. Short messy hair is especially popular because it’s low-maintenance, easy to style, and fits almost every face shape. Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, there’s a messy style that will suit you perfectly.
In this guide, we’ll go through 30 of the best short messy hair styles for men, explaining how they work and why they’re great choices.
1. Classic Messy Crop
The classic messy crop is short on the sides with more length on top. The top hair is textured and styled loosely for a casual, natural look. Men love it because it’s modern and easy to maintain. It works on straight and wavy hair and doesn’t need much styling. Just use a bit of matte cream or paste and run your fingers through your hair. This haircut looks stylish without trying too hard.
2. Messy Textured Fringe
The textured fringe haircut is all about layers at the front. The fringe is kept slightly longer and styled in a messy way. This gives a youthful and trendy appearance. Men like it because it can make the face look sharper. It’s perfect for thick hair because the layers create movement. A little styling product helps keep the messy texture in place throughout the day.
3. Tousled Quiff
The quiff is a classic style, but leaving it tousled makes it more relaxed. The hair is brushed upward and back, but not too neatly. This adds volume and a carefree touch. It works best for men with thick or straight hair. A lightweight mousse or matte clay can hold the quiff without making it stiff. It’s a great haircut for casual days and nights out.
4. Messy Crew Cut
The crew cut is normally clean and sharp, but keeping it slightly longer on top lets you add a messy twist. This makes the haircut more modern and interesting. Men like it because it’s simple and quick to style. Just rub a little product through the top with your fingers. It’s low-maintenance, easy, and works for almost every hair type.
5. Spiky Messy Hair
Spiky hair has always been popular, but the modern version is looser and less structured. Instead of stiff spikes, the strands are styled upward in a messy way. This gives a playful and youthful vibe. It works well with short, thick hair. Matte wax or clay can add texture without making the hair look greasy. It’s a bold but fun style for men of all ages.
6. Bedhead Look
The bedhead hairstyle is meant to look like you just woke up—but stylishly. It works best with layered short hair. Men like it because it feels effortless but still cool. It suits wavy and slightly curly hair especially well. To achieve it, just apply a little cream or mousse and scrunch your hair. This style is perfect for weekends, casual hangouts, and relaxed events.
7. Messy Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut is a neat style, but leaving the top messy makes it trendy. The sides are short, and the top is long enough for tousled styling. Men like it because it works for both casual and formal settings. You can wear it messy when relaxing or comb it neatly for work. It’s versatile and stylish, making it a great all-round haircut.
8. Messy Side Part
The messy side part is a relaxed twist on the classic hairstyle. Instead of a sharp line, the part is natural and tousled. The hair is brushed to one side with volume. Men enjoy it because it looks fashionable without being too polished. It’s suitable for straight and wavy hair. A little styling cream helps keep it in shape while keeping the messy texture.
9. Messy Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut is a short style with a fringe across the forehead. Adding texture and messiness gives it a modern upgrade. Men like this haircut because it’s easy to maintain. It works best with thick hair that can hold texture. The fringe can be styled forward or slightly uneven. A touch of product adds volume and makes the style look relaxed but cool.
10. Messy Buzz Cut with Texture
The buzz cut is the simplest short haircut, but leaving it slightly longer on top adds room for messy texture. This creates a rugged look that’s easy to maintain. Men like it because it requires almost no effort. It works for all hair types, including straight, curly, and wavy. A texturizing spray or cream can highlight the messy strands without losing the short, clean shape.
11. Messy Undercut
The undercut is bold, with very short sides and longer hair on top. Styling the top messily adds a fashionable twist. The contrast between neat sides and messy top makes this cut stand out. Men love it because it’s edgy but versatile. You can wear it messy for casual events or style it neatly for formal occasions. A little wax or pomade is all you need.
12. Short Messy Pompadour
The pompadour is usually sleek, but a messy version feels relaxed and modern. The hair is pushed upward and backward but left loose. It works best with thick or voluminous hair. Men like it because it looks stylish without too much effort. A lightweight mousse or styling cream helps keep it in place. It’s ideal for nights out, dates, or fashionable events.
13. Messy Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a playful cut with hair styled upward in the center. A messy version keeps it less structured, making it more casual. Men love it because it feels bold but wearable. The sides are shorter, which makes the center stand out. It’s especially great for younger men or anyone who likes trendy looks. Use a little wax or clay for the messy spikes.
14. Short Messy Shag
The shag haircut uses layers for natural movement. A short shag styled messily is relaxed and stylish. Men like it because it feels modern and cool without much effort. It suits wavy and straight hair best. Just apply some styling cream to define the texture. This cut works great for casual outings and creative settings.
15. Textured Messy Quiff
This version of the quiff focuses on layers and messy styling. The hair is lifted upward but not polished, giving a relaxed finish. Men enjoy this style because it adds volume while staying casual. It’s great for both casual days and semi-formal events. Matte paste or clay works well to hold the texture in place without shine.
16. Short Messy Curly Hair
For men with curls, a short messy style is one of the easiest and most attractive options. The curls are trimmed short and left loose for a natural messy look. Men like it because it’s stylish and low-maintenance. Curl cream or conditioner helps define the curls while keeping them soft. It’s a great haircut for casual everyday life.
17. Messy Fringe with Fade
This cut pairs a textured fringe with faded sides. The fringe is styled forward in a messy way, while the fade keeps the haircut neat overall. Men love it because it looks trendy and youthful. It works well with thick or straight hair. A bit of product helps the fringe stay textured throughout the day.
18. Short Messy Side Sweep
The side sweep is brushed to one side, but a messy version keeps it tousled. This adds volume and texture for a relaxed finish. Men like it because it looks smart but not too serious. It works best for straight or slightly wavy hair. Use a little mousse for movement and hold. It’s a flexible style for both work and casual events.
19. Messy Spiky Fade
This haircut combines spiky texture on top with a fade on the sides. The spikes are loose and messy for a playful look. Men love it because it feels youthful and fun. The fade keeps everything sharp around the edges. Matte clay or wax works best to create messy spikes without stiffness. It’s perfect for men who want bold styles.
20. Messy Caesar with Fade
The Caesar haircut can also be paired with a fade for extra sharpness. Keeping the fringe messy gives it a modern twist. Men like it because it’s easy and stylish. The fade makes the haircut neat, while the messy fringe adds personality. It works best with straight or wavy hair. A little paste helps keep the fringe defined.
21. Messy French Crop
The French crop is neat, but styling it messily makes it trendy. The fringe is textured and uneven, giving a relaxed feel. Men like it because it’s youthful and stylish. It works with most hair types, especially thick hair. A matte product adds definition. It’s low-maintenance but fashionable.
22. Short Messy Brush Up
The brush-up style lifts the hair upward, but a messy version keeps it loose. This adds volume and texture. Men enjoy it because it makes hair look thicker. It’s perfect for casual outings. A blow dryer and light mousse help achieve the look. The result is relaxed but cool.
23. Messy Crop with Fade
This style combines a textured crop with faded sides. The top is layered and messy, while the fade keeps it clean. Men like it because it’s practical and modern. It works with straight or wavy hair. Styling cream enhances the texture. It’s simple but stylish.
24. Messy Modern Mullet
The mullet is back, and a messy version feels fun and edgy. The back is slightly longer, while the top is tousled. Men like it because it stands out. It’s a playful cut for casual life. Styling cream or spray keeps it messy but controlled. It’s a bold and unique option.
25. Short Messy Waves
For wavy hair, short messy waves are perfect. The waves add natural texture and movement. Men love it because it’s low-maintenance and stylish. A little cream or mousse helps define the waves. It works for casual and semi-formal settings. The look is fresh and modern.
26. Messy Crop with Line-Up
This haircut has a messy crop on top with sharp, clean edges (line-up) around the hairline. The contrast looks very modern. Men like it because it’s both neat and relaxed. It works best with thick hair. Matte clay enhances the messy texture. This cut is trendy and fashionable.
27. Messy High Fade
The high fade is sharp, but pairing it with a messy top makes it more casual. The sides are faded high, while the top is textured. Men like it because it looks masculine and stylish. It works on most hair types. A matte product helps keep the top defined. It’s a great balance of neat and messy.
28. Messy Cropped Mohawk
This haircut keeps a strip of hair in the center, styled loosely upward. The sides are cut short or faded. Men love it because it’s bold but not extreme. It works for casual and fun settings. Wax or clay keeps the spikes messy but stylish. It’s youthful and trendy.
29. Short Messy Layers
Layers add natural movement, and when styled messily, they look even better. Short messy layers suit both straight and wavy hair. Men enjoy this style because it requires little effort. Just run your fingers through with a bit of cream. It’s relaxed but very stylish.
30. Messy Taper Cut
The taper cut is classic, but leaving the top messy makes it modern. The hair gradually shortens on the sides and back. Men like it because it’s versatile and fits any occasion. It works with most hair types. Matte cream or mousse keeps the messy top in shape. It’s timeless yet trendy.
Final Thoughts
Messy hairstyles are all about effortless style. They’re perfect for men who want to look fashionable without spending too much time on hair. From crops and fades to waves and quiffs, these 30 short messy hairstyles give you plenty of options. They’re easy to maintain, versatile, and stylish—perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.
