30 Best Short Messy Hairstyles for Men That Look Effortless and Cool
Messy hairstyles have become a huge trend among men. They give off a relaxed and effortless vibe while still looking stylish and modern. Short messy hair is especially popular because it’s low-maintenance, comfortable, and versatile. Whether you’re heading to work, going out with friends, or just relaxing, messy hair can look cool without much effort.
In this article, we’ll look at 30 of the best short messy hair styles for men, from casual tousled looks to trendy textured cuts.
1. Classic Messy Crop
The messy crop is one of the easiest and most popular styles for men. The hair is cut short with some texture, then styled loosely with your fingers. This gives a natural, relaxed appearance. Men like it because it looks modern without trying too hard. It works well on straight or slightly wavy hair. A small amount of matte styling cream can enhance the messy look without making it stiff.
2. Messy Textured Fringe
This style keeps the hair short but with a fringe at the front that’s styled in a messy, layered way. It works well for men who want a youthful, trendy look. The messy fringe can be brushed forward or slightly to the side. It looks great on thick hair because the layers add depth and movement. A little styling paste helps hold the texture in place.
3. Tousled Quiff
The messy quiff is a stylish haircut that combines volume with a laid-back touch. Instead of being brushed neatly, the quiff is styled loosely for a carefree effect. This hairstyle works well for men with short to medium-length hair on top. It’s a great choice for casual outings or nights out. Use a light-hold wax or mousse to create the tousled effect.
4. Messy Crew Cut
The crew cut is a classic short haircut, but leaving a little more length on top allows for a messy look. This adds character to the traditional clean style. The messy crew cut is low-maintenance and easy to achieve. Just run your fingers through your hair with some styling product, and you’re done. It’s perfect for men who want something quick and effortless.
5. Spiky Messy Hair
Spiky styles have been around for years, but modern versions are more natural and textured. Instead of sharp spikes, the messy spiky look uses short strands styled loosely upward. This gives a playful, cool vibe. It works well with thick or straight hair. Matte clay or wax can create volume without making the hair look greasy.
6. Bedhead Look
The bedhead style is exactly what it sounds like—hair that looks like you just rolled out of bed, but in a stylish way. It requires short layers and a little product to keep the messiness controlled. Men love it because it feels effortless and casual. It works especially well for wavy or slightly curly hair. This look is perfect for weekends and laid-back events.
7. Messy Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut is usually neat and polished, but adding a messy twist makes it modern and relaxed. Keep the sides short and the top slightly longer, then style loosely with your fingers. This gives you a balance between professional and casual. Men like it because it’s versatile—you can wear it messy during casual times or comb it neatly for formal occasions.
8. Messy Side Part
A side part is a classic style, but wearing it messy gives it a fresh update. Instead of a sharp line, keep the part natural and tousled. The hair can be styled to one side with texture and volume. It works well for men with straight or wavy hair. This look is perfect for those who want something fashionable but not overly neat.
9. Messy Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut features a short fringe across the forehead, but styling it messily makes it trendy. The fringe is textured and uneven, giving a relaxed vibe. This haircut is easy to maintain and works well with thick or wavy hair. A small amount of product can add movement and definition. It’s a cool, youthful option for men who like short, casual hairstyles.
10. Messy Buzz Cut with Texture
Even a buzz cut can be styled in a messy way by leaving it slightly longer on top and adding texture. This gives a rugged and masculine look while keeping things simple. The messy buzz cut is very low-maintenance and works for all hair types. Men who don’t want to spend time on styling will appreciate this cut. A light texturizing spray can enhance the messy effect.
11. Messy Undercut
The messy undercut is a bold and stylish haircut where the sides are cut very short, while the top is left longer and tousled. This creates a strong contrast between neat sides and messy hair on top. Men like it because it looks edgy and modern. Parents or professionals can also appreciate that the cut can be styled neatly if needed. A bit of wax or pomade gives the messy texture, but you can also just run your fingers through it for a natural look.
12. Short Messy Pompadour
The pompadour is usually sleek and polished, but a messy version feels more relaxed. In this style, the hair is brushed upward and back, but left loose and textured. This adds volume without looking too formal. It works best for men with thick hair. A lightweight mousse or cream can hold the style in place while keeping it natural. It’s a great option for men who want a fashionable but laid-back vibe.
13. Messy Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a playful hairstyle that mimics a mohawk but is more subtle. For a messy version, the center strip of hair is styled loosely upward while the sides are shorter. Men love this cut because it looks cool without being extreme. It’s especially good for casual outings, parties, or weekends. A little gel or wax can help keep the messy spikes in place. This hairstyle is youthful and fun, perfect for men who like bold styles.
14. Short Messy Shag
The shag haircut has layers and texture, making it perfect for a messy style. A short shag works well for men who want movement and volume in their hair. The layers make the style look casual and relaxed without much effort. It’s especially good for men with wavy hair. A small amount of styling cream can define the texture and enhance the messy look. This style feels modern and carefree.
15. Textured Messy Quiff
The textured messy quiff is slightly different from the tousled quiff because it focuses on creating layers. The hair is styled upward but not too polished, with uneven sections for a messy effect. Men like this because it gives volume while still looking casual. It’s great for both casual and semi-formal occasions. A matte product works best for this style, keeping it natural and modern.
16. Short Messy Curly Hair
For men with naturally curly hair, a short messy style is one of the easiest and most attractive options. The curls are trimmed to a short length, then left loose for a natural messy look. Men like it because it feels comfortable and stylish. Parents or professionals appreciate that it’s low-maintenance and can be shaped neatly if needed. Using curl cream or conditioner helps define the curls without losing the messy vibe.
17. Messy Fringe with Fade
This haircut combines a textured fringe at the front with a faded cut on the sides. The fringe is styled forward and kept messy, while the fade keeps the haircut neat overall. Men love this style because it looks trendy and youthful. The messy fringe adds personality and works well for guys with straight or wavy hair. A touch of product can keep the fringe textured all day.
18. Short Messy Side Sweep
The messy side sweep is a classic hairstyle given a modern twist. The hair is combed to one side, but not perfectly neat—just tousled with some volume. Men like it because it’s stylish but still relaxed. It works well for both work and casual settings. The style is best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair. A little styling mousse can add movement while keeping the messy look intact.
19. Messy Spiky Fade
This hairstyle mixes spiky hair with a faded cut on the sides. The top is styled upward in loose, messy spikes, while the fade keeps the overall look sharp. Men like it because it feels youthful and energetic. It’s a great choice for men who want something bold but still neat around the edges. A lightweight gel or wax helps create volume without making the spikes too stiff.
20. Messy Caesar with Fade
The Caesar haircut is normally short and straight across the forehead, but making it messy gives it a modern twist. Pairing it with a fade on the sides makes it even sharper. Men like it because it’s easy to maintain while still being stylish. The fringe can be textured forward or slightly angled. This cut works well on thick or wavy hair. A bit of matte paste adds definition to the messy fringe.
21. Messy French Crop
The French crop is a short, modern haircut with a fringe in the front. For a messy version, the fringe and top are left textured and styled loosely. Men love it because it looks stylish with very little effort. The sides can be faded or tapered for a sharp contrast. This haircut works well for men with straight, thick, or even slightly wavy hair. A small amount of matte product helps keep the messy texture defined without looking stiff.
22. Short Messy Brush Up
The brush-up style pushes the hair upward, but in a messy, carefree way. Instead of neat spikes, the strands are tousled for a relaxed finish. Men like it because it adds height and volume, making the hair look thicker. It’s a great option for casual events or a night out. Use a blow dryer and light-hold mousse to keep the style in place while maintaining its messy charm.
23. Messy Crop with Fade
This style combines a textured crop with faded sides. The hair on top is layered and tousled, giving a relaxed look. The fade keeps the haircut neat and sharp. Men enjoy this style because it’s trendy yet practical for everyday wear. It works well for both straight and wavy hair. A touch of styling cream enhances the texture while keeping the overall vibe messy and effortless.
24. Messy Modern Mullet
The modern mullet has made a comeback, and the messy version feels casual and cool. In this cut, the back is left slightly longer, while the top and front are styled loosely. Men like it because it adds personality and stands out from classic short cuts. It’s a playful style that works well for social events. Light styling cream or spray helps maintain the messy, textured flow without making it too wild.
25. Short Messy Waves
For men with naturally wavy hair, keeping it short and messy brings out the best of the texture. The waves add natural volume, and the messy styling makes it look casual and modern. Men like it because it feels stylish without much effort. This haircut is low-maintenance, needing only a little cream or mousse to define the waves. It’s perfect for both everyday wear and more fashionable settings.
26. Messy Textured Crop with Line-Up
This haircut pairs a textured, messy crop with a clean line-up around the hairline. The contrast between sharp edges and messy layers creates a bold look. Men like it because it feels modern and stylish. The line-up keeps the haircut looking neat even with the messy top. It works best for thick, straight, or wavy hair. Matte paste or clay helps emphasize the texture on top.
27. Messy High Fade
The high fade haircut is sharp and modern, but when combined with messy hair on top, it creates a balanced style. The sides are faded high, while the top is styled loosely with texture. Men enjoy this because it looks trendy and masculine. It’s also versatile—you can keep it casual or style it neater when needed. A lightweight styling product keeps the messy top defined all day.
28. Messy Cropped Mohawk
This hairstyle is a more subtle take on the mohawk, where the center strip of hair is styled messily upward. The sides can be faded or tapered short. Men like it because it feels bold but not too extreme. It’s a fun haircut for casual settings and gives a playful vibe. A touch of wax or clay keeps the messy spikes in place without making them look too rigid.
29. Short Messy Layers
Layered cuts are great for men who want natural movement in their hair. A short layered haircut styled messily gives texture and depth. Men like it because it looks stylish with very little work. The layers make the style adaptable for both straight and wavy hair. Simply run your fingers through with a small amount of product, and you’ll have a cool, effortless look.
30. Messy Taper Cut
The taper cut is classic and clean, but leaving the top messy adds a modern twist. The hair gradually shortens down the sides and back while the top stays textured. Men love it because it’s versatile—you can wear it neat for work or messy for casual days. It works well on most hair types. A matte cream or mousse helps maintain the messy style without weighing the hair down.
Final Thoughts
Messy hairstyles are all about looking stylish without trying too hard. From crops and fades to waves and faux hawks, short messy styles give men many options to match their personality. They are easy to maintain, comfortable to wear, and perfect for both casual and semi-formal occasions. With these 30 short messy haircuts, every man can find a look that feels fresh, modern, and effortlessly cool.
