Stylish Messy Haircuts for Guys with Straight Hair

Tired of stiff, structured hairstyles? Embrace a more relaxed, natural look with a messy haircut. Messy haircuts for guys with straight hair are all about effortless cool, offering a versatile option for any length or texture. This guide will show you everything you need to know about men's messy hairstyles, from choosing the right cut to mastering the styling techniques and products.

Best Messy Haircuts for Guys with Straight Hair

If you're a guy with straight hair looking for a stylish and low-maintenance option, messy haircuts are the way to go. Men's messy hairstyles offer a variety of ways to add texture, movement, and personality to your look without requiring hours of styling. Here are some of the best messy haircuts for guys with straight hair:

Textured Crop

The textured crop is a classic men's messy hairstyle that's perfect for guys with fine or thin hair. The short, choppy layers create natural movement and texture, giving the illusion of thicker hair. To style a textured crop, use a matte clay or paste for definition and hold without any shine. Pair it with a fade or taper on the sides for a modern, clean look.

Messy Quiff

The messy quiff is a versatile men's hairstyle that combines volume and texture. Unlike the classic quiff, which can look a bit stiff and formal, the messy quiff has a more relaxed, effortless vibe. To style a messy quiff, use a blow dryer and a lightweight product to create height and movement. This style works well in both casual and formal settings.

Short and Spiky

For a bolder, edgier look, try a short and spiky messy hairstyle. Keep the spikes slightly irregular and textured for a casual, undone feel. A medium-hold matte product will keep your spikes in place while maintaining a natural, touchable finish. This cut is perfect for guys who want a bit of definition and attitude. Pair it with an undercut or fade for added contrast.

Medium-Length Flow with a Messy Touch

Embrace your hair's natural movement with a medium-length flow. Layering is key to adding dimension and preventing this style from looking flat. Enhance the texture with a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse for a relaxed, carefree vibe. This is a great option for guys who want a versatile style that works for both casual and professional settings.

Long and Loose Messy Style

If you have longer hair, the long and loose messy style is a great way to embrace a natural, carefree look. Layering will prevent your hair from looking flat or weighed down. A light styling cream or leave-in conditioner will enhance texture and keep your hair healthy and frizz-free. This is a perfect low-maintenance option for guys who want a relaxed, stylish look.

Messy Man Bun

The messy man bun is a perfect option for guys with medium-to-long straight hair who want a laid-back yet stylish updo. Instead of a tight, sleek bun, leave some strands loose to create a relaxed, effortless vibe. A light styling cream will help keep the hair in place while maintaining a natural texture. This messy hairstyle works well for both casual and professional settings.

Undercut with Textured Top

An undercut with a textured top creates a bold contrast between the short sides and the longer, messy top. This men's haircut is ideal for guys who want a modern and edgy look without too much maintenance. The longer top can be styled with a matte clay or paste to create a tousled, textured effect. The undercut keeps the style fresh and structured, while the messy top adds personality.

Side-Swept Messy Hair

The side-swept messy hairstyle is a stylish option that gives a casual yet sophisticated vibe. Instead of a structured side part, the hair is swept to the side with a textured, tousled finish. A light-hold styling product can help create separation and volume while keeping the movement intact. This style works particularly well for men with medium-length straight hair, as it creates effortless flow.

Textured Layers

Textured layers add movement and depth to straight hair, making it ideal for achieving a natural, messy look. The layering technique prevents the hair from looking too flat, creating a lightweight and airy feel. A sea salt spray or styling mousse can enhance volume and texture without weighing the hair down. This style is perfect for guys who want an easy-to-maintain yet stylish haircut.

Bedhead Look

The bedhead look is the ultimate messy hairstyle for guys with straight hair. This effortless style works well with short-to-medium lengths. Using a dry shampoo or texturizing spray, you can add volume and create a slightly messy effect without making the hair greasy. The key is to let the hair fall naturally while adding some product for a bit of hold and definition.

Half-Up Messy Bun

The half-up messy bun is a great alternative for men with long hair who want a bit of structure while keeping the rest of their hair loose. Gather the top section into a loose bun and let the rest flow naturally. A light styling cream or leave-in conditioner can help enhance texture and prevent frizz.

Layered Shag

The layered shag is a bold and edgy choice that creates a rock-and-roll-inspired messy look. This haircut works best for medium-to-long straight hair, giving it a carefree, textured appearance. To maintain this style, apply a light mousse or matte pomade and scrunch the hair with your hands.

Messy Faux Hawk

The messy faux hawk is a modern take on a classic style. It keeps the sides neat while adding volume and texture to the top. Unlike a traditional faux hawk, this version has a looser, tousled feel. A strong-hold matte product helps maintain height while keeping the hair soft and natural.

Undercut with a Textured Pompadour

For a more refined take on the messy look, try an undercut with a textured pompadour. The pompadour is styled with a lightweight product to add texture and volume, while the undercut keeps the sides neat and tidy. This is a great option for guys who want a polished yet relaxed look.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the best messy haircut for your straight hair — a men's messy hairstyle that complements your style and personality.

Finding the Perfect Match: Messy Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

While the hairstyles listed above offer a range of stylish options for men with straight hair, it's important to consider your face shape when choosing the right messy cut. Different styles complement different face shapes, so finding the right match can make a big difference in how the haircut looks on you.

Here's a quick guide to help you determine the best messy hairstyles for your face shape:

Oval Face:

• Characteristics: Balanced proportions, slightly longer than wide, with a rounded jawline.
• Best Messy Hairstyles: Oval faces are versatile and can pull off most styles. Consider a textured crop, messy quiff, or even a longer, shaggier look.
• Styles to Avoid: Avoid hairstyles that add too much height on top, as this can make your face appear longer.

Round Face:

• Characteristics: Equal length and width, with full cheeks and a rounded jawline.
• Best Messy Hairstyles: Choose styles that add height and create the illusion of length. A messy quiff or faux hawk can work well. Also, consider styles with shorter sides and a longer top to create more definition.
• Styles to Avoid: Avoid styles that add width to the face, such as long, rounded cuts or hairstyles with heavy bangs.

Square Face:

• Characteristics: Strong jawline, broad forehead, and equal length and width.
• Best Messy Hairstyles: Soften the angles with textured layers or a messy, side-swept style. A medium-length flow or a layered shag can also work well.
• Styles to Avoid: Avoid sharp, angular cuts that emphasize the squareness of your face.

Heart Face:

• Characteristics: Wider forehead, narrow chin, and a pointed jawline.
• Best Messy Hairstyles: Balance the wider forehead with styles that add volume to the sides and back. A textured crop or a messy, side-parted style can work well.
• Styles to Avoid: Avoid styles that add height on top, as this can make your forehead appear wider.

Diamond Face:

• Characteristics: Narrow forehead and jawline, with wider cheekbones.
• Best Messy Hairstyles: Choose styles that add width at the forehead and jawline to balance the cheekbones. A textured pompadour or a layered shag can work well.
• Styles to Avoid: Avoid styles that add width at the cheekbones, such as short, spiky cuts.

Not sure what your face shape is? This men's face shape guide by Bespoke can help.

Remember: These are just general guidelines. The best messy hairstyle for guys with straight hair ultimately depend on your personal preferences and hair type. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different styles until you find one that makes you feel confident and stylish.

Best Products for Messy Haircuts for Guys with Straight Hair: Fine vs. Thick Hair

Achieving the perfect messy hairstyle isn't just about the cut—it's also about using the right styling products. The right product can make all the difference in enhancing texture, providing hold, and ensuring your style lasts throughout the day. Whether you have fine or thick hair, choosing the right product can help you create a natural, effortless look.

Best Styling Products for Fine vs. Thick Straight Hair

For Fine Hair:

Fine hair tends to lack volume and can easily fall flat, so lightweight products are key. Look for texturizing sprays, light mousses, or volumizing powders to create lift and separation without weighing your hair down. Matte clays or pastes with a light hold can also work well to add texture and definition. Avoid heavy waxes or pomades, as these can make fine hair look greasy and lifeless.

Here are some great products for fine hair:

• Pete & Pedro Sea Salt Spray: This spray adds natural texture and volume without making your hair stiff.
• Pete & Pedro Texture Powder: This powder is great for creating lift at the roots and giving your hair a messy, textured look.
• American Crew Matte Clay: This clay provides light control and texture without weighing your hair down.
• Avenue Man Sculpting Mouse: This lightweight mousse adds volume and lift while keeping your hair soft and manageable.

For Thick Hair:

Thicker hair needs more control to maintain a messy look. Medium to strong hold clays, pomades, or styling creams work best to keep the style in place while adding definition. If your hair is coarse, a light leave-in conditioner can help soften the texture before styling.

Here are some great products for thick hair:

• Cremo Men's Hair Paste: This paste provides a strong hold with a matte finish, perfect for thick hair.
• Paul Mitchell Styling Cream: This cream offers a natural look with added flexibility, making it ideal for creating a variety of messy styles.
• Suavecito Matte Pomade: This pomade helps shape and hold your hair while keeping it touchable.
• CRVFT Leave-In Conditioner: This leave-in conditioner adds moisture and manageability to thick, coarse hair without making it greasy.

Matte vs. Glossy Finish: What's Best for a Messy Style?

The finish of your styling product plays a big role in the overall look of your messy hairstyle.

Matte Finish:

A matte finish is generally best for messy hairstyles as it enhances texture without adding shine. This creates a more natural, effortless look.

Here are some products that provide a matte finish:

• Matte clays and pastes (like the American Crew Matte Clay or Cremo Men's Hair Paste)
• Sea salt sprays (like the Pete & Pedro Sea Salt Spray)
• Volumizing powders (like the Pete & Pedro Texture Powder)

Glossy or Low-Shine Finish:

While a matte finish is usually preferred for messy styles, a low-shine or glossy finish can work for more polished looks.

Here are some products that provide a low-shine or glossy finish:

Light hold pomades (like the Suavecito Matte Pomade - although it's called a "matte" pomade, it can provide a bit of shine)

Cream-based styling products (like the Paul Mitchell Styling Cream)

Choosing the right product is essential for achieving a messy hairstyle that looks natural and effortless. Fine hair benefits from lightweight products that enhance volume, while thick hair needs stronger hold to maintain shape. Matte finishes are generally best for a casual, tousled look, while low-shine options can add a touch of polish.

Maintenance Made Easy: How to Keep Your Messy Hairstyle Looking Sharp

A great messy hairstyle doesn't just come from a good haircut—it also requires the right care and maintenance. Keeping your hair looking effortlessly styled while avoiding issues like limpness or excess oil is key to achieving the best results.

Daily Hair Care Routine for Messy Styles

Maintaining your messy hairstyle starts with a simple yet effective daily routine. Keeping your hair healthy, clean, and manageable ensures that your style holds its shape and texture.

• Wash Strategically: Washing your hair every day can strip away natural oils, making it harder to achieve texture. Instead, wash your hair 2-4 times a week with a lightweight, sulfate-free shampoo like Huron Men's Shampoo to keep it clean while maintaining natural volume.
• Condition Without Overloading: Use a lightweight conditioner like Huron Lightweight Men's Conditioner to keep your hair soft without weighing it down. If you have fine hair, apply conditioner only to the ends to avoid a greasy look.
• Use a Sea Salt or Texturizing Spray: Spraying a light mist of sea salt spray onto damp hair before styling can help enhance natural waves and provide a messy, textured foundation.
• Style with the Right Product: Choose a matte clay, paste, or lightweight styling cream depending on your hair type to create a textured, lived-in look without stiffness.
• Avoid Overbrushing: Messy hairstyles rely on natural separation and texture, so use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to style instead of a fine-tooth brush, which can flatten the look.

Avoiding Overly Greasy or Limp Hair

One of the biggest challenges with messy hairstyles is keeping the style voluminous without it becoming greasy or weighed down. Here's how to keep your hair looking fresh:

• Limit Heavy Products: Avoid thick creams, waxes, and oil-based pomades that can make your hair look flat and greasy. Opt for lightweight, matte styling products that provide hold without excess shine.
• Use Dry Shampoo or Volumizing Powder: If your hair tends to get oily quickly, apply dry shampoo or volumizing powder to the roots to absorb excess oil and refresh texture.
• Wash with Lukewarm Water: Hot water can overstimulate oil production. Rinse with lukewarm or cool water to maintain a balanced scalp.
• Blow-Dry for Extra Lift: If your hair falls flat, use a blow dryer on low heat while running your fingers through your hair to add volume before applying styling products.
• Hands Off: Touching your hair throughout the day can transfer oils from your fingers, making it look greasy. If your style starts to fall, refresh it with a spritz of sea salt spray instead.

How to Refresh Messy Haircuts for Guys with Straight Hair Quickly

Sometimes, your messy hairstyle needs a quick fix to bring back volume and texture after a long day. Here's how to revive your style without washing your hair:

• Use Dry Shampoo or Sea Salt Spray: If your hair looks flat, spray dry shampoo at the roots or sea salt spray on the ends, then tousle your hair with your fingers.
• Rework Your Style with a Dab of Clay: If your hairstyle needs more hold, warm a tiny amount of matte clay or paste between your hands and lightly run it through your hair.
• Flip and Shake: Flipping your head upside down and shaking out your hair can add instant volume. Use a cool air blast from a blow dryer to help reset your style.
• Run Damp Hands Through Your Hair: If your hair has become too stiff or dry, slightly dampen your hands and run them through your hair to soften the texture and reshape it.
• Tame Flyaways: If your messy style looks too wild, lightly pat down flyaways with a tiny amount of lightweight styling cream or pomade.

Keeping messy haircuts for guys with straight hair looking sharp requires minimal effort but the right techniques. A solid hair care routine, lightweight styling products, and occasional touch-ups throughout the day will keep your hairstyle looking natural and well-maintained.

Conclusion: Embrace the Effortless Style of Messy Hairstyles

Looking for the best messy haircuts for guys with straight hair? Messy hairstyles offer a stylish and versatile option for men who want a look that's both modern and low-maintenance. Whether you're after a textured crop, a messy quiff, or long, tousled layers, there's a men's messy hairstyle out there that can complement your personal style and hair type.

By choosing the right cut, styling techniques, and products, you can achieve a natural, textured look that's easy to maintain and refresh throughout the day. Lightweight, matte products are generally best for creating volume and texture without weighing your hair down. Maintaining your messy hairstyle with a simple hair care routine can help keep your style looking sharp.

If you're looking for a change, why not embrace the effortless cool of a messy hairstyle? With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect messy look that will boost your confidence and help you express your unique style.