When you wake up, look in the mirror, and think, “I have no time for a fancy hairstyle today, but I still want to look cute”? Enter the messy hairstyle—a lifesaver for every woman who wants to look effortlessly chic without putting in much effort.
Trust me, I’ve been there. Between juggling work, errands, and trying to avoid spilling coffee on my shirt, a messy bun or tousled waves are my go-to when I want to feel put-together in under five minutes. And let’s face it, nothing says “I woke up like this” better than a messy hairstyle that’s actually planned chaos!
So, what exactly is it about messy hairstyles that makes them so perfect? Well, let’s break it down. Messy hairstyles are all about embracing the beauty of imperfection—whether it’s a carefree messy bun or tousled beach waves, they bring the right amount of laid-back charm while still looking stylish.
I’m no hairstylist, but after trying almost every messy hairstyle under the sun (sometimes out of sheer laziness, other times out of necessity), I’ve learned a thing or two. And guess what? You don’t need to be a pro to rock a messy hairstyle either.
Whether you’re a perfectionist or just looking for a quick fix, I’ve got you covered with some easy and trendy messy styles that will give you that “I’m too cool to care” vibe—no effort required. Let’s dive in!
1. Messy High Ponytail
Ah, the high ponytail—it’s a classic for a reason, but when you add a messy twist? It’s next-level fabulous!
I love rocking this style when I’m in a rush but still want to look like I tried.
To nail the messy high ponytail, tease the crown for volume and leave a few pieces loose around your face for that carefree, ‘just rolled out of bed’ look.
Check out these additional easy hairstyle style hacks for more inspo.
2. Tousled Half-Up Style
This style has become my secret weapon for busy mornings. The tousled half-up style is like a more polished version of a messy hairstyle that still looks intentional.
I love that it’s versatile—whether I’m heading to brunch or working from home, this style works for almost any occasion.
To create this look, just pull back the top half of your hair, leaving the rest loose and a little wavy.
3. Loose Messy Braid
Braids are making a huge comeback, but not the neat, tight ones—this season, it’s all about the loose, messy braid.
I’m obsessed with this style because it feels boho-chic and laid-back, yet put-together.
I like to start with a loose, textured base, and as I braid, I gently pull at the strands to make it look more undone.
Check out these braid hairstyle ideas for more inspiration.
4. Textured Messy Waves
I’m always searching for that “beachy, windswept” vibe, and these textured messy waves are the perfect solution.
I use a sea salt spray to add volume and texture before curling my hair in alternating directions, then I finger-comb through the curls for a relaxed, tousled finish.
The best part? This look works on almost every hair length and texture, making it the go-to style for days when I want that effortlessly cool, beachy vibe—even in winter.
Check out these easy hairstyle style hacks that pair perfectly with messy waves.
5. Messy Low Pigtails
Who says pigtails are just for kids? When styled messy, they can be surprisingly chic! I first tried this style when I was looking for something different but didn’t want to go too overboard.
A messy low ponytail with some texture works wonders—just leave a few loose strands by your ears and the rest tied low and loose.
It’s super cute on medium to long hair, and it’s perfect for casual weekends or when you just want something playful.
6. Disheveled Top Knot
Okay, this might be the messiest of all the messy hairstyles, but that’s what makes it so good.
The disheveled top knot is my favorite go-to when I’m dealing with second-day hair or just don’t feel like doing much.
I pull my hair into a high ponytail, twist it into a knot, and secure it with bobby pins—then, I loosen it up for that messy, lived-in vibe.
It works on all hair lengths, but I think it’s especially cute with medium-length hair. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days when you just want to look cool without too much effort.
7. Messy Side Braid
A side braid might seem like a simple style, but when you make it messy, it’s a whole new look.
I love doing this on days when I want to add a little boho flair without feeling like I’m trying too hard.
To make it work, I loosely braid my hair to the side, pulling pieces out along the way for that textured, messy effect.
It’s an ideal style for long or medium hair, and it’s surprisingly easy to pull off with minimal fuss.
8. Wavy Messy Lob
The lob (long bob) is one of my all-time favorite cuts, and when styled in messy waves, it’s even better.
I simply add a little texture spray, curl random sections, and then break them up with my fingers.
What I love about the wavy messy lob is how versatile it is—it works for both straight and wavy hair, and it gives off a chic yet relaxed vibe.
It’s perfect for everything from a coffee date to a night out with friends.
9. Scrunchie Messy Updo
I’m a sucker for scrunchies—yes, they’re back in a big way! The scrunchie messy updo is my favorite way to make a simple hairstyle look effortlessly stylish.
I pull my hair into a loose bun, secure it with a scrunchie, and leave a few strands out for that laid-back, messy feel.
It’s ideal for those busy mornings when I need something quick but still cute.
This works best for medium to long hair, and it’s an easy way to add a fun, retro touch to any outfit.
10.Messy Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a major trend right now, and when styled messily, they give off that perfectly imperfect vibe I adore.
I’ve tried them myself, and the best part is how low-maintenance they are—just blow-dry and let them fall naturally.
They work best for anyone with a longer face shape and can complement both short and long haircuts.
Pair them with a messy bun or loose waves, and you’ve got a look that’s effortlessly chic.
11. Voluminous Messy Hair Down
Some days, I just want to let my hair flow free—and voluminous messy hair down is perfect for those moments.
I like to give my hair some extra volume with a bit of mousse or dry shampoo, then lightly curl it for texture.
This works on long hair or medium-length hair, and it’s great for a date night or just when you want to feel a little extra.
The beauty of this style is that it’s all about embracing fullness, texture, and a little messiness for that tousled, just-got-out-of-bed look.
12. Messy Twisted Half-Up
The messy twisted half-up style is a fun and easy way to add some flair to your hair without much effort.
I like to take random sections of my hair, twist them, and secure them with bobby pins, leaving the rest of my hair loose.
It works best on medium-length hair and adds a fun twist (pun intended) to the classic half-up, half-down look.
It’s perfect for casual days or when you need a quick but cute style for work.
13. Undone Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid is one of those styles that looks complicated but is surprisingly easy when you mess it up a bit.
I love adding texture to it by pulling apart the braid for that relaxed, boho-chic vibe.
The undone fishtail works best for long hair, and it’s an awesome choice for any outdoor events or casual days when you still want to look put-together but not overly done.
14. Messy Space Buns
Space buns are a fun, quirky style that has made a huge comeback, and when done messily, they’re even better.
I usually split my hair into two sections, twist them into buns, and secure them loosely for that “I just rolled out of bed” look.
This style is ideal for short to medium hair and can be worn anywhere from a music festival to a lazy weekend. The messier, the better!
15. Rumpled Bob Style
The rumpled bob is the perfect way to make a short haircut look effortlessly chic.
I’ve rocked this style a few times by adding some texturizing spray and scrunching my hair while it’s still damp.
The key is to create natural-looking volume, so no straighteners allowed! It’s great for anyone with a bob or lob, and it works for almost any occasion, from a brunch date to a casual workday.
16. Messy Hair with Headband
Sometimes, a messy hairstyle just needs a little accessory to tie it all together—enter the headband.
I love pairing a messy hairstyle with a cute headband for a touch of polish.
Whether it’s a messy bun or a loose ponytail, a headband adds a little flair without being too formal.
It works great on all hair lengths and is perfect for days when you want to look put-together but still casual.
17. Loose Messy Chignon
A chignon is traditionally an elegant style, but when you add some messiness to it, it becomes a perfect balance of formal and casual.
I love this one for weddings, date nights, or fancy dinners where I still want to look sophisticated, but with a touch of laid-back charm.
To pull it off, I twist my hair into a low bun and loosen the strands around my face.
It works best for medium to long hair and is a great way to elevate your messy hair game.
18. Textured Messy Pixie
The pixie cut is a bold choice, and when styled with texture, it becomes one of the best messy hairstyles for shorter hair.
I personally adore how easy it is to create volume and texture with just a little pomade or texturizing cream.
This style is perfect for those with short hair who want to add some flair without much work.
It works best for heart or oval-shaped faces and gives off a spunky, carefree vibe.
19. Messy Braided Crown
The messy braided crown is a boho dream come true, especially for days when I want a romantic yet effortless look.
I love that it’s versatile enough to wear to a wedding or a casual brunch. To get the look,
I braid two sections of hair and pin them around my head, allowing a few stray strands to frame my face.
It’s perfect for long hair and gives off that “queen of the world” vibe without being too polished.
20. Carefree Messy Curls
Lastly, messy curls are my favorite way to add some drama to my hair without trying too hard.
I use a curling iron to create loose curls, then I finger-comb them out for a more natural, messy finish.
It works on all hair types and lengths, but I especially love it on medium to long hair.
This style is all about embracing texture and volume, making it a go-to look for when I want to feel fun and flirty!
