55 Fabulous Messy Hairstyles For Women To Try

Forget clean and managed hair as these hairdos are the new raging trend in town.

Reviewed by Christina Benjamin, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Anu Pallavi, BA  • 

If you are looking for different messy hairstyles for a perfect party look, you are in for a treat. The best part about a messy hairdo is you can be as casual about it as you want and still walk confidently on the red carpet. From messy braids to uneven pixies, you can call it messy once it is not perfect in line! Messy is in these days, and no matter what haircut you have, you can always style in a messy hairdo. Here are some of the top hairstyles to experiment with. Keep scrolling!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Messy hairstyles are perfect for that effortlessly chic look and look great with light makeup.
  • Any length of hair is suitable for messy hairstyles. People with short and mid-length hair can easily pull off shaggy haircuts beautifully.
  • People with thin or fine hair can make their tresses look voluminous with the help of messy hairstyles.

We list out 55 different messy hairstyles you can try out.

In This Article

1. Layered Sultry Tousled Hair

Layered Sultry Tousled Hair
Image: Shutterstock

Taraji P. Henson looks absolutely stunning with messy layers. To get this bedhead look, apply some leave-in conditioner and use a flat iron to define the layers.

2. Messy Electric Mane

Messy Electric Mane
Image: Shutterstock

Bella Thorne is not afraid to experiment with bold hair color choices. Her wild mane, fading from red to bright lime green, might be one of the most eye-catching ombres ever.

3. Messy Side Part

Side part messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

A side part with messy curly waves gives a sexy feel to the style. It’s unkempt yet attractive. You don’t need a styling product for these tousled curls.

4. Wrinkled Ombre Waves

Wrinkled ombre messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

The spike-like waves are easy to get. Use the fingers to style the wet hair after applying a hair gel or mousse. The spikes are blunt and exude the essence of a tousled pixie cut.

protip_icon Quick Tip
This hairstyle looks good on women with round faces. It frames their face beautifully and makes it appear less round.

5. Subtle Tousled Waves

Subtle tousled messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

The hairdo gives a youthful touch to the personality. The fine bangs and crumpled layers give the perfect disheveled hair look.

6. Messy Soft Curls With Fringes

Messy, soft curls with fringes
Image: Getty

The curly tousled fringes and loose small curls give the pretty uncombed style. You can wear the style even for formal events.

7. Messy High Ponytails

Messy high ponytail hairstyle
Image: Getty

The messy high ponytail is the perfect messy chic hairdo. The hair in front is pulled back neatly into the tousled style ponytail.

Christina Benjamin agrees with our pick saying, “ I love how playful yet fashionable this messy ponytail is.”

8. Messy Curls Accessorized With A Hat

Messy curls accessorized with a hat
Image: Getty

The messy curls swept on one side display a very elegant and sophisticated style. The big pink hat is just right for the style

9. Messy Layered Medium Length Bob

Messy layered medium length bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

The tousled bob is one of the best messy hairstyles for that evening dinner. The soft makeup complements the hairdo.

10. Blonde Messy High Ponytail

Blonde messy high ponytail hairstyle
Image: Getty

The messy ponytail exudes the sexy and chic essence. Partnered with a dash of red lip color the hairdo is dressed very chic.

11. Softly Tousled Spiral Curls

Softly tousled spiral curls hairstyle
Image: Getty

The softly tousled style is just right for an evening get-together. The slightly messy curls offer a cute tender touch to the style.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Anyone with a long face can ace this hairstyle. It can help cover up your forehead and prevent your face from looking even longer.

12. Messy Half Up Half Down

Messy half up half down hairstyle
Image: Getty

This messy half-up half-down style is perfect for a wedding party or a reception gala. The ‘do appears to have been done on unkempt tresses but is still incredibly chic. The flower accessory just makes it perfect.

13. Tousled Layered Waves

Tousled layered messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

Kate Winslet is elegance personified in this tousled layered style. The hairdo has a breezy feel to it. The pink lipstick refreshes the style.

14. Soft Tousled Side Waves With Side Swept Bangs

Soft tousled side messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

This neat messy hairdo is attractive and appealing. Even with the small flyaways, the hairdo sits pretty.

15. Long Layers Tousled Waves

Long layered tousled messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

Shakira is sexy in these messy waves. The long tousled layers appear elegant in this disheveled shape.

16. Messy Rouge Updo

Messy rouge updo hairstyle
Image: Getty

This quirky rolled messy updo has an unkempt effect but is high on style. The element of uniqueness is increased further by the red color.

17. Straight Hairs With Messy Bangs

Straight hairs with messy bang hairstyle
Image: Getty

This medium-length hairdo has straight hair with an unkempt touch. The tousled locks and messy flyaways give this style a distinct shape and make it exceedingly chic.

18. Platinum Messy Curly Updo

Platinum messy curly updo hairstyle
Image: Getty

This stylish curly updo has messy flyaways. The curly mess gives an impressive svelte feel.

19. Subtly Tousled Waves With Curled Edges

Subtly tousled messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

The subtly tousled waves with small flyways are brushed for a fresh party affair. The tender curled edges give a new touch to the tousled waves.

20. Unkempt Curls And Waves

Unkempt curls and messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

Tyra Banks makes this ultra-messy hairdo look extremely sexy and hot. The unkempt effect is perfect for the V-necked lace dress and the nude makeup. Also, notice the edgy eye makeup.

21. Ombre Subtly Textured Waves

Ombre subtly textured messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

Not every time does chic and neat go together. Sometimes a slightly tousled element adds more glamor to the style.

22. Casual Tousled Bangs

Messy casual tousled bangs hairstyle
Image: Getty

Casually side-swept bangs give Ellen Page a wonderful carefree attitude.

23. Subtly Layered Tousled Edges

Subtly layered messy tousled edge hairstyle
Image: Getty

The hairstyle has a windy flair, with bangs flying right across the face. The very subtle tousled layers just accentuate the casually happy face.

24. Blonde Subtly Textured-Tousled Edges

Messy blonde subtle textured with tousled edge hairstyle
Image: Getty

The swept-away bangs on the top and curly tousled of the short bob style give a unique look to the hairdo. The style is untidy yet appealing.

25. Ombre Subtly Braid Waves

Ombre subtly braid messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

The unkempt ombre hair with the braided wave effect has a sexy appeal to it. The wavy hair is left open with the middle part giving the style an informal feel.

26. Brunette Subtly Textured Layers

Messy brunette subtly textured layered hairstyle
Image: Getty

The unkempt brunette layers play with the wind and dress up the messy style so well. The nude makeup is just right for the hairdo.

27. Messy Textured Short Bob

Messy textured short bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

The side swept bob has a pretty untailored style. The style gels well with the soft pink lips and red studs!

28. Shoulder Grazing Messy Bob

Shoulder grazing messy bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

This style gives a very relaxed feel. The wavy, tousled hair shining bright in the sun is very chic.

29. Medium Messy Bob With Short Sides

Medium messy bob hairstyle with short sides
Image: Getty

The black messy waves and the full fringe in the front give a unique element to the style.

30. Messy Side

Messy side hairstyle
Image: Getty

The hair swept to one side in an uncluttered gives a messy vibe but is still very stylish. The hairstyle teamed with a red lipstick gives a strong statement.

31. Messy Wavy Blunt Bob

Wavy blunt bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

The messy flyaways contouring the blunt wavy bob make for the subtly tousled style.

32. Unkempt Side Part

Unkempt side part messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

Do a side part and leave the hair open. The unkempt essence and the tender curled bangs contouring the face give a soft touch to the facial features. Try to keep the makeup natural with this hairdo.

33. Platinum Textured Tousled Hair

Platinum textured tousled messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

The messy look can be achieved by using a tousled wave spray or beach wave spray on wet hair. Just finger-comb the hair and let it dry. You have the unkempt chic style.

34. Subtly Tousled Long Waves

Subtly tousled long waved messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

The hairstyle has a middle part. With soft wavy edges on both sides, the style exudes a very tender essence. The style is casual yet classy.

Chelsea, a fashion and beauty blogger, discusses messy hairstyles in one of her posts, stating, “With all the variations, the messy middle part won me over this season. It’s just so easy! Just part you[r] hair, tousle it a little, use a beach spray, and add a few waves for texture. It makes you look like a bohemian goddess from the seventies, and who doesn’t want that (i)?”

35. Ombre Angled Piecey Bob

Ombre angled bob messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

This is a super messy hairdo. With spiral wavy hair, the style has a very untailored and laid-back feel to it.

36. Tousled Soft Waves With Fine Bangs

Tousled soft, messy waves with fine bang hairstyle
Image: Getty

The hair is brushed casually to one side for a nonchalant and chic style. The hairdo shines bright with a glossy pink smile.

37. Tousled Wavy Edges With Highlights

Messy tousled wavy edges with highlights hairstyle
Image: Getty

Jennifer Lopez gives a very upscale gaze wearing a casual, seemingly untailored style that is very chic.

38. Backcombed Medium Length Softly Tousled Hair

Backcombed medium length messy tousled hairstyle
Image: Getty

The perfectly highlighted streaks go very well with the hazel green eyes. The backcombed hair radiates an unfussy style.

39. Wavy Ombre Tousled Medium Bob

Wavy ombre tousled medium bob messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

The shaded streaked hair blends wonderfully with the tousled waves. The medium bob gives displays a very cool untidy and stylish style.

40. Tousled Curl Bob With Long Side Bangs

Tousled curl bob with long side messy bang hairstyle
Image: Getty

This bob again has a very subtle soft touch to it in spite of the messy-unkempt effect. The makeup has a natural tone to it which when combined with the messy style looks very attractive.

41. Wavy Medium Bob With Side Part

Wavy medium messy bob with side part hairstyle
Image: Getty

This medium bob has soft spiral curls with even edges. The carefree style exudes elegance and gives a tender appeal.

42. Long Straight Messy Hair

Long straight messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

The formal essence in this messy hairdo is every evident. The spectacles and the cluttered hair still appear smart and modish. The style is very elegant due to the no makeup schema.

43. Subtly Tousled Side Hairdo

Subtly tousled side messy hairdo
Image: Getty

The messy side hairdo is elegant and attractive. The bright smile and the edgy make-up make the style super chic. Overall the style has a soft tousled element to it.

44. Bouncy Tousled Waves With Side Swept Bangs

Bouncy tousled messy wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

The backcombed waves and side-swept bangs along with the tousled essence give a bouncy feel to the style. The hairdo gives a sexy appeal with a nude-almost natural look.

45. Voluminous Sides Swept Tousled Waves

Voluminous sides swept messy tousled wave hairstyle
Image: Getty

The messy wavy tousled hair has a shiny textured feel to it and Shakira look fabulous sporting the style with fine tousled bangs.

46. Tousled Tight Curls

Messy tousled tight curl hairstyle
Image: Getty

The messy braided style here has tighter curls. Though the hairdo is still unkempt but the tight spiral curls exude elegance and class.

47. Wavy Tousled Short Shiny Brown Bob

Wavy tousled short shiny brown bob messy hairstyle
Image: Getty

This style appears untailored but still looks very edgy. The shiny brown bob is still very attractive, and elegance personified. The natural make-up and the delicate smile are perfect for the hairdo.

48. Long Tousled Hairs With Wavy Edges

Long tousled messy hairstyle with wavy edges
Image: Getty

The straight hair has a tousled feel to it with messy curl edges. The style has a dry messy element which is very splendid.

49. Messy Wavy And Curly Bob

Messy wavy and curly bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

The style is extremely chic and super sophisticated. The wispy bangs cover the eye and exude a super chic look while the curly edges make the style more tender and soft.

50. Dark Brown Highlighted Tousled Hair

Messy dark brown highlighted tousled hairstyle
Image: Getty

The highlighted streaked hairdo has a beachy tousled feel. But the style is very elegant and sexy. The style teamed with a bright lip color exudes class and elegance. Christina Benjamin, a licensed cosmetologist, suggests, “Brunettes do it better! Nothing looks better than a beautiful red lip to make this hair color pop.”

51. Simple Blonde Medium Tousled Bob

Simple messy blonde medium tousled bob hairstyle
Image: Getty

The style is simple yet modish. Just pull a strand and take it back and secure it with a pin. The tousled bob teamed with the twisted strand gives a very elegant feel to it.

52. Platinum Ombre With Tousled Bangs

Platinum ombre with messy tousled bang hairstyle
Image: Getty

Ellie Goulding simply stuns in this messy hairstyle. The style has wavy tousled uneven bangs. The textured curly waves give an elegant touch to the wispy side swept bangs.

53. Purple Short Fluffy Messy Hair

Katy Perry sporting a purple short fluffy messy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Katy Perry stuns in this mystical lavender lob with shadow roots. The asymmetrical edges and tousled waves frame her face beautifully, adding a sophisticated yet edgy touch to her look.

54. Short Feminine Quiff

Pink sporting a messy short feminine quiff
Image: Shutterstock

P!nk added a delightfully messy look to her generally neat quiff ‘do with a few stray strands hanging loose, making it the perfect classy evening look. The shaved sides add another layer of interest and texture to this look.

55. Tousled Pixie

Jennifer Lawrence in a tousled pixie hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

Jennifer Lawrence’s classic tousled pixie is the hairstyle that made her stand out from the crowd and really put her on the map. The light tips and dark roots add depth and texture to her hair, making it a banger hairstyle.

Infographic: Top 5 Messy Hairstyles For Curly Hair

Though appearing unkempt and unruly is the point, these styles carry a casual yet elegant vibe. While several messy hairstyles have been popularized by different celebrities, we have rounded up the top 5 that can truly add elegance and panache to your curls. Check out the infographic below to know more!

top 5 messy hairstyles for curly hair (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Messy hairstyles are beautiful! It’s no surprise they have taken the world by storm. From tousled waves and a messy parting to wild curls, uneven bangs, and multiple layers, these messy hairstyles will leave you wanting more mess! Many bigshot hairstylists prefer messy hairstyles for women while creating a red-carpet look. The key to a flawless messy look is to not overdo it. You want to look like you just got out of bed and still look that fabulous. You don’t want to look homeless and unkempt. While it may take some practice to perfect, the more you try these messy styles, the easier it becomes to mess up your hair in style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is messy hair attractive?

Messy hair is attractive if you can pull it off. It makes you look naturally beautiful.

Can we customize messy hair? What is a messy bun?

Messy hairstyles for females include waves, layers, and buns..The messy bun is an effortless bun updo which makes you look chic, casual, yet presentable for any occasion.

How do Asians get messy hair?

They usually have short and choppy haircuts to give them that casual messy look.

How do you do a messy pigtail bun?

You first hold up all your hair in a ponytail at the center of your crown, tease up your back hair and loosen the front hair. Then you wrap a band around it, pulling it up as a bun.

Type 4B hair is commonly referred to as coily or kinky hair. It is naturally very dry in texture and thus prone to breakage.
4B hair is densely packed and often has Z-shaped curls with sharp angles.
Hot oil massage, deep conditioning, washing the hair in sections, and going for protective hairstyles are some ways to maintain 4B hair.
Hairstyles such as pixie, bantu knots, layered Afro, undercut cornrows, dreadlocks, etc., are great ways to style 4B hair.

Key Takeaways

  • Type 4B hair is commonly referred to as coily or kinky hair. It is naturally very dry in texture and thus prone to breakage.
  • 4B hair is densely packed and often has Z-shaped curls with sharp angles.
  • Hot oil massage, deep conditioning, washing the hair in sections, and going for protective hairstyles are some ways to maintain 4B hair.
  • Hairstyles such as pixie, bantu knots, layered Afro, undercut cornrows, dreadlocks, etc., are great ways to style 4B hair.
messy hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

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