27 Short Messy hairstyle ideas are taking the spotlight in 2024. From short, tousled pixies to voluminous shags, the carefree look is both stylish and versatile.
If you’re looking to shake things up with your short Messy hairstyle, short messy hairstyle ideas provide an effortless style that works for everyone—whether you have thick hair, fine hair, or anything in between.
In this post, we’ll dive into 27 short messy hairstyle ideas that will keep you looking chic and modern in 2024. From textured bobs to disheveled pixie cuts, there’s a look here for everyone. We’ll also share styling tips and product suggestions, including how to use pomade, sea salt spray, and medium-hold wax for that perfect messy finish.
1. Textured Bob for Thick SHORT MESSY Hair STYLES
This is the perfect messy look to embrace your volume if you have thick hair. A textured bob can transform heavy locks into a light, voluminous style. The layers create a messy yet chic look that’s easy to manage.
Styling Tip: To achieve a messy texture, apply sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch it. This gives your hair a natural, beachy feel. Finish with a medium-hold wax for definition without weighing your hair down.
Why it works: The layers in a textured bob are essential for reducing the bulk of thick hair while keeping the overall look airy and light. The messier, the better!
2. THE SHORT MESSY HAIR STYLES WITH Shaggy Modern Mullet
This isn’t your 80s mullet—it’s a fresh take on the shaggy, layered style. The modern mullet embraces messy texture and tousled layers, giving you an effortlessly cool look.
Style Tip: Use a razor to cut the ends for a choppier, messier finish. Pomade or a styling wax will help keep the look disheveled yet controlled.
Why it works: The mix of longer layers in the back with shorter, shaggy ends creates a fun, textured, edgy, and easy-to-maintain shape.
3. Asymmetrical Undercut with Tousled Top
For those wanting a bold, messy haircut with a modern twist, the asymmetrical undercut is a perfect choice. This cut features a shorter side with a tousled, layered top.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight mousse on the top to create volume and messy definition, while the undercut provides a sleek contrast.
Why it works: This haircut is all about balance. The short side contrasts with the messy top for an effortlessly chic look that is both edgy and playful.
4. Effortless Layered Bob with Tousled Waves
A layered bob is always a classic, but when you add tousled waves, it takes the style to a new level. This messy hairstyle is perfect for medium-to-thick hair types.
Styling Tip: To create natural tousled waves, let your hair air-dry after applying sea salt spray. Use a diffuser if you want to speed up the process, and add medium-hold wax for texture.
Why it works: The waves add softness to the look, while the layers provide movement. Together, they create a disheveled yet polished style that’s perfect for any occasion.
5. Choppy Waves with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are making a comeback, and they pair beautifully with choppy waves. This look is perfect for a carefree, bedhead style that still looks intentional.
Styling Tip: Enhance your waves with a curling wand for more definition. Spritz with sea salt spray and tousle with your fingers for a messy finish.
Why it works: Curtain bangs frame your face, while the choppy layers add volume and texture, giving your hair an undone yet stylish appearance.
6. short messy hairstyles with Blonde Balayage Tousled Short Bob
A blonde balayage adds depth and dimension to a messy, tousled bob. The sun-kissed highlights give the illusion of thickness and movement, perfect for short hair.
Styling Tip: Use a leave-in conditioner to keep the ends soft, and finish with a medium-hold wax to keep the style in place without losing the messy texture.
Why it works: The combination of soft waves and messy layers creates an effortlessly chic look, and the blonde balayage adds a sun-kissed, natural feel.
7. Choppy Long Pixie with Face-Framing Layers
A long pixie cut can be made even more interesting with choppy layers that frame the face. The uneven lengths create a playful, messy effect that works well for all face shapes.
Styling Tip: Apply a lightweight pomade to the ends to define the layers and maintain the tousled look.
Why it works: The mix of lengths adds volume and dimension, while the choppy layers create an edgy yet playful vibe.
8. Curly and SHORT Messy hair styles with Pixie Cut
If you have curly hair, a messy pixie cut can be an easy, low-maintenance style that still packs a lot of personality. The curls add natural volume and texture, making it an effortless choice.
Styling Tip: Use a curl cream or mousse to enhance your natural texture and avoid frizz. Finish with a bit of medium-hold wax for added structure.
Why it works: The natural curls do most of the work here, providing a tousled, voluminous look that requires minimal styling effort.
9. Fluffy Messy Short Crop
A fluffy short crop is all about light, airy layers that create volume and movement. This cute short messy hairstyle is ideal for anyone looking for an easy, breezy style that doesn’t take much effort.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry upside down to add volume, and finish with a texturizing spray to keep it light and fluffy.
Why it works: The layers keep the hair looking full, while the fluffy texture adds a playful, youthful touch.
10. Neck-Length Disheveled Cut
A neck-length disheveled cut offers the perfect balance between short and mid-length hair. The layers provide a messy, undone look, making it a great option for a casual, laid-back style.
Styling Tip: Scrunch with a diffuser for extra volume, or let it air-dry with sea salt spray for a natural wave.
Why it works: The length allows for plenty of movement while the layers create texture. It’s the perfect middle ground between long and short messy hair.
11. Best Hair Products for Achieving Messy Hairstyles
| Product Type | Product Name | Purpose | Best for Hair Type | Application |
| Sea Salt Spray | Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray | Adds texture and volume | Fine to medium hair | Spray on damp hair and scrunch |
| Medium-Hold Wax | Redken Wax Blast 10 | Provides hold and definition | All hair types | Apply to dry hair for texture |
| Pomade | Layrite Natural Matte Cream | Adds shine and control | Thick or coarse hair | Work into damp or dry hair |
| Texturizing Spray | Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Creates volume and light texture | Fine to medium hair | Spray on dry hair for lift |
| Volumizing Mousse | Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse | Adds body and lightweight texture | Fine to thin hair | Apply to damp hair before styling |
12. Mess hairstyle Razor Cut with Edgy Layers
For those who prefer a more edgy style, a messy hairstyle razor cut offers sharp, uneven layers that look like a bold, disheveled finish.
Styling Tip: Use pomade or styling wax to enhance the razor-cut layers and maintain the messiness without losing structure.
Why it works: The sharpness of the razor cut contrasts beautifully with the messy texture, creating a look that’s both stylish and carefree.
13. Short Feminine Quiff with a Messy Finish
A quiff is typically a more structured style, but when paired with a messy finish, it creates a modern and feminine look that’s perfect for 2024.
Styling Tip: Use a round brush to blow-dry the quiff upward for volume, then mess it up with your fingers for a more relaxed, casual style.
Why it works: The quiff gives you volume at the crown, while the messy finish keeps the look soft and approachable.
14. Chunky Layers with Messy hairstyle Texture
Chunky, disconnected layers provide a lot of volume and texture, perfect for creating a cute messy hairstyle. This cut is especially great for adding depth to fine or medium hair.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing spray to enhance the layers and give them extra lift.
Why it works: The chunky layers add structure and dimension to the hair, making it look fuller and more voluminous without appearing overly styled.
15. Layered Messiness hairstyle for All-Over Texture
A messy hairstyle that focuses on all-over texture can create a full, voluminous look that is both casual and stylish.
Styling Tip: Apply a small amount of pomade to the tips of your fingers and run it through the hair for a natural, messy texture.
Why it works: The layers and messy texture work together to create a look that’s effortlessly cool and easy to style.
16. Short Shag with Tousled Texture
The shag haircut remains a popular choice for its messy, tousled texture and playful shape. The short version of this cut is perfect for those looking to embrace a casual, bedhead look.
Styling Tip: Twist sections of your hair while damp to create a more defined, messy texture once it dries.
Why it works: The layers in a shag cut create natural volume and movement, giving you that messy, rock-and-roll style with minimal effort.
17. Wild Wavy Lob with short messy hairstyle
A wild, wavy lob (long bob) is a great choice for those with short messy hairstyle medium-length hair who want a messy yet sophisticated look. The waves add a natural, carefree vibe, while the length keeps it versatile.
Styling Tip: Use a curling wand to create loose waves, then shake them out for a more natural, tousled look.
Why it works: The waves provide movement and volume, while the lob length allows for versatility in styling.
18. Choppy Fringe with Messy Bob
A choppy fringe paired with a short messy hairstyle bob is a great way to update a classic cut. The messy texture adds a relaxed feel, while the fringe frames the face beautifully.
Styling Tip: Blow-dry the fringe using a round brush for volume, then tousle the rest of your hair with a bit of texturizing spray.
Why it works: The fringe adds a youthful, playful element to the bob, while the messy texture keeps the look modern and effortless.
19. Tousled Pixie with short messy hairstyle Side-Swept Bangs
A pixie cut with side-swept bangs is both cute and edgy. The messy, tousled layers on top contrast with the sleekness of the bangs, creating a balanced, dynamic look.
Styling Tip: Use a small amount of wax or pomade to keep the bangs sleek while leaving the top tousled.
Why it works: The mix of structured bangs and messy layers creates a look that is both polished and playful.
20. with Short messy hairstyle Cut for Thin Hair (Over 50)
For women over 50 with thin hair, a messy shortcut can add volume and fullness. The layers create the illusion of thickness, while the messy texture keeps the style youthful.
Styling Tip: Use a volumizing powder at the roots to lift the hair and give it extra body.
Why it works: The layers and texture work together to give thin hair a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
21. Bold Undercut with short messy hairstyle Tousled Layers
An undercut paired with tousled layers on top creates a striking, edgy look that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair.
Styling Tip: Use a medium-hold wax to define the layers while keeping the top messy and voluminous.
Why it works: The contrast between the undercut and messy top creates a bold, eye-catching style.
22. Styling Techniques for Short Messy Haircuts
| Haircut Style | Technique | Recommended Products | Hair Type |
| Textured Bob | Use sea salt spray and scrunch hair | Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray | Thick hair |
| Choppy Pixie | Apply pomade for control and definition | Layrite Natural Matte Cream | Coarse hair |
| Tousled Waves | Air-dry or use a diffuser for soft waves | Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray | Wavy or curly hair |
| Long Shag | Twist sections for extra texture | Redken Wax Blast 10 | Medium to thick hair |
| Disheveled Crop | Use volumizing mousse for lift and volume | Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse | Fine to thin hair |
23. Pixie Cut with short Messy hairstyle Top
A pixie cut with a messy top is a simple yet stylish option for those looking for a low-maintenance look. The messiness on top adds a playful touch, while the shorter sides keep it clean and chic.
Styling Tip: Use a bit of pomade to keep the top messy but controlled.
Why it works: The messy top adds texture and volume, while the short sides keep the overall look sleek and balanced.
24. Edgy Messy Bob with Shaved Sides
For those wanting a bold, modern look, an edgy bob with shaved sides creates a sharp contrast. The messy top adds softness and movement, while the shaved sides keep the look sleek.
Styling Tip: Use a lightweight styling wax to keep the top messy while enhancing the sharpness of the shaved sides.
Why it works: The combination of messy and structured elements creates a dynamic, edgy look that’s both fashionable and daring.
25. Tomboy Messy Cut with Choppy Layers
A tomboy-inspired cut with choppy layers is perfect for those who want a no-fuss, effortless style. The messy texture creates a relaxed, laid-back feel.
Styling Tip: Finger-comb through the hair to maintain the messy texture, and use a bit of texturizing spray for added lift.
Why it works: The choppy layers add dimension and texture, cutting looks fuller and more voluminous.
26. Jaw-Length Shag with Tousled Ends
A jaw-length shag with tousled ends creates a casual, cool-girl vibe that’s perfect for any occasion. The layers provide volume and texture, while the tousled finish keeps the look modern.
Styling Tip: Use a texturizing powder to add grip and volume to the ends for a more defined, messy look.
Why it works: The shag cut provides natural volume, while the tousled ends keep the style playful and relaxed.
27. Perfectly Messy for Fine Hair
If you have fine hair, achieving a messy hairstyle that still has volume and texture can be tricky. This cut is designed specifically to create the illusion of fullness and movement.
Styling Tip: Avoid heavy products that can weigh the hair down. Instead, opt for lightweight mousses or sprays that add volume without sacrificing texture.
Why it works: The layers and light products help to give fine hair the volume and texture it needs to pull off a messy, carefree look.
Conclusion
Short Messy hairstyle are a timeless trend that offers versatility, ease, and a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Whether you have fine, thick, curly, or straight hair, there’s a short messy hairstyle that can work for you.
From tousled pixies to textured bobs, these cuts allow for creative, low-maintenance styling that can fit into any lifestyle. The key to perfecting the messy look is in using the right products, like sea salt spray, medium-hold wax, and pomade, along with mastering simple styling techniques that enhance natural texture and volume.
For 2024, embrace the effortless charm of messy hair with one of these trendy, carefree cuts. Whether you’re aiming for a casual bedhead look or an edgy, tousled style, there’s something for every personality and hairs type in this collection of short messy hairs ideas.
