16 messy wave Hairstyles That Are Trending Everywhere Right Now
There’s something undeniably magnetic about messy waves. They whisper of effortless cool, a day at the beach, and a confident, ‘I woke up like this’ attitude. Gone are the days of overly polished, helmet-perfect hair. The trend now is all about texture, movement, and a beautifully undone finish that looks both chic and lived-in.
Whether your hair is long, short, fine, or thick, there’s a messy wave style waiting for you. This versatile look can be dressed up for a glamorous evening or kept casual for a day at the office. We’ve scoured salons, red carpets, and social media to bring you the 16 messy wave hairstyles that are absolutely everywhere right now. Get ready to be inspired and learn how to achieve that perfect, artfully disheveled look.
1. The Effortless Beach Wave
This is the quintessential messy wave, the foundation upon which many of these styles are built. The goal is to mimic the natural, sun-kissed waves you get after a day in the ocean. The key is irregularity; no two waves should be exactly the same. Use a sea salt spray on damp hair for grit and texture, then scrunch as you air dry or use a diffuser. For a more defined look, a curling wand with a slightly clamped technique will create those soft, alternating S-shaped curves.
2. The Textured Shag Cut
The shag haircut has made a massive comeback, and its best friend is a head full of messy waves. This style is all about layers and choppy ends. The waves in a shag are less about uniform curls and more about creating volume and shape. It’s a perfectly imperfect style that embraces natural texture. Ask your stylist for lots of layers and face-framing pieces, then use a texturizing cream to piece out the ends and enhance the wave pattern.
3. The Modern Bardot Waves
Inspired by the timeless style of Brigitte Bardot, this look takes her iconic volume and softens it with a modern, messy twist. Think voluminous at the roots with cascading, relaxed waves that are slightly broken up. The part is often deep and side-swept. To achieve this, focus on lifting the roots with a volumizing spray and use a large-barrel curling iron, making sure to brush out the curls gently with your fingers for a soft, blended effect.
4. The Messy Wavy Bob
Don’t think for a second that short hair can’t rock this trend. The messy wavy bob is one of the most popular and low-maintenance styles out there. The waves add body and movement to a blunt cut, preventing it from looking too severe. Use a flat iron or a small curling wand to create inconsistent bends and flips throughout the hair, concentrating on the ends. A matte pomade or wax is perfect for separating the waves and adding definition.
5. The “I Slept In It” Updo
This is the ultimate lazy-girl chic hairstyle. It’s a bun or a loose updo that looks like you just threw it up, but in the most fashionable way possible. The secret is to start with already wavy hair. Pull your hair into a loose, low ponytail but don’t pull the hair all the way through on the last loop (creating a bun). Gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and some waves from the bun to create a soft, effortlessly messy silhouette.
6. The Half-Up, Half-Down Messy Wave
This style combines the practicality of keeping hair out of your face with the free-spirited vibe of loose waves. It’s youthful, romantic, and incredibly easy to do. Simply take the top section of your hair, twist or pull it back loosely, and secure it with a clip or hair tie. Then, gently tug at the crown to create volume and pull out a few small pieces around your ears and forehead. The waves below should remain full and textured.
7. The Wet-Look Wavy Finish
While the hair might look “wet,” the waves are still very much “messy.” This high-fashion look uses gel or a strong-hold cream to slick back the hair while allowing the wavy texture to pop through. Apply a generous amount of gel to damp or dry wavy hair, scrunching it to define the waves while slicking shorter pieces back. The result is a controlled yet textured look that is both edgy and elegant.
8. The Tousled Mermaid Waves
For those with long, luxurious hair, mermaid waves are a dream. This version, however, is less about perfect spirals and more about tousled, romantic texture. The waves are larger, softer, and deliberately disrupted. After curling, run your fingers through your hair to break up the curls and apply a texturizing spray at the mid-lengths and ends to create a separated, piece-y effect that’s full of movement.
9. The Grunge-Inspired Bed Head
This 90s throwback is all about attitude. It’s messier, more textured, and has a bit of a gritty feel. The waves are less defined and more like kinks and bends. To get this look, braid your hair in several small, messy braids overnight, or use a texturizing dry shampoo and a flat iron to create random bends. The finish should be matte and full of separation.
10. The Voluminous Wavy Shag
This is the shag’s bigger, bolder sister. The focus here is on maximum volume and a rock-and-roll spirit. The waves are tighter and more chaotic, often achieved with a waver iron or a very small-barrel curling iron. Teasing at the roots and a heavy-duty hairspray are essential to maintain this dramatic, sky-high textured look.
11. The Messy Wavy Ponytail
Elevate a simple ponytail by starting with a head of messy waves. This instantly adds volume and interest to an otherwise basic style. Leave out your baby hairs and a few longer pieces around your face and neck. The key is to pull the ponytail slightly loose and tug a few waves out from the base to create a seamless, soft transition from your head to the ponytail.
12. The Blunt Cut with Soft Waves
The contrast between a sharp, blunt haircut and soft, messy waves is incredibly striking. It keeps the look modern and chic while the waves add a touch of softness and romance. The waves should be concentrated from the mid-lengths down to the ends, leaving the upper section relatively smooth. This draws attention to the healthy, blunt cut while the ends dance with texture.
13. The Faux-Hawk with Wavy Sides
For a truly edgy take on the trend, try a faux-hawk. The middle section of hair is pinned or braided up, while the sides are left down in beautiful, cascading messy waves. This style showcases the waves in a unique way, framing the face with texture. It’s a bold and dramatic look that’s perfect for a night out or a festival.
14. The Wavy Pixie with Texture
Yes, even pixie cuts can get in on the messy wave action! This is for those with naturally wavy or curly hair who opt for a short cut. The style is all about embracing and enhancing your natural texture. Use a defining cream or mousse to scrunch the waves and create separation. The result is a playful, low-maintenance, and incredibly chic look that’s full of personality.
15. The Romantic, Tousled Updo
This is a more refined version of the “I slept in it” updo, perfect for weddings or formal events. It involves loosely braiding or twisting sections of wavy hair and pinning them into a low chignon or bun. The goal is to make it look soft and effortless, not stiff or perfect. Pull out plenty of wavy tendrils to frame the face and neck, and leave the overall shape a little loose and organic.
16. The “Second-Day Hair” Wave
Sometimes the best messy waves aren’t created with hot tools at all—they’re the result of second-day hair. The natural oils at your roots provide texture and hold, while yesterday’s style has settled into a perfectly imperfect wave pattern. Dry shampoo is your best friend here, refreshing the roots and adding volume. Simply scrunch and go, or use a texturizing spray to redefine any waves that have fallen.
Embrace the Mess
The beauty of messy waves lies in their imperfection. They are a celebration of texture, movement, and personal style. This trend is incredibly forgiving and versatile, working with your hair’s natural tendencies rather than fighting against them. So, put down the hairspray and the fine-tooth comb, pick up some texturizing spray, and get ready to embrace the beautiful, effortless, and wonderfully messy wave.
