We all know those mornings when our hair has a mind of its own but what if we told you that wild locks are in? The messy hair trend is taking over and it’s all about embracing that effortless bedhead vibe. Forget spending hours in front of the mirror—this look is about working with what you’ve got and letting your natural texture shine.
We don’t need perfect curls or pin-straight strands to turn heads. With the right tricks we can transform tousled hair into a statement style that oozes confidence. If you’re ready to slay the bedhead look and own your natural beauty you’re in the right place. Let’s jump into five easy ways to master this trend and make every day a good hair day.
Embracing the Messy Hair Trend: Why Bedhead Is In
We see celebrities and influencers everywhere rocking undone waves and perfectly imperfect strands. Fashion shows highlight bedhead hair as the new symbol of cool. Designers, like those at Alexander Wang and Balenciaga, regularly send models down the runway with intentional tousle and volume. Most of us love that this trend frees us from heat-styling and endless products—embracing natural texture is now celebrated.
Waking up with unbrushed, pillow-sculpted hair lets us embrace individuality. Trends on TikTok and Instagram show that messy hair gives off confidence instead of carelessness. We notice more people using minimal effort to transform flyaways and bends into effortless looks. Gone are the days when only perfectly polished styles counted as professional—now, undone hair fits right in at the office or out with friends.
Chasing those smooth, unmovable updos feels outdated now. Instead, we’re inspired to try flexible styles that move naturally throughout the day. Product sales reports from brands like Ouai and Bumble and Bumble show a 30% surge in texturizing sprays and creams, confirming what we already know: bedhead is everywhere. Embracing the messy hair trend lets us save time, show off our real hair, and claim a look that always feels fresh.
Perfecting the Textured Waves for an Effortless Look
Nothing says bedhead chic like those soft, undone waves. We get the coolest results by going for movement and volume, not overly defined curls. Shaggy layers play a huge role here, blending different lengths and creating that effortless, lived-in vibe seen all over 2025 hair trend forecasts.
Using Sea Salt Sprays and Mousses to Create Volume
Sea salt sprays are our go-to for instant lift and easy texture. When we want more body, we add texturizing mousse and focus on roots for extra volume. Products like Schwarzkopf Professional’s Session Label The Salt and The Texturizer, used on the Ann Demeulemeester runway, make it simple to nail that beachy, lived-in look the pros love. Just a quick spritz or pump in damp hair does the trick, leaving us with fuller, softened waves.
Scrunching Techniques for Natural Texture
Our favorite trick for authentic texture is scrunching. After applying mousse or sea salt spray, we cup sections of damp hair in our hands and gently push upward. Every section gets attention, making sure the product distributes evenly and our natural wave pattern pops. Skipping brushes and letting hair air-dry helps maintain that relaxed texture, so we avoid a too-perfect finish. Scrunching really boosts the undone, messy feel, and gives us that perfect bedhead look—effortless, but totally on trend.
Mastering the Messy Bun: Chic Yet Casual
Let’s talk about the messy bun—no other style nails that chic yet effortless vibe so perfectly. We see this look everywhere, from high-fashion runways to our Monday video calls, and there’s a good reason why it’s a top pick.
Achieving the Perfect Loose Bun With Minimal Effort
Start with day-old hair for instant grip and texture. Grabbing our favorite dry shampoo is always a smart move since it adds just the right amount of grit. Instead of combing, we gather our hair loosely at the crown or nape, then twist it into a bun, letting a few strands fall out naturally to frame our faces. Reaching for a light hold hairspray helps us keep the bun together without losing its lived-in edge. If we want extra movement, using our fingers to gently tug sections free brings that soft undone finish we love. Inspiration comes straight from Guido Palau’s work for Miu Miu A/W 2025, where static lifts delicate tufts for an effortless touch.
Adding Accessories for Extra Style Points
Sometimes we want to elevate the look further. Ribbons, minimalist headbands, or bits of jewelry add personality and a cool, nomadic feel, echoing the hair Anthony Turner designed for Ann Demeulemeester. Popping in a few hair clips or bobby pins can secure our bun while making sure some pieces stay loose for that true messy vibe. For updos, we like to sneak in tiny pins or ties that blend into our hair, subtly accentuating the undone aesthetic that’s trending everywhere for 2025.
Rocking the Tousled Ponytail for Everyday Wear
We can turn the classic ponytail into something relaxed and trendy with just a few easy tweaks. Tousled ponytails go with everything, giving our hair that perfectly imperfect bedhead vibe for the office or a casual brunch.
Backcombing for Instant Lift and Volume
Backcombing works wonders for adding that lived-in texture. We take a teasing brush or comb and gently work at the roots, focusing on the crown for an instant volume boost. This way, our ponytail never falls flat, and the lift creates that fuller, messy look that’s all over our social feeds and runways. Schwarzkopf Professional suggests keeping it light—backcombing just enough for shape without crossing into scruffy territory. Volumizing sprays or mousse at the roots can help boost hold and keep the look fluffy throughout the day.
Leaving Out Face-Framing Pieces for a Softer Finish
Letting a few sections fall naturally around our face instantly softens the whole ponytail. We pull out wispy strands or longer face-framing pieces, which breaks up the look and adds effortless style. When we style our ponytail, skipping the tight pull-back makes all the difference. Celebs and influencers have made this move a staple, giving our style a breezy, approachable feel while still looking intentional. It’s the tiny detail that can turn a basic ponytail into the ultimate bedhead-inspired statement.
Styling the Unkempt Braid: Effortlessly Cool
We love how the unkempt braid nails that carefree vibe, perfect for the messy hair trend. This style looks best when it’s relaxed, textured and a bit undone—just the bedhead look we’re after.
Loosening and Pancaking Braids for Volume
First off, let’s make our braid look fuller. After braiding, we can gently tug the sides of each braid segment to loosen them and “pancake” the braid. Not only does this create more volume, it gives our style that chunky, airy texture everyone’s craving for a true messy hair moment. Instead of keeping sections tight and slick, we use our fingers to pull and spread each piece until the braid feels soft around the edges. Pair this with a bit of texturizing spray at the start, and we’ll add more grip and hold while keeping things perfectly imperfect.
Mixing In Hair Charms or Ribbons
Switch up the look by weaving in fun details. We like threading a velvet ribbon or small metallic hair charm through random sections of the braid before tying it off. Charms and ribbons add personality, making a simple unkempt braid look instantly styled without much effort. For a playful finish, we can even tie a thin ribbon around the base or let it peek from the middle for that trendy, carefree touch. This works whether our braid is large and loose or a few smaller messy plaits—our braid feels fresh and unique every time.
Creating the Bedhead Bob: Low Maintenance, High Impact
A bedhead bob gives us that lived-in, effortlessly chic vibe with almost no daily styling work. Choppy layers make this look pop, channeling a punk edge that traces back to icons like Anthony Turner and the grunge influence of the ‘70s.
Using Dry Shampoo for Extra Texture and Hold
We grab our favorite dry shampoo to instantly lift roots and absorb excess oil. Our favorite stylists backstage at autumn and winter 2025 shows relied on texture boosters like Schwarzkopf Professional’s Session Label products, but any quality dry shampoo provides the same grit and volume. With just a few sprays at the crown and a shake-out with our hands, we create separation and fullness in seconds—no heavy, slick products needed. It’s the secret to keeping that bob light, fluffy, and lasting all day.
Texturizing with Finger Styling Instead of Brushes
Instead of reaching for a brush, we use our fingers to tease and tousle our bob into place. This simple switch helps retain our hair’s natural bends and prevents the style from looking overdone. Running fingers through layers adds definition and a slightly imperfect texture that feels cool, not calculated. The 2025 messy hair trend thrives on embracing authenticity, so we rough up our strands and let the ends fall where they may. We’re all about that undone, movement-filled finish that says we didn’t try too hard—because, honestly, we didn’t have to.
Conclusion
Messy hair isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a celebration of individuality and confidence. When we embrace our natural texture and let go of perfection, we open the door to effortless style that fits any mood or occasion.
Let’s keep experimenting with these laid-back looks and make every day a chance to show off our unique vibe. With the right techniques and products, achieving that perfectly imperfect hair is easier than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the messy hair trend?
The messy hair trend embraces natural texture, undone waves, and tousled styles, promoting a relaxed, confident look. Inspired by celebrities and runway shows, this style moves away from perfection, making hair look effortlessly chic and cool.
How can I achieve the bedhead look?
To achieve the bedhead look, focus on texture and movement over perfect curls. Use sea salt spray or texturizing mousse on damp hair, scrunch gently, and let it air-dry for a relaxed finish. Layers and shaggy cuts also help create an effortless vibe.
What products are best for messy, textured hair?
Sea salt sprays, texturizing mousses, and dry shampoo work best for adding volume and texture. Recommended products include Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label or similar texturizing sprays for a beachy, undone look without weighing hair down.
How do I style a messy bun for a soft, chic look?
Start with day-old hair for natural grip. Use dry shampoo for extra texture, gather your hair loosely, and twist into a bun, allowing strands to fall out naturally. Enhance the look with accessories like ribbons, hair clips, or headbands.
Can I create a tousled ponytail for work or casual events?
Yes, a tousled ponytail can look great for any occasion. Backcomb for lift, use volumizing spray, and leave out some face-framing pieces to soften the look. This style is breezy, intentional, and easy to achieve.
What is “pancaking” a braid and why do it?
Pancaking a braid means gently pulling apart each section after braiding, making the braid look fuller and more textured. It gives the style a carefree, voluminous look and helps embrace the messy hair trend.
How can I style a bob for a bedhead effect?
Apply dry shampoo for root lift and oil absorption, then use your fingers to tousle the hair instead of a brush. This creates lived-in texture and separation, resulting in a chic, low-maintenance bedhead bob.
Is the messy hair trend suitable for all hair types?
Yes, all hair types can embrace the messy hair trend. Whether your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, the key is to enhance natural texture with the right techniques and products, making it work for everyone.
Do I need heat styling tools for messy hair looks?
No, many messy hair styles are best created without heat tools. Air-drying, scrunching, and using texturizing products help achieve the look naturally, protecting hair from heat damage and saving styling time.
How do I keep my messy hairstyle looking intentional, not careless?
Focus on enhancing texture, maintaining some structure, and using minimal but effective products. Leaving out soft, face-framing strands, adding accessories, and refining shape help ensure your messy hairstyle looks cool and deliberate.
