15 Effortlessly Messy Hairdos for Laid-Back Days

Ever wake up and wish you could just leave your hair exactly as it is wild, lived-in, and full of personality?

Good news: messy hair is in, and it might just be the most liberating beauty trend of all.

With a little creativity and very little effort, you can turn “just rolled out of bed” into “wow, you look amazing.”

These 15 hand-picked messy hairstyles are perfect whether your hair is short, long, curly, straight, thick, or fine.

They combine style and comfort and work just as well for a cozy day at home as for a casual outing.

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1. Bedhead Waves

Tossed, soft waves are the ultimate “I woke up like this” vibe. Start with slightly damp hair and spritz a sea salt spray or lightweight texturizing mist to enhance your natural bends.

Let it air dry for that raw, beachy look, or loosely twist hair into two buns overnight for gentle curves.

Avoid styling tools for a perfectly imperfect finish the strands falling in different directions are what make this look irresistible.

2. Classic Messy Bun

Part ballerina bun, part lazy weekend hair this style is endlessly versatile.

Gather hair loosely where it naturally falls high for a fun, youthful tilt, or low for understated elegance.

Forgo the brush and use your hands to keep texture intact. Secure with a hair tie or scrunchie, then pull out a few strands around the face for softness.

Each time you do it, it’ll look slightly different and that’s the charm.

3. Textured Ponytail

Think less “gym pony” and more model-off-duty cool.

Add volume by gently teasing the crown with your fingers, then pull hair back and tie at your chosen height.

Leave a few wisps or layers free for softness. Mist the tail with dry shampoo or texturizing spray to keep it fluffy and full all day.

4. Loose Braid

Messy braids are timeless in their romance. Loosely braid hair down the back or swept to the side then loosen each section by gently tugging to create width and movement.

Mission accomplished when it looks like it’s been in for hours in the most flattering way.

5. Half-Up Messy Knot

Take the top third of your hair, twist loosely, and secure into a knot at the back of your head.

Let the rest hang free down your shoulders. This half-up style keeps hair away from your face yet shows off your length, and it works beautifully on straight, wavy, or curly hair.

6. Twisted Topknot

Gather hair into a high ponytail, twist in sections, then wrap into a bun.

Secure just enough to hold it, letting some ends poke out. It’s ideal for layered cuts where pieces naturally escape to frame the face.

7. Bedhead Low Ponytail

Skip the brush and finger-sweep hair into a relaxed low ponytail. Secure at the nape, then pull loose a few pieces around your ears. Soft, understated, and perfect for pairing with chunky knits or oversized sunglasses.