Stylish Messy Hairstyle Ideas

Add attitude and uniqueness to your looks trying some stylish messy hairstyle ideas that work great for both casual and formal occasions. Update your styling routine and get ready to have fun whether you choose a tousled, just rolled out of bed tresses or a playful, relaxed yet extremely chic chignon.

Styling your hair is easier than you'd think. Have fun playing around and see the different 'dos you can get while trying fresh, youthful yet uber-sexy tousled, rather unkempt looks. Forget sleek tresses and opt instead for stylish messy hairstyle ideas! Whether you choose a lovely ponytail or a chic chignon, the ethereal effect obtained really makes you stand out from the crowd.

On the catwalk an array of relaxed, toned down, festival-appropriate 'dos could be spotted. You can achieve the look too in an instant. Start by combing a volumizing mousse through wet hair, then blow-dry it upside down, using your fingers to rake through the strands (Givenchy, Isabel Marant). Add elegance and glam with a big, bold, backcombed style as the one seen at Mulberry. Create the body using a volume mousse all through the hair and then backcomb at the roots yet keeping enough hair back so you can smooth over the top.

You can also try cool loose, just rolled out of bed waves as the ones seen at Peter Som. Make small and chunky braids through hair before going to bed. Once you unplait them, apply some setting spray and a mist of salt spray. For a fresh feel, twist a face-framing section into a loose spiral across the forehead and pin it at the back of the head (Rodarte).

Givenchy Spring 2012 Isabel Marant Spring 2012

Jill Stuart Spring 2012 Mulberry Spring 2012

Peter Som Spring 2012 Rodarte Fall 2011

Even though it is rather hard to believe, a messy half up style can have a real red carpet impact. Get a soft, delicate and super-feminine 'do as the one seen at Nina Ricci adding volume at the crown and pinning up the sides with a few bobby pins. The result? A sultry, effortlessly chic look that is utterly versatile and suitable for casual and formal occasions as well. Or, you can go for a more tousled, rock chick version drawing your inspiration from Bensoni.

Since the already classic pony is so practical and can be worn in so many different styles, why not to try a messier approach? Make a low ponytail tucking it under and securing it with bobby pins. Leave the rest of the hair to fall softly down the back (Vera Wang). Or, you can pull hair loosely in a pony and secure it using a colored scarf in a pretty, boho way (Emilio Pucci).

Nina Ricci Fall 2011 Bensoni Fall 2011

Vera Wang Fall 2011 Emilio Pucci Spring 2012

Update the famous chignon by creating a bend in the hair at the roots using a curling iron (Dolce & Gabbana). Next, make a classic French twist and leave a few flyaways for a sweet, sexy effect. Pick a beautiful hair accessory to complete your look. You can also wear hair in a demure, intricately woven chignon. Achieve this 'do at home twisting, tucking and pinning your hair into a stunning, romantic bun (Suno). Spritz with hairspray and mess up the final look.

Be brave and create a cool, disheveled, androgynous 'do as the one spotted at Haider Ackermann. To style, divide hair into upper and lower halves. Next, make a slick chignon using the lower section and let the upper part down over the forehead and sides. Apply some hairspray to hold that fabulous look.
Since a bun is an unfashionable 'do, you can have fun while making different styles. You can make a slightly messy low knot (3.1 Phillip Lim) with small sections pulled along the crown and pinned one by one to the back of the head. Or, you can opt for the reinterpreted version of the French twist as seen at Michael Kors.

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Suno Spring 2012