Get the Messy Wavy Hairstyles that Street Style Stars Love

a.k.a. Blogger hair, in a nutshell.

Over the years, we’ve seen the lob revolutionize the way we all thought about medium-length hair; no longer was it merely a no-man’s land between a short bob and long, mermaid hair. Elevated from being just a humble in-between filler or simply a means to an end, the lob, especially with inclusion in the hottest messy wavy hairstyles loved by both influencers and style stars, has become a definite It girl staple.

For this post, we deconstruct how to achieve messy wavy hairstyles such as the chunky lob in just a few steps. Read on and see how you, too, can work this look like a bonafide fashionista:

Messy Wavy Hairstyles: the Blogger Lob

messy wavy hairstyles chunky lob front
A great balayage also highlights the details of this wavy ‘do. Photo credit: Nick Urteaga

Step 1: Wash Your Hair

Hair aficionados worth their salt know that any long-lasting style usually starts in the shower. A shampoo and conditioner that thicken your hair, like TRESemmé Thick & Full Shampoo and Conditioner help create a base for effortless-looking waves. Rinse well.

Step 2: Towel-Dry

Blot hair with a towel, and then lightly spritz on a flexible spray, such as Nexxus Maxximum Finishing Mist, for texture and edgier waves. Mist hair all over, and then rough-dry with a blowdryer.

Step 3: Give Yourself a Blowout—No, Really

As TRESemmé Lead Stylist Jeanie Syfu mentioned, “a good foundation is key for [waves and curls] to work,” and, as counterintuitive as it sounds, this is usually done via a proper blowout. No need to stress about it: Just go in with a flat brush or a paddle brush to ensure kinks are straightened out before you curl.

Step 4: Use a Bigger Barrel

The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. So for this lob, or if you want messy wavy hairstyles with a chunkier bend, a 1 1/2” curling iron is best. First divide hair into top and bottom sections, then further divide into left, middle and right. Twirl each section around the barrel (holding it horizontally gives a softer, structured wave, vertically gives beachier waves), hold for around five to eight seconds, then release. Curl the fringe area last.

messy wavy hairstyles chunky lob back
Vertical waves give a beachier, more tousled feel. Photo credit: Nick Urteaga

Step 5: Mess It Up

Gently brush out your curls with a paddle brush, scrunching from the ends up to give it more of a tousled feel. Finish with an anti-frizz hairspray, like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Smooth Level Hold 2, to set. You’re done!

10 Messy Wavy Hairstyles to Inspire You

1. Lighter and Lighter

messy wavy hairstyles bleach blonde
Go lighter!

Draw attention to your chic and messy waves by lightening your strands. Ask your stylist for a bleach blonde, ashy hue and leave your roots dark for some dimension.

2. Dimension is Key

messy wavy hair dimension
Add a little dimension to your color for your waves. Photo Credit: Craig Alexander

Speaking of dimension, that kind of visual depth can play a big role in helping you create your signature messy style. This eye-catching contrast only adds to your messy texture.

3. Short and Edgy

messy wavy hairstyles short
Consider a short and edgy style. Photo Credit: Arianna Sharfman

Go shorter than you’ve gone before and consider a short and edgy bob. Styling messy waves is easiest on a short cut like this because your hair won’t weigh itself down…that means achieving height and volume in your waves will be easier than ever.

4. A Touch of Polish

messy wavy hairstyles polished waves
Add some polish.

If you’re looking for something a bit more polished then this is the messy wavy hairstyle for you.

5. Easy Texture

messy wavy hairstyles messy texture
For an “I woke up like this” style.

The more undone the better when it comes to messy wave hairstyles. Follow the natural texture of your wave pattern and embrace the results.

6. Subtle Ombré

messy wavy hairstyles subtle ombre
Lighten up…just a little. Photo Credit: Craig Alexander

Wear your waves long and lighten up just the ends with some subtle ombré color.

7. Let it Grow

messy waby hair long
We love loose aves on longer cuts. Photo Credit: Craig Alexander

Who said messy waves have to be short? Wear your strands long and embrace that messy texture.

8. No Age Limit

messy wavy hairstyles gray hair
Wear it gray.

This style has absolutely no age limit and looks just as beautiful on vibrant gray strands as it does on younger hair.

9. Fallen Waves

messy wavy hair fallen waves
Let your waves fall. Photo Credit: Craig Alexander

Half the beauty of this style is just how effortless it is. Let your long waves fall and weigh themselves down for a truly effortless look.

10. Lighten Up

messy wavy hair highlights
Opt for highlights that will draw more attention to your waves. Photo Credit: Craig Alexander

Draw even more attention to your new style by adding strategic bright highlights to make them attention-grabbing in the best way.

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