Struggling to Find the Perfect Balance Between Effortless and Stylish Hair? You’re not alone. Every man dreams of achieving that casual, messy look that seems like it took no effort at all—but let’s face it, getting that “perfectly imperfect” style often requires a little extra help. Enter the MVP of hair products: conditioner.
Whether shaping an edgy quiff, adding texture to a fringe, or nailing the classic bedhead vibe, the right hair paste can make all the difference. Hair paste is the secret weapon for guys who want versatile styling without sacrificing a natural look. Unlike gels that can leave hair stiff or pomades that add too much shine, hair paste strikes the perfect balance with hold, texture, and either a matte or low-shine finish. It’s designed for all hair types—from thick and wavy to fine and curly—and is a game-changer for those dealing with frizz or seeking extra volume.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at shelves of hair products wondering which one will work for your style, this guide to the best hair paste for messy look is here to simplify things for you.
Over the last year, we’ve tested and analyzed a range of hair pastes from trusted brands and some hidden gems you may not have heard of. The goal? To find the ones that truly deliver on their promises. From budget-friendly options to high-end products, we’ve narrowed it down to 15 of the best hair pastes for messy look in 2025. These pastes will keep your hair in place while enhancing its natural texture, allowing you to restyle and rework throughout the day easily.
What’s So Special About Hair Paste? It’s the perfect blend of style and substance. Most pastes are water-based, making them easy to apply, restyle, and wash out. Whether you’re heading to work, hitting the gym, or going out with friends, the right hair paste will keep your look fresh all day. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to add volume to thinning hair, while remaining effective for thicker textures.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down each product in detail, highlighting what makes them stand out and which styles they’re best suited for. Whether you’re a fan of the tousled “just-rolled-out-of-bed” look or want to add a polished edge to your casual vibe, there’s something here for everyone. Ready to discover the best hair paste for a messy look that will revolutionize your grooming routine? Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary: Our Top Picks for Hair Pastes for Men
VICTORY BARBER & BRAND SUPER-DRY MEN'S HAIR PASTE
- Lightweight, matte finish
- Suitable for all-day styling
- Adds texture and definition
MONARCH MATTE PASTE
- Premium matte finish
- Strong hold with natural texture
- Easy to apply and wash out
KEVIN.MURPHY FREE.HOLD – HAIR STYLING PASTE
- Flexible hold for long hair
- Provides shine and texture
- Infused with natural ingredients
LAYRITE NATURAL MATTE CREAM
- Creamy texture for easy application
- Medium hold with a natural matte finish
- Perfect for everyday hairstyles
SCHWARZKOPF GOT2B MATTE PASTE
- Intense hold with a matte finish
- Long-lasting control for thick hair
- Affordable and widely available
GOLDWELL MATTE CREAM PASTE
- Strong hold with a smooth finish
- No stickiness or residue
- Perfect for precise styling
SHEAR REVIVAL NORTHERN LIGHTS MATTE PASTE
- Natural, hand-crafted formula
- The pleasant, subtle scent
- Works for all hair types
ARCADIAN VANILLA CEDAR MATTE PASTE
- Vanilla and cedar aroma
- Pliable hold with texture boost
- Great for medium to long hair
FORTE SERIES MOLDING PASTE
- All-day hold for versatile styling
- Adds thickness and texture
- Suited for short to medium hair
GOT2B PHENOMENAL MOLDING PASTE
- Strong hold with a natural matte finish
- Budget-friendly and effective
- Ideal for daily styling needs
JOHNNY’S CHOP SHOP #1 MEN'S HAIR STYLING MATTE PASTE
- Classic barbershop formula
- Medium hold with a clean matte look
- Suitable for all hair lengths
MATRIX 3 IN 1 OVER ACHIEVER 3-IN-1 PASTE WAX
- Paste, wax, and cream in one
- Flexible hold for multiple hairstyles
- Easy to apply and rework
VO5 SURFSTYLE NATURAL HOLD HAIR PASTE
- Natural hold with a textured, beachy look
- Affordable and lightweight
- Great for casual, everyday use
REDKEN TEXTURE PASTE STYLING PRODUCT
- Adds texture with a firm yet moldable hold
- Suitable for a professional polished look
- Works well for thick and short hair
MANCAVE TEXTURISING HAIR PASTE
- Natural ingredients for hair health
- Medium hold with texture boost
- Perfect for daily casual styles
What to Look for in a Hair Paste
The perfect hair paste isn’t about setting your hair, but rather a matter of confidence and self-assurance in your look. Begin with the hold level: light and flexible for that casual, carefree vibe, or firm to keep your style intact through the rigors of the day. Next is the finish: matte for a naturally effortless look, or shiny for sleek and bold.
Of course, the hair type should not be excluded either. Be it fine, thick, straight, or curly hair, choose a paste that will work in complete harmony with your texture. Find one that goes on with ease and without sticky residue for an easy and seamless routine. A bonus would be if it’s packed with nourishing ingredients like natural oils or waxes to make the hair healthy and soft.
And finally, that finishing touch—a fresh, light scent. Because small things matter a lot. The perfect hair paste can do much more than style hair; it enables you to let your personality shine and feel perfectly wonderful every day of your life.
Top 15 Hair Pastes for Messy Look in 2025
Victory Barber & Brand Super-Dry Men's Hair Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Maximum Texture and Hold
Description:
The real game-changer in men’s hairstyling is the Vijay Barber & Brand Super-Dry Men’s Hair Paste. This paste is made from a high-performance blend of ingredients that provides a strong yet flexible hold, giving you ultimate control without sacrificing a natural look. The super-dry finish offers a matte appearance that doesn’t weigh your hair down, leaving it with a textured, lived-in feel. Whether you’re going for an effortlessly messy style or a more defined look, this product will keep your hair in place all day without losing its touchable softness.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
For the perfect messy and tousled style, look to the Vijay Barber & Brand Super-Dry Men’s Hair Paste. The product provides incredible texture with a non-greasy, matte finish that’s perfect for natural or beach-inspired looks and slightly tousled, messy styles. It adds volume and grit to your hair with a flexible hold that enhances messy textures. Plus, it doesn’t leave your hair flat and can be reshaped and restyled whenever you want for that carefree effect.
Who Is It Suitable For?
The Vijay Barber & Brand Super-Dry Men’s Hair Paste is designed for men with short to medium-length hair who are in search of a versatile styling product. It works well for all types of hair, especially fine or thin hair, and is guaranteed not to weigh it down or leave any greasy residue. Whether you prefer a casual, disheveled look or something sleek, this product is tailored to meet all your styling needs.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua, PVP, Ceteareth-25, Polysorbate 20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Beeswax, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Fragrance.
Review Highlight: “Used a variety of different products in the past just like almost everyone this is nice. I think people would be pleasantly surprised. Hopefully, nobody messes with the formulation because it works well and smells nice.” – C.Rice
Monarch Matte Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Effortless Textured Looks
Description:
The Monarch Matte gives your hair a natural look of texture, with a light feel and a matte finish. Formulated to perfection, this paste provides a flexible hold to shape your hair with ease, without the stiffness and shine that other products often have. It glides through smoothly to define or style your hair in a messy, tousled look.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
Monarch Matte Paste is one of those products you simply must have if you want to achieve that perfectly imperfect messy style. The formula is unique because it adds volume and texture with a natural, matte finish. The paste offers just the right amount of hold without weighing your hair down, making it perfect for creating that “just-rolled-out-of-bed” look. Plus, it allows for easy restyling throughout the day without losing its shape. For those who love that lived-in messy aesthetic, Monarch Matte Paste is your ultimate styling partner.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Monarch Matte Paste is suitable for all types of hair, especially short to medium-length hairstyles. It is particularly ideal for men with fine or thin hair due to the volume and texture the product provides, without the greasy feel of traditional pomades. Whether you want a casually tousled appearance or a structured messy look, this paste is designed with versatility in mind to handle whatever style you desire.
Source: BluMaan Official Website.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Monarch Matte Paste is suitable for all types of hair, especially short to medium-length hairstyles. It is particularly ideal for men with fine or thin hair due to the volume and texture the product provides, without the greasy feel of traditional pomades. Whether you want a casually tousled appearance or a structured messy look, this paste is designed with versatility in mind to handle whatever style you desire.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua, VP / Methacrylamide / Vinyl Imidazole Copolymer, Lanolin Wax, PEG-8 Beeswax, Glycerin, PVP, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Behenate, Triethanolamine, Lanolin Alcohol, Carbomer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil, PEG45M, Trideceth-6, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Limonene.
Review Highlight: “I usually don’t write reviews, but this is the only hair product I’ve ever used that makes my hair feel better after use! My hair is thick and stubborn, mainly want to go forward, but this product tames my hair back well! I highly recommend anyone to use this if you enjoy natural and quality products. Don’t put chemicals in your hair, use this! :)” – AV
KEVIN MURPHY Free Hold Medium Hold Styling Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Flexible Hold and Texture
Description:
Kevin Murphy Free Hold Medium Hold Styling Balm is a versatile product that balances and holds hair. It delivers a medium hold with a natural finish and is ideal for creating neat and structured styles or relaxed, tousled hair. The paste doesn’t keep your hair in a rigid place, allowing it to move freely while maintaining its shape all day without any stiffness. Plus, it’s enriched with natural ingredients that nourish and hydrate your hair, leaving it looking and feeling healthy.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
If you want a messy, carefree look that still feels controlled, this styling paste is perfect, just like the other hair pastes I’ve mentioned. It provides a medium hold that texturizes and volumizes without weighing your hair down or making it greasy. The paste delivers a matte finish that enhances messy styles and keeps your hair light, mobile, and defined. Whether you’re going for beachy waves or a casually tousled look, the paste gives you the freedom to shape your hair just the way you want.
Who Is It Suitable For?
This styling paste is for men with medium to thick-density hair who seek a product that provides hold without being overly stiff. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add texture and volume to their hair, whether aiming for a structured style or a relaxed, messy look. Its hydrating properties make it suitable for all hair types, even for dry or damaged hair.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Beeswax, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Squalane, Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Ceteareth-20, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Fragrance.
Review Highlight:
Layrite Natural Matte Cream Oz
Award/Highlight: Best for Natural, Low-Shine Texture
Description:
Layrite Natural Matte Cream is a great hair styling formula that provides a perfectly balanced hold with texture for a matte finish. This cream is lightweight, offering medium hold, yet keeps your style in place without feeling weighty or greasy. Infused with natural ingredients, it allows your hair to move freely for relaxed yet defined styling. Plus, it’s super easy to apply and water-soluble, ensuring an easy washout that leaves your hair clean at the end of the day. Whether you’re after a casual, tousled look or something more polished, this cream delivers a clean matte finish every time.
Why It’s Great for Messy Looks:
Layrite Natural Matte Cream is perfect for messy styles as it adds texture and volume without adding shine. It provides a soft hold that shapes your hair naturally, making it ideal for those “just-woke-up” styles. The lightweight formula won’t weigh your hair down, allowing you to achieve that perfect messy look effortlessly. Additionally, the matte finish enhances messy textures and gives your hair a modern, effortless vibe that never looks overdone.
Who Is It Suitable For?
This cream is suitable for any type of hair. For men seeking a natural feel and finish without greasiness, this is the perfect choice. It’s ideal for medium to thick hair, whether short or medium in length, with a flexible hold that works for everything from structured undercuts to messy styles. Even men with fine or thinning hair can benefit, as it provides texture and added volume without heaviness or a flat appearance.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-25, Beeswax, Glycerin, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol.
Review Highlight: “So I have been using pomade for years, I was always an old spice guy. But this stuff is so much better! Smells good, and since it’s not as thick it makes it so much easier to style your hair and not leave it feeling greasy! My new fav hair product!” – Joey Parti
Schwarzkopf got2b Matte Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Effortless Messy Styles
Description:
Among all men’s hair styling products, Schwarzkopf got2b Matte Paste stands out as a long-time favorite. It offers flexible hold and a matte finish, keeping your hair in control without the heavy or sticky feeling that some other products leave behind. Whether you’re aiming for a tousled and messy look or a more defined style, this paste has got you covered. Lightweight and easy to apply, it allows you to tweak your style throughout the day without needing to reapply.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
This paste works perfectly for messy styles, enhancing your hair’s natural, effortless look without adding any shine. It provides medium hold that keeps your messy hairstyle in place while still allowing your hair to move naturally. Its flexible formula makes shaping and reshaping a breeze, whether you’re going for a spiked, tousled look or a relaxed bedhead style. The matte finish elevates messy textures without adding gloss, giving you a laid-back coolness that sets you apart.
Who Is It Suitable For?
The Schwarzkopf got2b Matte Paste is suitable for all hair types but works especially well with medium to thick hair. It’s ideal for short to medium-length hairstyles, offering just the right balance of hold and flexibility. Even for fine or thin hair, it adds structure and volume without weighing your hair down or flattening it. This versatile product is perfect for anyone seeking an easy-to-use styling solution with a polished yet natural finish.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, VP/VA Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lanolin Alcohol, Steareth-21, Polysorbate 60, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.
Review Highlight:
Goldwell Matte Cream Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Textured, Natural Styles
Description:
If the other pastes on this list didn’t quite cut it, this might be your perfect styling buddy. It provides the ideal amount of texture and control, while its matte finish looks natural, cool, and effortlessly put-together. It glides on with a lightweight, non-greasy formula and delivers just the right amount of medium hold to keep your hair in place all day without weighing it down. Whether you’re off to the office, grabbing coffee with friends, or hitting the gym, this styling paste has you covered for whatever life throws your way.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look
For a bad hair day—or should I say, saving the day—Goldwell Matte Cream Paste is the answer. Why? Because it texturizes your hair without making it too shiny. Think perfectly undone: tousled beach waves or relaxed, messed-up bedhead—whatever you prefer. Its flexible hold means your hair moves naturally yet stays in place all day, never feeling crunchy or stiff. On top of that, the matte finish helps mask imperfections, creating an overall smooth, polished look that still feels casual.
Who Is It For?
Goldwell Matte Cream Paste helps any hair feel and look better, bringing style without shimmer. It’s perfect for those with short to medium-length hair, working seamlessly from casual to more refined messy styles. If you’re looking for a gentle touch, flexible hold, and texture without added weight, this paste fits the bill for a variety of styling applications.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Ceteareth-25, Polyquaternium-7, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Polyquaternium-11, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.
Review Highlight: “This product works great on short hair. You don’t need more than a pea-sized amount, so price-wise it is not expensive when you consider how little you use per time. This was highly recommended by my stylist as well.” – AAdams
Shear Revival Northern Lights Matte Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Effortless Matte Texture
Description:
This product adds texture and volume to your hair, making it easy to create effortlessly cool hairstyles. Whether you prefer a laid-back, messy look or something more structured with shape and definition, this product delivers exceptional results. Its smooth, lightweight formula applies cleanly and blends seamlessly without leaving sticky or greasy residue. Infused with nourishing ingredients, it helps keep your hair hydrated all day long, leaving it soft and healthy.
Why It’s Perfect for Messy Looks:
Shear Revival Northern Lights Matte Paste truly shines when it comes to achieving that perfect, undone yet undeniably stylish look. It enhances the natural texture of your hair by adding dimension and volume, making it ideal for messy hairstyles. The matte finish keeps your style cool and understated, without any shine. Additionally, its light hold strikes the perfect balance, offering just enough control to adjust and refine your style throughout the day without stiffness or heaviness.
Who Is It For?
This versatile matte paste is suitable for all men, regardless of hair type. It works particularly well for medium to thick hair, providing structure and movement with ease. For men with fine hair, it offers a much-needed boost in volume and texture without weighing the hair down or leaving it greasy. Whether you’re going for a casual, carefree style or a more polished, natural look, Shear Revival Northern Lights Matte Paste delivers the perfect combination of hold, flexibility, and texture to elevate your hairstyling game.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, Cetearyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, PVP, Propylene Glycol, Panthenol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.
Review Highlight:
Arcadian Vanilla Cedar Matte Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Natural Texture
Description:
Arcadian Vanilla Cedar Matte Paste keeps hair styling effortless and enjoyable. It provides your hair with a strong yet flexible hold and a matte finish that doesn’t shine, giving a natural, textured look. With a light vanilla cedar fragrance, it blends the rich, woody scent of cedar with a touch of sweetness. Its lightweight texture ensures smooth application and keeps your hair soft without any heaviness. Whether you’re looking to add volume, control, or simply shape your style, this versatile product does it all while keeping your hair looking natural and fresh.
Why It’s Great for Messy Looks:
This is the ultimate paste for messy, relaxed hairstyles. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula enhances the natural texture of your hair, giving you that “effortlessly cool” look. The matte finish doesn’t leave your hair stiff or overly shiny like many gels tend to do but instead keeps it looking fresh and natural. Whether it’s tousled waves or a laid-back messy style, this paste adds just the right amount of texture and volume to your hair. It holds well throughout the day and allows you to easily rework your style if needed.
Who Is It Suitable For?
This product is ideal for anyone seeking a matte finish with a natural, textured feel. It’s suitable for men of all hair types, especially those with medium to thick hair who want to add volume and definition to their hairstyles. It’s also perfect for those who prefer a lightweight, non-sticky, and non-heavy styling product. This cream-based paste is excellent for giving volume and texture to thin or fine hair without weighing it down. It’s the perfect product for anyone who loves their hair to be effortlessly stylish and easy to manage without compromising on quality.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Glycerin, VP/VA Copolymer, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, PVP, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Linalool, Limonene.
Review Highlight: “I enjoy the alternate scent from the original Arcadian matte paste. Both great products. Arcadian is an awesome line. Original version has good hold and all day pliability while the Cedar Vanilla scent offers that plus a more rugged and outdoorsy option(versus) the cleaner and sweeter OG version)” – Preston Smith
Forte Series Molding Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Long-Lasting Hold
Description:
This molding paste is designed for ultimate versatility, effortlessly catering to styles ranging from messy and tousled to more refined and polished looks. Its smooth, creamy texture glides through hair without pulling or tugging, while the finish remains non-sticky and non-greasy. With a powerful yet flexible hold, it keeps your hairstyle intact throughout the day and allows for easy restyling whenever needed. This product adds texture, volume, and definition, leaving your hair looking naturally full without the heavy or artificial feel commonly associated with gels or waxes.
Why It’s Great for Messy Looks:
The Forte Series Molding Paste is the ideal choice for achieving that perfectly messy, undone look while maintaining control and texture. It enhances the natural shape of your hair by adding volume and definition and sets with a modern matte finish. Unlike many other products that leave your hair feeling stiff, this paste provides a firm yet flexible hold, allowing you to mold and rework your style without losing its structure. Whether it’s a tousled bedhead style or an intentionally messy aesthetic, this paste provides just the right amount of lift and texture to elevate any hairstyle.
Who Is It Suitable For?
This molding paste is suitable for all hair types but truly excels on medium and thick hair. For men with fine hair, it delivers a boost in volume and body, making your hair appear and feel fuller and more textured. It’s an excellent option for anyone seeking firm hold without the crunchy or shiny finish that some styling gels leave behind. Whether you prefer a natural, messy look or something more polished and finished, Forte Series Molding Paste helps you achieve your desired style with ease and flexibility.Moreover, I myself like this paste very much.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, Cetearyl Alcohol, PEG-8 Beeswax, Glycerin, VP/VA Copolymer, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Fragrance (Parfum), Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Linalool, Limonene.
Review Highlight:
Got2b Phenomenal Molding Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Textured, Matte Finish
Description:
The Got2b Phenomenal Molding Paste excels at dynamic styling, delivering a high hold with a natural matte finish. It adds impressive texture and volume, making it perfect for those who like structured hairstyles without feeling overly fixed. The creamy texture glides smoothly through your hair, shaping and sculpting with ease without leaving any sticky residue. This paste offers long-lasting hold throughout the day, allowing you to rework your style as needed for a flexible and fresh finish.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
Got2b Phenomenal Molding Paste is a top choice for creating a messy, controlled style. Its multi-purpose formula adds volume, texture, and lift while maintaining a matte finish, helping you achieve a natural, effortless look. The paste provides a flexible hold, allowing you to tousle your hair freely without losing its shape. Whether you’re aiming for the bedhead look, tousled waves, or a deliberately messy style, this paste gives you the “just woke up” vibe with extra volume and movement.
Who Is It For?
This styling paste is ideal for anyone seeking a versatile, strong hold that doesn’t sacrifice flexibility. Best suited for short to medium-length hair, it adds texture, volume, and lift without weighing your hair down. If you’re after a natural, tousled finish with flexibility, this paste is your go-to for achieving a messy, effortlessly styled look.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, VP/VA Copolymer, Polyquaternium-11, Glycerin, PVP, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Fragrance (Parfum), Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene, Linalool.
Review Highlight: “Smells so good. I use this on my toddler son and it is easy to work with and holds well, without looking overdone. It is pliable and can be restyled through the day, yet it has a hold decent enough for outings. Now if he gets wild and crazy like little boys do, the hold falls, but that is to be expected as it is a paste! I love this stuff and it is a great price, definitely recommend.” – Kelsey B.
JOHNNY’S CHOP SHOP #1 Men's Hair Styling Matte Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Effortless, Natural Texture
Description:
Johnny’s Chop Shop Matte Paste is the go-to product for men who love a natural look with plenty of texture. It adds volume and definition without weighing the hair down, making it ideal for everything from classic styles to more modern, choppy cuts. The paste offers an easy application, smooth distribution, and leaves no sticky or greasy residue, ensuring a clean finish.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
With its matte finish, Johnny’s Chop Shop Matte Paste provides a healthy, natural look without the over-styled effect. It adds volume and definition in layers without creating clumpy buildup, making it perfect for achieving a messy yet controlled style. Its flexible hold lets you reshape or redefine your style throughout the day or rock a carefree, disheveled look with ease.
Who Is It Good For?
Johnny’s Chop Shop Matte Paste is designed for men with all hair types who want a natural, matte finish. It’s especially great for short to medium-length hair and is low-maintenance yet versatile enough to create any look you desire, from structured styles to effortlessly messy ones.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Kaolin Clay, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Stearic Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-11, Fragrance (Parfum), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene.
Review Highlight: “This stuff is great! I have a strange hair type. Some people say my hair feels like steel wool. It can be hard to manage especially in humidity. This stuff does the trick and it smells great. And it lasts me a long time.” – Austin Hancock
Matrix 3 in 1 Over Achiever 3-in-1 Paste Wax
Award/Highlight: Best Multi-Tasking Hair Styling Product
Description:
The Matrix 3-in-1 Overachiever Paste Wax is a next-generation styling product that combines the benefits of paste, wax, and cream in one versatile formula. This innovative paste offers a natural, matte finish with a firm yet flexible hold, giving you full control to shape, mold, and texture your hair, just like the other pastes we’ve discussed.
Why It’s Great for a Messy Look:
The Matrix 3-in-1 Overachiever Paste Wax is perfect for messy, creative hairstyles. It blends the ideal properties of paste, wax, and cream to provide definition and volume, while maintaining a matte finish that holds your messy style in place. The flexible hold allows you to adjust or reshape your hair throughout the day, ensuring an effortlessly tousled look. Whether you’re aiming for tousled waves, messy spikes, or the relaxed feel of bedhead, this product has you covered.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Matrix 3-in-1 Overachiever Paste Wax is ideal for men with all hair types and lengths who desire flexibility and control in their styling. It’s especially great for those who prefer a multifunctional product that can adapt to a variety of looks, from structured to messy.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Kaolin Clay, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Limonene.
Review Highlight:
VO5 Extreme Style Surf Style Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Beachy, Textured Styles
Description:
For men looking to achieve that effortless, sun-bleached beach hair look, the VO5 Extreme Style Surf Style Paste is the perfect solution. This medium-hold styling paste offers the ideal combination of volume and texture without weighing hair down, providing a flexible, lived-in finish. Whether you’re at the beach or simply want a casual, everyday style, this paste is easy to use and even easier to touch up throughout the day.
Why It’s Great for Messy Looks:
If you’re aiming for that perfect “just-out-of-the-ocean” tousled hair, the VO5 Extreme Style Surf Style Paste is your go-to. Its texture-enhancing formula boosts volume and provides grip for those perfectly messy, carefree styles. The matte finish ensures your hair won’t look greasy, and the medium hold keeps it in place all day without making it feel stiff.
Who Is It Suitable For?
This styling paste is ideal for men with short to medium-length hair who want a no-fuss, natural look. It works especially well for fine to medium hair types, offering just the right amount of volume and texture without weighing hair down. Perfect for anyone who loves the beachy, tousled look without the shine typically associated with gels or pomades.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Ceteareth-25, Cetearyl Alcohol, PVP, Paraffin, Polyquaternium-11, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene.
Review Highlight:
“I was paying around £6.00 for a similar product from my salon. This does just about everything that more expensive product does—easy to use, effective hair control, and I would recommend this product to anybody.” – MR KEITH M BOND
Redken Texture Paste
Award/Highlight: Best for Flexible Hold and Effortless Styling
Description:
The Redken Texture Paste is a premium styling product designed to provide flexible hold with a soft matte finish. Its lightweight texture glides effortlessly through the hair, offering a natural and effortlessly styled look that stays in place all day without leaving any greasy or sticky residue.
Why It’s Great for Messy Looks:
This paste is perfect for creating messy, undone styles. Its flexible formula allows you to shape and style your hair with ease, ensuring a loose and effortless finish. The matte texture keeps your hair looking natural, free from shine or greasiness. Additionally, its flexible hold lets you adjust your style throughout the day while maintaining that relaxed, messy appearance.
Who Is It Suitable For?
The Redken Texture Paste is suitable for all hair types but works best on short to medium-length hair. It’s ideal for men who want a textured, messy look without the heaviness or stickiness often associated with other styling products. If you’re seeking a product that strikes the perfect balance of hold and flexibility without weighing your hair down, this paste is an excellent choice.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Petrolatum, Beeswax, VP/VA Copolymer, PVP, Ceteareth-20, Stearyl Alcohol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Fragrance (Parfum), Titanium Dioxide, Limonene, Linalool.
Review Highlight:
ManCave Texturizing Hair Paste
Award/Highlight: Best Natural Option for Effortless Styling
Description:
Blended with naturally derived ingredients, the ManKave Texturizing Hair Paste provides a medium hold with a matte finish. Free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, this paste is gentle on both your hair and scalp, offering a healthy styling solution without compromising performance. Its non-greasy formula ensures smooth application and long-lasting results, keeping your style fresh throughout the day.
Why It’s Great for Messy Looks:
This paste is perfect for achieving messy, undone hairstyles. It delivers a medium hold to keep your hair in place while remaining flexible enough to adjust or rework throughout the day. The matte finish ensures a clean, non-shiny effect—ideal for creating a rugged, effortless look. The lightweight texture adds volume and definition without leaving residue, giving your messy style a polished edge.
Who Is It Suitable For?
The ManKave Texturizing Hair Paste works well on all hair types but particularly excels with short to medium-length hair. It’s ideal for men seeking a low-maintenance, natural-looking hair product with a clean matte finish. This paste is an excellent choice if you have sensitive skin or prefer grooming products with natural ingredients.
What’s Inside (Ingredients):
Aqua (Water), Kaolin Clay, Beeswax, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Linalool.
Review Highlight:
“In summary, excellent remouldable hold, smells great, not just a styling clay—it has ingredients, including caffeine, that keep your hair and scalp healthy. Excellent ethics on the recycling and vegan front. I have reasonably short hair and would recommend it—you won’t be disappointed.” – Dan C
Furthermore, I’m confident that if you try any of these 15 pastes, your style will reach a level you never thought possible.
How to Use Hair Paste for a Messy Look
For the perfect messy look with hair paste, here are some easy yet effective steps to follow for a natural and relaxed style. Start by warming a small amount of hair paste between your hands; this makes it easier to apply and ensures even distribution throughout your hair. Applying it to slightly damp hair works wonders, as it helps avoid greasiness and leaves a light, airy finish.
Gently, using your fingers, tousle and scrunch your hair. The key is volume and texture, focused mainly on the roots and mid-lengths of the hair, keeping the ends very soft and light. You may twist or finger-coil selected areas to add more definition and additional layering to your hairstyle without compromising the relaxed, messy look.
One of the great things about hairpaste is how flexible it is. If your style starts to lose shape during the day, just rework it with a little more paste and style it with your fingers. For an even more natural look, let your hair air dry. However, if you like a bit more volume, blow-dry while continuing to scrunch for that effortless, voluminous finish.
Simple-sounding, using these methods will quickly and safely provide you with perfection in an awesome messy look while keeping it fresh, light, natural, and full of life throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Imagine this—scrambling to go to work or just to hang out, you get that perfect hairstyle, which is quick yet never demanding. Imagine getting your hair styled in an effortlessly chic way without all the struggle with heavy gels or standing for hours in front of your mirror. Welcome hair paste as the perfect friend in your style statement—a finishing touch for any day. The magic touch gives a matte finish, while the flexible hold and texture will never weigh your hair down.
The right hair paste can create the perfect messy look, staying in place throughout the day. Hair paste works wonders in giving volume, definition, and even that laid-back, tousled look—without any grease or residue, whether your hair is fine or thick, short or long. Whatever type of hair and personal preference you may have, there’s a paste out there waiting to be tried until the perfect one is found.
Why not try one of these 15 Best Hair Paste for Messy Look in 2025? Be it for the dry feel of Victory Barber & Brand Super-Dry Men’s Hair Paste or the all-day hold of Got2b Phenomenal Molding Paste, a whole new dimension of effortless textured styles awaits being uncovered. Each of these products has been handpicked for its ability to bring life to your hair with the least effort and maximum effect.
As you experiment with different pastes and styles, you’ll realize just how easy it is to look your best while keeping your routine simple. So go ahead—choose your favorite, apply a little paste, and transform your messy look into a statement of effortless confidence.
If you’re looking to elevate your style even further, be sure to check out our blog, “Top 10 Best Men’s Hair Putty for Effortless Style in 2025”—where you’ll discover even more tips to enhance your grooming routine.
