In theory, getting the perfect bedhead look right is really easy. Go to bed, wake up, leave the house. But anyone who’s actually tried it knows that achieving this sexy, grungy, ‘I don’t care’ look is actually a bit more complicated. That’s why we’re breaking down the secrets behind getting the perfectly messy texture you covet that — with a bit of practice — you can master at home. With our how-to guide and your favorite Schwarzkopf products, you’ll be rocking sultry bedhead hair like an 80’s supermodel.
Taking bedhead hair literally
Whether you call it bedhead or model-off-duty hair, nothing says ‘I woke up this way’ quite like a perfectly imperfect bedhead style. The appeal of messy bedhead hair is that it’s cool without really trying. The key to getting this look right is amping up your hair volume but doing so in a way that’s messy and disheveled rather than styled and glam. In addition to some Schwarzkopf styling and finishing products, you’ll need some clips, a curling iron, and a flat iron to help add texture. Experiment and see what works best for you.
It takes a lot of effort to look this messy
Here are the steps to get that hair looking its messiest:
- If possible, start out by washing your hair, applying bodifying mousse and letting it air-dry, or by working with second-day hair.
- Divide your hair into medium-sized sections with large clips. Wrap each section around a one inch curling iron using your fingers to hold the last inch or two away from the heat. Repeat over your entire head, going in alternating directions.
- Use a flat iron to go over the curls and soften them. Then, create crimps by lightly running the iron down random sections, briefly pausing and twisting the flat iron. Alternate twisting the iron under, or out, each time you pause. Use the flat iron to smooth out your ends. Be sure to keep your iron on a low heat setting to avoid additional heat damage.
- Rake your hands through your curls and crimps to assess whether or not you need more texture. If so, go back in with the flat or curling iron to create more texture. You can also add more volume and texture by backcombing or teasing some sections of your hair. Do this gently, however, as you don’t want your messy bedhair hair to turn into a head of frizz.
- Set the look with hairspray and you’re done.