Translation guide
Describes hair that is messy, untidy, or not groomed. Japanese has several expressions depending on the degree and cause of messiness, from slightly disheveled to completely wild.
To describe hair that is untidy, not combed, or sticking out in different directions, often in a casual or slightly negative sense.
Literally 'sleep habit', this is the most common way to describe hair that is messy from sleeping, like bedhead. It can also be used more generally for unkempt hair.
朝起きたら寝癖がひどかった。
When I woke up, my hair was a mess.
A general phrase meaning 'hair is disheveled'. Can be used for any kind of untidy hair, not just from sleeping.
風で髪が乱れてしまった。
My hair got messed up from the wind.
An onomatopoeic word describing hair that is bushy, unkempt, or sticking out. Often used for dry or thick hair that looks untamed.
彼はいつも髪がぼさぼさだ。
His hair is always unkempt.
Describes hair that is crumpled, ruffled, or messy, often as if it's been tousled. Can be used for intentionally messy styles or accidental mess.
くしゃくしゃの髪がかわいい。
Messy hair is cute.
To describe hair that is very untidy, tangled, or looks like it hasn't been combed in a long time.
Describes hair (or grass/weeds) that is overgrown, thick, and wild. For hair, it implies it's bushy and unkempt.
髪がぼうぼうに伸びている。
My hair has grown out wild and unkempt.
Mimics the look of curly or frizzy hair that is messy and uncombed. Often used for thick, unruly hair.
湿気で髪がもじゃもじゃになる。
My hair gets all frizzy and messy from the humidity.
A literary or formal term for disheveled or unkempt hair, literally 'mugwort hair'. Rarely used in everyday speech.
To describe hair that looks unkempt because it is oily or hasn't been washed.
Means 'hair is greasy/oily'. This is the most direct way to say hair looks unkempt due to lack of washing.
髪が脂っぽくて、ちゃんと洗わないと。
My hair is greasy; I need to wash it properly.
Describes hair that feels sticky or clumpy from oil or product buildup, giving an unkempt appearance.
一日中外出して髪がべたついてきた。
After being out all day, my hair has gotten greasy and clumpy.
寝癖 specifically refers to bedhead or hair messed up from sleeping. ぼさぼさ is a general term for bushy, unkempt hair, often dry. ぼうぼう implies overgrown, wild hair that looks neglected. Use 寝癖 for morning hair, ぼさぼさ for everyday messiness, and ぼうぼう for extreme cases.
Direct translations like '手入れされていない髪' (unmaintained hair) are unnatural. Use the onomatopoeic words or set phrases above for natural Japanese.
His unkempt hair swayed in the wind.