Hi there. I'm a guy trying to get the messy out of bed spiky look for about 7 years. Unsuccessfully.

Also, some hair gel causes major acne breakouts, so I am fairly limited in the hair styling products I can use.

I've heard that using the right product OR a hair straightener OR hair dryer can help. Is this true?

I did read the spiking guide as well. Absolutely any advice you can provide is appreciated. Thanks a million.

I googled around and these are the styles that I am trying to achieve.

How is your hair cut now? I haven't heard of using hair straighteners to create spikes on such short hair before, I'd be afraid of burning my scalp. I've heard that some people use lemon on their hair to style it a bit, not sure what kind of hold it gives.

I guess If you use a really thin straightener it could help.
theres this new straightener in Ulta thats so cool.
Its literally the size of a big pen.
I've seen it with my eyes.

use some sort of pomade or hair wax.

My buddy did his hair like that sorta (even more messy). He just used some thick wax (not much because it was heavy) and sprayed it to keep it shaped. It was like a Sid Vicious sort of look.

It's all about the technique. I'd recommend a fibre putty (the type of styling cream they say you can rework). It doesn't dry hard so it works really well for a bed head look.

Use a tiny bit on your finger tips and rub it all across your head in all directions on dry hair. Try to make it as messy as you can. If the hair is not as separated as you'd like just repeat. This way you'll add the product to your hair gradually and so you'll avoid using too much.

Some info on your hair cut and texture would help me be more specific