2027 Hair Trend Prediction: 90s Spikes are Back

The term ‘hair spikes’ has received over 22,000 searches over the past month – a 112% increase compared to this time last year – prompting style predictions for 2027

New analysis by Fresha, AI-powered beauty and wellness booking platform, reveals that Google searches for ‘hair spikes’ have surged 112% year on year, reaching 22,000 in the past month, according to Glimpse data.

The renewed interest comes as celebrities experiment with sharper silhouettes and textured styling; Timothée Chalamet has recently embraced defined spikes, while Zendaya and FKA twigs have demonstrated how the look can be interpreted through shorter cuts and more sculptural hairstyles.

Now, two international creative directors at MENSPIRE are predicting that spikes, statement shapes and glossy finishes will become increasingly influential in 2027.

Here, Alex Galiropoulos and Alexantro Kotsi, Creative Directors at MENSPIRE Netherlands, share their predictions…

The 2027 Spiky Hair Revival: What Clients Could Be Asking For

While the original trend was often associated with stiff, heavily separated sections and frosted tips, the contemporary versions place greater emphasis on shape, movement and finish.

For barbers and hairstylists, there are several ways to translate the look into wearable services.

1. Short, Defined Spikes

Inspired by Timothée Chalamet's recent styling, shorter hair can be given a more directional finish, with individual sections separated to create height and definition. This approach offers a relatively subtle way to reference the trend without committing to dramatic spikes.

2. Sculpted Pixies and Cropped Styles

Zendaya's recent hairstyle demonstrates how short cuts can incorporate defined texture and height while maintaining a polished silhouette. For professionals, the emphasis is on creating a shape that can be adapted between a softer everyday finish and more structured styling.

3. High-Shine, Statement Styling

Alexantro’s prediction also points towards a return to glossy finishes. Rather than treating texture and shine as opposing trends, professionals can combine the two, creating separated sections with a more polished surface.

4. Experimental shapes

For session stylists and creative teams, the revival presents opportunities to explore exaggerated silhouettes and sculptural finishes. FKA twigs' Grammy Awards hairstyle offers an example of how spikes can move beyond conventional cutting and styling into editorial hair artistry.

Low-Maintenance Hair Isn't Going Anywhere

Despite the predictions for more expressive styling, MENSPIRE's Creative Directors do not expect every client to embrace statement hair.

Alex anticipates continued interest in natural, easy-to-maintain styles, particularly among clients who want their haircut to work without a lengthy morning routine. "People don't want to put a lot of stuff in their hair. I think in 2027, they want an easy-going way of styling," he said.

The contrast highlights two different priorities that salons and barbershops may need to accommodate in the year ahead. Some clients will want hairstyles that offer opportunities for experimentation, texture and creative styling. Others will prioritise cuts that hold their shape with minimal product and maintenance.

For hair professionals, the opportunity lies in understanding how a client wants their hair to behave between appointments, rather than simply reproducing a reference photograph. A short, textured cut, for example, could be styled into defined spikes for an occasion or worn with a more natural finish throughout the week, depending on the cut, hair type and styling approach.

What Does the Return of Spiky Hair Mean for Hair Professionals?

With search interest rising and celebrity hairstyles providing fresh inspiration, MENSPIRE's predictions offer several opportunities for salons and barbers heading into 2027.

Consultations could increasingly explore how much time clients are prepared to spend styling their hair, whether they prefer matte or glossy finishes and how much definition they want from their haircut.

For colourists, the trend may also renew conversations around contrasting tones and highlighted tips, although the current search data does not establish increased demand for those specific services.

Meanwhile, the popularity of shorter sculpted styles and creative updos demonstrates how the look can be adapted beyond traditional men's barbering.

For Alex and Alexantro, the future of hair also involves moving away from rigid distinctions between barbering and hairdressing. "We shouldn't have genders in barbershops or hair salons. We should be able to cut women's and men's hair in much the same way. It's all hair, right?"

Read next: Y2K Hair is Back: Here's How Your Clients Can Embrace The Trend