Spiky hair has long been a fashionable look for men, and while the rock-hard points of the past are gone, this sharp style remains an excellent option for gents. So, if you’re in need of a new look, spikes are well worth considering. Ideal for almost any hair texture, the spiky hairstyles of today are soft, stylish and quickly achievable with modern grooming techniques and products. Need more convincing that this style is for you? Check out our roundup of the most stylish spiky hair looks for men.
1. Spiky Hair + Fade
The fade has been one of the most significant men’s hair trends in recent years, so why not give it a bit of a twist? Go for a smooth fade on the sides and use a volumizing powder in your roots. Then, add a small amount of wax and use your fingers to pull out a few textured spikes on top.
2. Spiky Hair + Taper
This sharp version of spiky hair provides a much need update to the classic style. If your hair is longer on top, this is a seriously simple style to achieve. Using some quilty wax, just pull the longer pieces upward and run the remainder through the shorter parts also in an upwards motion.
3. Spiky Fine Hair
If you have thin hair, keep the proportions of your cut a little longer on both sides and top. Doing so will make it appear thicker overall. To style, use as little wax as you can and push all your hair forward rather than straight up, to create more volume upfront. Then, lightly mist your hair with strong-hold hairspray to keep it in place.
4. Spiky Thick Hair
Spiky hair can require a decent amount of product if your locks are thick. But, this doesn’t mean you can’t rock the look. On dry hair, use strong wax to create a tall quiff with defined peaks. The resulting look will appear youthful and on-trend.
5. Asian Spiky Hair
Asians are known for not just having gorgeous, thick, and robust hair but also, pioneering many stylish hairstyles. To achieve an Asian-inspired soft spike, towel-dry your hair and tease small sections of hair into place using wax or pomade. Only use a small amount of product to create the soft spiky peaks for a relaxed, bedhead look.
6. Short Spiky Hair
Short spiky hair is one of those looks that never really go out of style, as long as you’re doing it right that is. Avoid channeling your inner ’90s boy band member by keeping the sides short and neat with a slightly longer spiked look on top. Use the minimal product on towel-dried hair.
7. Long Spiky Hair
It’s all about texture when it comes to creating spiked looks for long hair. If you have thick locks, try rocking a messy style by roughly creating spikes with some pomade and your hands. If you have thin hair, be sure to wash it with a volumizing shampoo before blow-drying to add height and using a styling product to define your spikes.
8. Spiky Hair + Faux Hawk
If you don’t want to go full mohawk, you can always opt for a spiky faux hawk. Just comb down the sides of your hair and secure with hairspray or gel before using wax to push the hair on top upwards to create your ‘hawk.
9. Spiky Hair + Pompadour
Give the classic smooth pompadour style a spiky edge. The look is super easy to create if your hair features a substantial length on top. To do so, start by using a comb and some pomade to create a usual pompadour. But, before finishing and securing with hairspray, pull apart a few pieces and lightly twist to form peaks.
10. Single-Length Spiky Hair
Nowadays it seems like every man and his dog have his hair shorter on the sides and longer at the top. To stand out from the crowd, consider a single-length style. The hair left on the sides creates a very rugged and manly look.
11. Wavy Spiky Hair
Just because you have curly hair doesn’t mean you can’t still get in on the spiky trend. Use some texturing powder in your roots, coat your fingertips in wax and spike only the top section of hair. As curly hair can be heavy, it’s best to lightly cover your locks with a layer of stronghold hairspray to ensure it stays in place.
12. Spiky Hair + Blonde Highlights
The ‘90s are back in full force so why shouldn’t the trend apply to your mane too? Spiky hair with blonde highlights looks best on naturally dark hair as it creates a striking contrast. Try the look with faded sides and longer spikes on top and wear it easier smooth or textured.
13. Spiky Hair for Widow’s Peak
Spikes are excellent for creating volume and detracting attention away from widow’s peaks and receding hairlines. To nail the look, keep the sides of your hair short and start the spikes at your widow’s peak, working your way back and upwards with a small amount of product.
14. Spiky Hair with a Hard Part
A hard part is a great way to emphasize spiky hairstyles. To wear the pair, try combining your shaved part with faded sides and thick, long spikes on top. The result will be an edgy yet sleek aesthetic.
15. Windswept Spiky Hair
Windswept spiky hair is easy to achieve and requires very low-maintenance. All you need to do is create your spikes as usual, but sweep them all to one side rather than straight up or backward. Doing so will leave you with an effortless yet sharp look.
FAQs
What is the meaning of spiky hair?
Rocking spiky hair means you're confident, playful, and willing to have a bit of fun. It’s a low maintenance cut, which is quick to style, so you’re probably a low-fuss person who prefers to invest their time in living life to the fullest.
How do men get spiky hair?
Spiky hair needs a little extra length, generally between half to three inches. Much longer than that, and you might have trouble keeping the style up. Then to style, start with clean, towel-dried hair — you want it at least 80% dry. Use a small amount of strong hold wax or matte pomade, rubbing it through from the roots upwards, and using a bit of a pinching motion at the top if you need, and let it air dry. Avoid using the gel as a styling product, so you don’t look more Backstreet Boys throwback that you intend.
How do I get messy spiky hair?
Once you’ve got the right haircut, use a strong hold wax or matte pomade on 80% dry hair. Rub it in all over from the roots in an upward direction and use a pinching motion at the top if you want to create more defined spikes. Longer hair might need a little help with a hairdryer to get the volume right. Otherwise, let it air dry completely and finish with a light coat of hairspray.
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