The classic fade could be falling out of fashion, with hair industry experts predicting a shift to longer lengths, spikier styles and experimental cuts in 2027.
Speaking to Fresha, leading barbers, educators and creative directors have shared their predictions for the year ahead, revealing five trends that could reshape the future of hair.
The Fade is Falling Out of Favour
Perhaps the boldest prediction for next year is that the haircut which has dominated barbershops for years could be losing its appeal.
“I think in 2027, fades are going to be out and longer haircuts are going to be in,” said Alex Janzen, Hair Educator and Brand Ambassador at Amighetti.
But not everyone believes longer hair will take over entirely. “For me, it’s keep the short hair, but without the fade,” argued Francesco Muscas, Founder of Muscas Barbieri and Brand Partner of Amighetti.
Together, their predictions point towards a departure from formulaic fades in favour of greater versatility, movement and individuality.
Spiky, Glossy and Bold
After years of understated, natural-looking styles, 2027 could also see a return to something more expressive.
“I think we’ll see more edgy styles. We’re going to go back to having spikes. We’re going to go back to having glossy, shiny hair,” predicted Alex Kotsis, Creative Director at MENSPIRE Netherlands.
Think sharper silhouettes, statement styling and a renewed appreciation for shine and definition. It’s a prediction that suggests men’s hair could be entering a more experimental era, where styling becomes just as important as the cut itself.
Barbering and Hairdressing are Merging
For years, barbering and hairdressing have operated as distinct disciplines, but according to Andrea Amighetti, Barber, Educator and Founder of Amighetti and Amiro Barbershops, that separation could be coming to an end.
“I think barbering and hairdressing are blending back together. We had a period where they split; now they’re blending back.”
It’s a prediction echoed by Alexander Jordan, Founder of Old Soul Barbers, who anticipates a change in the spaces themselves.”We will see salons with barbershops combined.”
As clients become more adventurous with their hair, businesses offering a broader range of cutting techniques and services may find themselves ahead of the curve.
Genderless Haircutting is Gaining Momentum
Beyond individual hairstyles, 2027 could bring a more fundamental shift in how the industry approaches hair.
“Genderless haircutting movement. I think a lot of salons and barbershops will take in both genders and be able to cut without thinking about if you’re able to cut long hair, short hair, or a male or female,” says Thaddeus Jayaseelan, Founder of Gradient and Fresha Ambassador.
It’s a vision of an industry where technical ability takes precedence over traditional gender categories, and where clients choose their stylist based on expertise rather than labels. For salons and barbershops, this could mean rethinking everything from service menus to education and the way they position themselves within the industry.
The Runway Will Influence Shop Styles
If there’s one place hair professionals should be looking for inspiration in 2027, it’s the fashion industry.
“We know hair and fashion have always been linked, but we really need to be studying fashion as hairstylists because hair is always influenced by what you see on the runway, and that eventually leads into what you see on the street,” explains Sheil Venkatachalam, International Director of Education at MENSPIRE Academy.
From experimental silhouettes to nostalgic revivals, fashion has long shaped how people wear their hair. As trends move between runways, social media, and street style, staying ahead of what’s next increasingly means looking beyond the salon floor.