24 Men's Spiky Hairstyles and Haircuts for 2020

At the cross-section of edginess and convenience, spiky hair is a favorite hairstyle trend for a reason. Spiky haircuts are super easy to style, and if you find yourself pressed for time in the morning, there’s no reason to worry as bed head will actually work in your favor. The best part is, even though spiky hair for men is set to be one of the biggest looks for 2020, you don’t necessarily have to sport the same style as everyone else. There are essentially endless options, from classic short spiky hair to spiked strands with highlights. Keep reading to find the best spiky hair look for you—there are 24 (yes, 24!) to choose from.  

1. LONG SPIKY HAIR

Have long locks? You can totally add some shape and texture to your mane with a long spiky hairstyle that’s not only on-trend but will also give you a messy, edgy look in an instant. Simply use a hair pomade to build up volume and texture. Kick things off with the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty and rub a dime-sized amount between your palms before working the putty through your hair to create a spiky look. Add more product as needed. 

For those with thin strands, it would be smart to add volumizing hair care and styling products into the mix. We like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse, which should be used on damp hair for an extra boost of volume. Follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Thickening Medium Hold Cream Paste and apply a dime-sized amount evenly through your hair to spike it to your liking.

2. SPIKED FADE

Faded hair was possibly 2019’s biggest hairstyle and haircut trend for men—and it’s not going anywhere in 2020. So, why not take this trending look up a notch with a spiky style? All you have to do is grab a wax or pomade and spike up the top of your hair. The faded sides of your cut will give this spiky hairstyle a well-groomed, stylish touch.

3. LONG SPIKY HAIR WITH FRINGE

Just because you’re working with long locks doesn’t mean that you have to keep things simple. Step outside of the box with a fringe. For this look, it’s all about pulling your longer strands upward and creating a subtle messy finish. Give it a try by working a small amount of hair gel or hair pomade through your strands. Build your spikes as usual and finish up with a strong-hold spray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold.

4. TRADITIONAL SPIKY FRINGE

When it comes to keeping things classic, you can’t go wrong with a traditional spiky fringe. This style creates a windblown look—sans the bad weather—for a style that enhances your facial features. It is also particularly flattering on men with square-shaped faces and defined facial features.

5. ROSE GOLD SPIKES WITH A MID FADE

Looking for a way to play with angles and color? We think rose gold spikes with a mid-fade will do the job. See, this look allows you to show off your length on top, try out a new color, and embrace the spiky hair trend. Win, win, win.

6. SHORT SPIKY HAIR

Working with short hair? You’re in luck! Short spiky hair for men is incredibly easy to style. Keep the amount of product you use to a minimum to build your look without creating a hard, crunchy look. We recommend the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Hair and Beard Cream, which has an ultra-moisturizing, non-greasy formula to give your hair a light hold and natural light-shine finish. Start with a dime-sized amount of product and add more as desired. Easy, peasy!

7. SPIKED FAUX HAWK

Faux hawks are making their way into the spotlight for both women and men’s hair—and we can’t get enough of this edgy ‘do. Embrace two hairstyle trends in one by creating a spiky faux hawk. First, use a hair gel like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel to slick down the sides of your hair. Then, grab the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Flexible Strong Hold Cream to spike up the top of your hair for a style that will ensure all eyes are on you.

8. SPIKED FAUX HAWK WITH A HIGH BURST FADE

If you can’t stop swooning over faux hawk styles, why not remix the look with a bit more oomph? The spiked faux hawk with a high burst fade does just that. Giving you tons of volume and defined texture, this style will become a favorite in no time.

9. MESSY SPIKY HAIR

Let’s be honest: There are days where you don’t have the time to style your hair to perfection. This is where a messier spiked hairstyle comes into play. You can pull off this hairstyle regardless of your hair length—though we’ll admit we have a soft spot for messy medium-length hair.

Reach for a hair pomade or wax to create some messy spikes throughout your mane. The best thing about this hairstyle is that, well, it’s messy! Meaning you can spend as little or as much time on it as you’d like, and it will look amazing regardless.

10. TAPERED SPIKY QUIFF

If you’re a man that enjoys flaunting a classic style, this look should be on your radar. An upgrade on the original quiff style, all you need is a bit of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel, to pull this spiked version together. Start by working a small amount of gel through your hair and shape your long strands, pulling them in an upward motion. For more on the quiff, check out our article, How to Style a Quiff Haircut.

11. SPIKED QUIFF WITH A HIGH BALD FADE

Interested in making a big impact with little to no styling needed? That’s what you get when you flaunt a spiky quiff with a high bald fade. A variation on the previous look, the low bald fade makes your length the main focus. It also works to shape your face and put your features on full display. Give it a try by working a small scoop of hair gel through your strands and finishing up with a high shine hairspray like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Stain Hairspray.

12. SPIKY POMPADOUR

Searching for a spiky haircut that doesn’t skimp on style? The spiky pompadour awaits you. Pompadours are seriously trendy, and it can’t be denied that they’re also super flattering. Since this look requires short sides and a longer length on top, we recommend booking an appointment with your stylist to get the right cut.

13. SPIKY HAIR WITH BLONDE HIGHLIGHTS

For those who enjoy playing with color, why not try spicing up spiky hair with blonde highlights? Blonde is totally on-trend, and if you don’t want to commit to a full-color job, highlights are a great way to go. They also work to add depth and dimension to your look, and can even evoke total 2000’s vibes—which is another big trend for 2020.

14. SPIKY OMBRÉ MOHAWK

Game for trying out a bold style? In that case, you may want to give ombré mohawk spikes a try. Ombré is one of the most popular hair trends, and pair that with a rocker-inspired Mohawk, and you simply can’t go wrong. Since this style requires cutting your hair into different lengths along with a touch of hair color, we think a salon sesh with a pro is the way to go.

15. SPEEDSTER SPIKES AND A DROP FADE

If a rocker look suits your style, speedster spikes with a drop fade is a must-try spiky haircut. This look features thick spikes with piece-y action at the front of your hairline for a look that demands major attention. Perfect for those with medium and long hair, this is a great way to liven up your locks. Start by creating thick spikes and shaping them toward the back of your head. With a few pieces at the front of the hairline, sculpt your spikes to fall over your forehead. Finish off by spritzing with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold for a long-lasting look.

16. WIND-SWEPT SPIKY HAIR

With very little maintenance needed, wind-swept spiky hair is the low-effort look you’ll want to learn how to style ASAP. All you have to do is create your spikes as usual and sweep them to either side of your head. Effortless and stylish, you can’t lose.

17. SPIKED FRONT FADE

The spiked front fade allows you to highlight your texture while sporting a spiky style. Simply smooth the back section of your hair toward the front with a touch of pomade, then spike your hair upward at the top of your head to seal the deal.

18. WAVY LAID SPIKES

Spikes are usually styled in an upward motion, but if you’re interested in going against the grain, wavy laid spikes will surely take you there. Simply style your spikes with a slight curve to transform your strands, then finish things off with a little hairspray to lock it all in.

19. TRADITIONAL SPIKY UNDERCUT

A great short look you can file away in your style arsenal is a spiky undercut. Designed with textured strands in mind, it puts your texture front and center while maintaining a spiky finish. The undercut on the sides keeps your mane neat and clean for a look that can transition from day to night flawlessly.

20. UNDERCUT AND THICK TEXTURED SPIKED TOP

If haircut designs are right up your alley, an undercut with a thick, textured spiked top may be your perfect match. Featuring a bold side part and thick spikes, you can count on making quite the statement with this look. Simply style your hair into thicker spikes and finish the look with a bit of hairspray. Ta-da!

21. SPIKY LINE-UP HAIRCUT

Why not mix spiky hair with the line-up haircut trend? Find pictures of line-ups you like, then head to your barber to get the look. To style your new ‘do at home, grab your go-to hair pomade and create medium-sized spikes on top.

22. TEXTURED SPIKES WITH A TAPER FADE

The perfect pick for those with wavy or thick strands, this look defines your texture in the easiest way possible. Using a hair pomade, split your strands into even sections, and shape each piece in a forward and upward motion. Once finished, grab the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Spritz, and spray your mane for a strong hold without the stiff feel.

23. SIDE SPIKES

Striking a nice balance between edgy and casual, side spikes take the classic spiked up look to a new level. This look features angled strands with combed over detailing for a super stylish effect. Start by parting your hair into two sections. On either side, create a few spikes from your hairline down to the nape. Next, distribute a dime-sized amount of pomade evenly through the rest of your strands and shape toward the front of your head. Spike a few pieces of hair at the front, and you’re ready to take on the day.

24. SUPER SHORT SPIKES WITH A HIGH FADE

If you can’t resist short spiky hair, we have to turn your attention to this look: super short spikes with a high fade. This hairstyle brings all attention to your spiky strands, exactly where everyone’s eyes should be.

Next: Contouring for Men: How to Choose the Best Beard for Your Face Shape