A spiky men's hairstyle is a stylish, edgy and popular choice for those who want a rebellious look with attitude. The dynamic style pairs short hair on the sides and back with a longer spiked top, creating a sharp aesthetic with modern allure. The spikes can be thick, textured, messy or neatly structured to suit different preferences and facial features.

Short spiky variations are easy to maintain, trendy and versatile, allowing guys to embrace the style and make a statement when they want to experiment with a fresh look. A fade or undercut can add extra contrast and further enhance your styling.

From bold to classy, we will share some of our favorite spiky hairstyles for men, each offering a contemporary take on the classic, punk-inspired look.

Cool, Stylish Spiky Men's Haircuts

Short Spiky Hair

Short spiky hair is a popular, flattering look for men who want an effortless, edgy style that can work well in any setting. Most short styles feature longer hair along the top and a taper, fade, or undercut at the sides and back. Short sides contrast sharply with long locks on top, creating the illusion of additional volume and body. Matte pomade or clay offers light hold and a low-shine finish, while styling gel is better for all-day hold and shine.

Long Spiky Hair

A long spiky hairstyle is a stylish and trendy approach that offers a cool canvas for texture, dimension and color. Long layered spikes are shorter at the crown and can gradually get longer in the front, while a short faded cut on the sides and back emphasizes the height. Use a strong pomade to create thick spikes all over and let a groomed beard pull the look together.

Short Spiked Hair in Front with Sharp Low Fade

Pair short spiked hair in front with a clean-cut low fade to create an attractive, preppy and youthful men's style. Thick hair on top falls toward the forehead, then moves upward to form blunt, choppy spikes. A clean edge along the hairline and a bare face refine the look, but a short beard or heavy stubble can add an element of masculinity.

Modern Fade with Brushed Forward Spiky Hair

A modern fade with brushed-forward spiky hairstyle is a glamorous and versatile choice, making it classy enough to wear to the office or on a dinner date. A lifted fringe flows outward from the hairline and curves slightly upward, imparting a flirty playfulness. The mid fade at the sides and back adds the polish that makes the cut a solid choice for any occasion.

Spiky Hair with Disconnected Undercut Fade

Spiky hair with a disconnected undercut fade boasts volume and structure, providing sophisticated appeal for the modern gentleman. Even fine hair can achieve a surprising amount of lift and texture with the cut. Short hair at the back gets longer until it reaches the hairline, and some texturizing pomade with hairspray and a comb can provide all-day hold.

Short Spiky Hair with High Skin Fade

Short spiky hair with a high skin fade is a subtle fuss-free ‘do that always looks perfectly coiffed despite taking minutes to style. The hair is about one to two inches long all over, and it stands straight up with the help of styling gel. A shaved line disconnects the bulk of the hair from the fade and adds another layer of visual interest, while a tapered beard frames the face.

Taper Fade with Spiked Hair

A timeless taper fade with spiked hair combines movement, texture, and a rebellious edge. The longer hair on top flows upward and off to the side at the front for a relaxed and casual feel. The gradual taper starts high but impeccably blends into a patchy beard for a cohesive, somewhat rugged appearance. A small amount of styling gel makes it easy to achieve the textured comb lines that stay in place all day.

Spiky Crew Cut Fade

A spiky crew cut fade is a versatile, lively, trendy look among young men. The cut foregoes the defined texture and separation familiar in spiky styles, favoring a soft, tousled, and touchable approach. A clean-shaven face mirrors the skin fade around the sides and back of the head, contributing to the boyishly handsome, flirtatious vibe.

Spiky Undercut

A spiky undercut makes a brazen, rebellious statement while incorporating modern trends. The buzzed sides are entirely disconnected from the much longer spikes on top, creating the illusion of additional height. The hair stands up from the crown, leans slightly forward, and gently slopes to one side. Style the cut by applying a matte styling product to damp hair, then holding sections of hair straight up while aiming a blow-dryer at the roots.

Textured Spikes with Low Fade

Textured spikes with a low fade put a fresh, contemporary spin on the rebellious nature of spiky ‘dos. The scissor-cut hair features a few lengths, and some stylists may use a razor to define individual sections further. Use a matte mousse concentrated at the roots for lift, and apply styling pomade to recreate the chunky, piecey look. Warm a small amount between the fingertips, pinch sections of hair together, then give them a slight twist at the ends.

Spiky Front with Tapered Sides

A cut featuring a spiky front with tapered sides is beachy and expressive, especially when accompanied by bold color. Large sections of bleach-blonde hair along the top and crown mingle with darker strands for visual interest. A long, blonde fringe that appears disconnected from the rest of the cut stands straight up at the hairline, and the taper at the sides and back reveals contrasting dark roots.

Fade with Short Spiky Style and Beard

A fade with a short, spiky style and a beard is sophisticated and professional enough for the office but boasts a hint of rebellion and edge. The hair on top is less than two inches long, forming spikes that point upward and at various angles. A neat edge up along the hairline, temple, cheek, and jaw adds a layer of chic polish, culminating in a punk-meets-pristine finish.

Messy Spiky Mullet with Taper Fade

A messy, spiky mullet with a taper fade is a striking, energetic, and eccentric look that appeals to free spirits and nonconformists. The scissor-cut layers form the classic mullet structure, but the disheveled nature adds personality. Silvery-white hair stands out against deep roots, and a reddish beard completes the chaotic yet fashionable style.

Low Fade Spiky Cut

A low fade with a spiky cut combines disordered texture on top with clean, classy sides, resulting in a relaxed and handsome style. The longer hair at the front flows upward and forms mussed spikes before transitioning to shorter hair toward the crown. A perfect razor fade ends in stubble just above and behind the ear, adding a fresh, clean element.

Short Spiky Mohawk Fade

A short, spiky mohawk fade is delightfully different, with its thick strip of hair standing straight up from the hairline to the nape. The burst fade is disconnected along the sides, mimicking an undercut, but it features an immaculate gradual taper in the back. A sharp edge along the hairline and nape results in an unconventional yet edgy and polished style.

Messy Spikes with Cropped Sides

Messy spikes with cropped sides appeal to the young and young at heart with their adventurous playfulness. Coloring the hair a warm honey blonde helps it stand out against the darker roots, further emphasizing the texture. As a testament to the cut's incredible versatility, it's easy to slick the hair into a dapper side-parted style for formal events.

Spiky Top with Mid Razor Fade

A spiky top with a mid razor fade combines the precision of clean edges with the disordered chaos of tousled texture. The hair curls upward and slightly back in a strip from the thick fringe to the crown, and the sides flow toward the face. The abrupt disconnect of the fade offers a striking contrast, and a majestic full beard creates rugged harmony.

Spiky Fade with Blunt Fringe

A spiky fade with blunt fringe is an attractive, voluminous cut that combines the discipline of clean lines with the fun, relaxed nature of chunky spikes. A meticulous razor fade softens the transition from skin at the sides and back to thick, textured tresses on top. The whisper of a goatee maintains stylistic symmetry and strengthens the overall masculine charm.

Brushed Up Mullet Fade

A brushed-up mullet fade is a full-bodied style with abundant volume and plenty of character. Thick, slightly coarse hair stands straight up at the hairline, points upward along the top, and expands outward along the crown and in the back. The look is easy to recreate with a blow-dryer and texturizing pomade. Just work the pomade throughout damp hair, then blow-dry it against the natural direction of growth.

Faded Undercut with Medium Spiky Hair

A faded undercut with charming, medium spiky hair is a modern men's hairstyle radiating assertive confidence with bold volume and flowy texture. The brushed-up top is several inches long but gets significantly shorter as it moves toward the crown, forming a spiky wave-like profile when styled. A fresh undercut and clean edge up finalize the attention-commanding aesthetic.

Textured and Spiky Faux Hawk Fade

A textured and spiky faux hawk fade embodies the classic masculine aesthetic with short, neat sides and soft, tousled texture. The precise layers flow forward and upward, culminating in a central ridge flowing from the hairline to the crown. Tidy lines at the forehead and temple add chic sophistication, and the shaved detail cutting a line from the temple through the brow is mysterious and intimidating.

Textured Side Spiky Style

A textured side spiky style is a refreshing wavy look encapsulating natural body and movement. A series of gently overlapping layers on top appear cool and relaxed when complemented by the flawless fade at the sides and back. Sea salt spray boosts volume and a round brush or curling iron is essential for creating loose waves. Use your fingers to separate the curls, then finish with hair spray.

Thick Spiky Top with High Fade

A thick, spiky top with a high fade adds visual interest, movement, and definition to stick-straight hair. A long fringe sweeps outward and upward over the forehead, gradually blending into the layers along the crown. An abrupt skin fade amplifies the visual appeal, and two shaved lines add interest. Use sea salt spray and styling pomade to achieve gravity-defying volume and separation.

Youthful Spiky Hair with Mid Fade

A contemporary spiky hairstyle paired with a balanced mid fade offers a trendy, attractive approach suitable for younger men and teenage boys. Keeping the hair between one and two inches long on top makes styling with strong-hold gel a cinch. The fade transitions from the thick length on top to the skin at the back and sides. The hair moves toward the face in the back, creating a uniform profile, and the edge up at the hairline adds clean contrast.

Choppy Spiky Hair with Low Taper Fade

A choppy spiky hairstyle is an awesome look that pairs naturally well with a classy, low taper fade, showcasing your spikes with minimal distractions. The blunt texture adds fullness while the thick strands bring definition and height, symbolizing powerful individuality and defiance. Pull the hair upward with a strong-hold gel or pomade and lightly muss the back to keep the cut looking uniform. Striking highlights in the front offer dimension that showcases your personality.

Disheveled Short Spikes with Low Fade

Ask your barber for a low fade and short, messy spikes to create a modern, trendy hairstyle needing minimal upkeep throughout the day. The shorter spikes offer a tousled, laid-back look that you can achieve with a moisturizing hair cream or wax on towel-dried hair to avoid a crunchy feel. Spike up the front and pair your style with a full, disconnected beard to give this 90s-era style a manly edge.

All Over Spiky Hair with High Undercut Fade

A sleek spiky hairstyle with a trendy undercut fade is the perfect blend between retro edge and contemporary sophistication. The faded effect brings visual drama to the short sides and contrasts the short and messy spiked top. This style can be maintained with regular visits to the barber and styling will need a high-hold pomade, but the effort will be worth the compliments. Grow a short, full beard for an attractive rugged element.

Tousled Short Spikes with Taper Fade

A smart taper fade brings class to tousled short spikes, offering an effortless and sophisticated but rebellious look. Mussing the hair with a medium-hold product creates visually appealing contrast and light volume against the structured, tapered sides. Grow the hair longer and style the front into Caesar bangs for a more contemporary feel that oozes confidence and flair.

Thick Textured Spikes with Mid Bald Fade

Thick, textured spikes offer a bold and edgy appearance alongside a mid bald fade to create a lifted, high-volume look with rockstar appeal. Pull each strand forward and upward for exceptional volume and lift at the root. The mid fade accentuates the voluminous top while giving the back and sides a neat, clean appearance. Keep your locks in place with a strong-hold gel or pomade, or style the hair with sea salt spray and dry shampoo for a softer shape that'll turn heads on casual days.

Fade with Textured Short and Spiky Hair

A fade haircut can transform and modernize short spiky hair, elevating the simple style. A mid-to-high fade seamlessly transitions the sides into the skin for an edgy, smooth finish, while the spiked and texture top draw attention in the front. The height and volume can be balanced with a groomed beard, a masculine touch that makes a strong, stylistic addition. This versatile cut can be brushed forward or swept to the side, making it a popular and notable choice for any man.

Spiky Afro

A spiky afro tames and transforms natural, textured hair into a daring, high-volume style that commands attention. Spiking up an afro with hair product neatly defines each strand, creating a voluminous halo around the head. Relax the hair for a smoother aesthetic, and fluff your locks with an afro pick for extra lift at the roots.

Spiked Modern Mullet with Temp Fade

A spiked modern mullet with a temp fade is a dynamic style that seamlessly blends graduated sides into a contemporary, multidimensional appearance. This cut gets clean and sharp lines from the temp fade, creating light structure that pairs well with the point-cut, textured top. The more conservative fade makes this cut subtle enough for professional settings, but feel free to create extra lift through the bulk with texturizing products on nights out.

Shaggy Spiky Style

A shaggy, spiky hairstyle is a carefree, playful look for men that pairs choppy layers with a lifted front and mussed top. This variation skips extreme fades and tapering in favor of a uniform length to keep the style low-maintenance and versatile. Leave slightly more length through the bulk of the hair and scissor-cut the sides to create subtle contrast and structure around the head. Style the hair forward and push the fringe back using heat and wax for enhanced lift that instantly elongates the face for an excellent finish.

Medium Spiky Style

A fully spiked medium-length men's hairstyle defies the traditional look and stands out in the crowd. The short sides accentuate the longer spikes, which require a strong styling product. This youthful and daring style emphasizes the contrast between the blonde and dark hair, drawing attention to the dramatic look.

Attractive Short Spiky Hair Fade

Short, spiky hair gets an attractive, contemporary twist from a graduated fade, giving the hair a seamless, blended appearance. Using volumizing powder at the roots creates lift around the front for unbeatable visual interest. Layer the hair to achieve light movement around the front and gently pinch the strands with a gel to form distinctive, thick spikes. A shaved line and a connected beard add a sleek edge to your style, complementing the tapered look around the nape for a clean finish.

Spiky Buzz Cut

The low-maintenance spiky buzz cut is a sleek, military-inspired style that will keep you looking trendy and fresh. The cleaner sides contrast against the longer top to give the high and tight look structure while sharpening the features, offering an easy-to-maintain look with simple styling. Spiking the front lifts the minimal length for a touch of texture, giving an otherwise basic style a boyish edge. Keep your style meticulous and crisp with regular clipper trims.

Textured Spikes with Low Drop Fade

If you like the appearance of textured spikes but want to keep your style sleek and professional, pair your spiky top with a low drop fade. Featuring a pushed-back fringe and thicker spikes, this is a statement style that you can lock in place with medium-hold styling products and a spritz of hairspray. The low drop fade combines a gradual taper with a smooth drop around the nape for a clean-cut, tidy vibe.

Short, Thick Spikes with Mid Fade and Shaved Part

This variation on short, thick spikes looks awesome with a mid fade and shaved part, creating sharp lines that carve out structure on the scalp. Ask your barber to weave choppy layers for subtle movement and add a distinctive line that defines the sections. A well-groomed beard balances the style and gives a touch of ruggedness to the clean aesthetic.

Modern Spiky Quiff with Mid Taper Fade

A modern spiky quiff looks excellent with a mid-taper fade, expertly balancing sleek and textured styles for a fashion-forward appearance. The extreme spikes and volume around the front are reminiscent of a faux hawk, giving this style an edgy, retro feel. The mid taper fade keeps the sides looking sleek and stylish, blending into a trimmed beard for a masculine aesthetic. Achieve height and volume by applying heat with a round brush before spiking your hair to perfection.

Spiky Comb Over

The spiky comb over takes a classic style and gives it a rebellious twist by pairing an old-school parting with modern, textured spikes. Adding spikes to the comb over creates a full and dynamic look, and you can fade or scissor-cut the sides for a clean, timeless aesthetic. Add a hard part to the mix to create eye-catching, sharp lines that balance the voluminous spikes and keep the style contemporary.

90s Spiky Hair Fade with Frosted Tips

The quintessential 90s men's haircut, a spiky hair fade with frosted tips is an iconic style that incorporates definition and color for a retro finish. This variation throws in bleached, frosted tips to give the tips a cool-toned, almost ashy appearance that looks striking against dark locks. A sharp, curved line is the finishing touch that turns a classic 90s style into a modern marvel.

Edgy Spiked Hair

An edgy spiked hairstyle exudes confidence by creating powerful volume, texture and lift. Adding tapered sides or a mid fade creates visual interest against the spiked front, while a stubble beard gives your style a playful, manly feel. While this cut holds better on thick locks, thin-haired guys can achieve all-day hold by applying a strong pomade or wax through the hair.

High Razor Fade with Wild Textured Spikes

Sleek, daring and packed with contrast, a high razor fade with wild, textured spikes balances shaved sides with a fluffy, spiked top. The unruly spikes are pushed up and forward using a strong-hold styling product to create a messy, unkempt look. The distinctive, high razor fade typically starts above the temples or around the occipital bone at the back of the head. Ask your barber to use clippers on a zero guard or a razor attachment to smooth the transition between the “bad boy” spikes and clean-cut sides.

Elegant Spiked Hair with Mid Bald Fade

A spiked hairstyle can look youthful and charming with a sharp mid bald fade, pairing perfectly formed spikes with clean-cut sides. The mid fade removes bulk for an easy-to-maintain look, while the thicker uniform spikes bring volume and a rebellious edge to your style. Keep layering to a minimum to avoid a choppy look, but feel free to graduate the length toward the back of the head for a subtle, tapered feel.