Are Fades Finally Out? Seven Hair Experts Predict the Biggest Trends for 2027

From the decline of the classic fade to the return of spiky hair, gender-neutral haircutting and the merging of salons and barbershops, seven leading industry creatives reveal the biggest hair trends for 2027.

For years, the fade has been the undisputed king of men's grooming. Sharp, precise and instantly recognisable, it's become a defining look of modern barbering. But could 2027 finally mark the end of its reign?

According to some of the industry's leading barbers, educators and creative directors, a shift is on the horizon. Longer hairstyles, experimental styling and a renewed appreciation for traditional hairdressing techniques are challenging the conventions of men's grooming.

Speaking exclusively to Fresha, seven hair industry professionals shared their predictions for 2027, revealing five emerging trends that could reshape the future of barbering and hairdressing.

What are the biggest hair trends for 2027?

According to industry experts interviewed by Fresha, the biggest hair trends predicted for 2027 include a move away from traditional fades, the return of longer men's hairstyles, spiky and glossy styling, gender-neutral haircutting, and a growing crossover between barbering and hairdressing. Runway fashion is also expected to play a greater role in shaping the hairstyles seen in salons and barbershops.

1. Are fades going out of style in 2027?

Perhaps the boldest prediction for 2027 is that the haircut which has dominated barbershops for years could finally be losing its appeal.

"I think in 2027, to be honest, fades are going to be out. Longer haircuts are going to be in," predicts Alex Janzen, Hair Educator and Brand Ambassador at Amighetti.

Not everyone believes longer hair will take over entirely, however.

"For me, it's keep the short hair, but without the fade," says Francesco Muscas, Founder of Muscas Barbieri and Brand Partner of Amighetti.

Together, their predictions point towards a shift in men's haircut trends, with traditional fades making way for greater versatility, movement and individuality. Short hair isn't going anywhere, but the techniques used to cut and style it could look very different in 2027.

2. Spiky hair and glossy hairstyles are making a comeback

After years of understated, natural-looking styles, 2027 could see a return to something altogether more expressive.

"More edgy styles. Like, we're going to go back to having spikes. We're going to go back to having glossy hair, you know, shiny hair," predicts Alex Kotsis, Creative Director at MENSPIRE Netherlands.

Think sharper silhouettes, statement styling and a renewed appreciation for shine and definition. Spiky hairstyles and glossy finishes could make a comeback as clients look for more adventurous ways to wear their hair.

It's a prediction that suggests men's hair trends are entering a more experimental era, where styling becomes just as important as the cut itself.

3. Barbering and hairdressing are merging

For years, barbering and hairdressing have operated as two distinct disciplines. But according to Andrea Amighetti, Barber, Educator, Founder of Amighetti and Amiro Barbershops, and Fresha Ambassador, 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 hairstyles, the distinction between traditional barbering and hairdressing is becoming less defined. Businesses offering a broader range of cutting techniques, styling services and expertise may find themselves ahead of the curve.

4. Gender-neutral haircuts are gaining momentum

Beyond individual hairstyles, 2027 could bring a more fundamental shift in how the hair industry approaches cutting and styling.

"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.

Gender-neutral haircutting focuses on hair length, texture, technique and individual preferences rather than traditional men's and women's haircut categories.

It's a vision of an industry where technical ability takes precedence over gender labels, and where clients choose their stylist based on expertise rather than convention.

For salons and barbershops, this growing movement could mean rethinking everything from service menus and pricing structures to education and the way they position themselves within the industry.

5. Runway fashion will influence 2027 hair trends

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.

For hair professionals, understanding the relationship between fashion and hairstyling could become an important part of anticipating what clients will be asking for next.

What does 2027 have in store for the hair industry?

If these expert predictions are anything to go by, 2027 is shaping up to be a year of creative reinvention.

The classic fade may be losing its dominance, but precision cutting isn't going anywhere. Instead, the industry appears to be moving towards a more expressive approach, where longer hairstyles, bold styling and traditional hairdressing techniques sit comfortably alongside modern barbering.

Perhaps the biggest change isn't a particular haircut at all, but a growing movement towards an industry that places creativity, technical skill and individuality above traditional labels.

And if the experts are right, 2027 could be one of the most exciting years for hair yet.

These 2027 hair trend predictions are based on original interviews conducted by Fresha with seven industry professionals working across barbering, hairdressing and hair education. Their insights reflect emerging creative directions and individual industry perspectives rather than confirmed consumer trends.