The hedgehog hairstyle has made a major comeback in recent years. With its spiky, textured appearance, it’s become a bold and trendy choice for men who want a hairstyle that makes a statement. Whether you’re looking for a new way to express yourself or simply want a fresh, dynamic look, the hedgehog hairstyle can be a fun and stylish option. This guide will help you understand how to style a men’s hedgehog hairstyle with simple steps and tips, so you can rock this trend with confidence.
What is the Hedgehog Hairstyle?
The hedgehog hairstyle is characterized by spiky, upright hair that mimics the look of a hedgehog’s quills. This hairstyle often includes layers that give the hair texture and volume. The spikes can be messy or more structured, depending on the style you prefer. The look works well with various hair lengths, but it’s especially popular for medium to short hairstyles. The hairstyle is perfect for men who are looking for a trendy, youthful appearance that’s low-maintenance yet stylish.
Preparing Your Hair for the Hedgehog Hairstyle
Before you begin styling your hair into the hedgehog look, it’s important to start with clean, damp hair. Here’s how to prepare your hair:
1. Wash Your Hair
Begin by washing your hair with a good-quality shampoo and conditioner. Choose products that match your hair type (e.g., for dry, oily, or normal hair) to ensure your hair is well-moisturized and clean. Use a conditioner that provides hydration to help with manageability.
2. Towel Dry Your Hair
After washing your hair, gently towel-dry it to remove excess water. Don’t rub your hair too aggressively, as this can lead to breakage. You want your hair to be damp, not soaking wet, to make styling easier.
3. Apply a Heat Protectant (Optional)
If you plan to use any heat styling tools like a blow dryer, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This will shield your hair from damage caused by high temperatures and ensure your hair stays healthy and shiny.
Tools You Will Need
Before you begin styling, gather the following tools and products:
- Blow Dryer
- Hair Gel or Mousse
- Pomade or Hair Wax
- Comb or Brush
- Hair Clippers (if you need a fresh cut)
These are the basics you’ll need to create a hedgehog hairstyle that holds its shape all day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling the Hedgehog Hairstyle
Now that you’ve prepared your hair and gathered your tools, follow these simple steps to style your hair into the perfect hedgehog hairstyle.
1. Dry Your Hair Using a Blow Dryer
Start by blow-drying your damp hair. Use your fingers to lift and separate the hair as you dry it. This will help create volume and texture at the roots. For an added lift, tilt your head forward slightly while drying your hair, which will enhance the spiky effect of the hairstyle.
2. Apply a Volumizing Product
Once your hair is about 80% dry, apply a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray. A mousse is ideal for adding volume, while a texturizing spray can help give the hair a more rugged, tousled look. Apply the product evenly to your damp hair and work it through with your fingers to distribute it well.
3. Create Texture with Your Hands
After applying the mousse or spray, continue to use your fingers to shape the hair as it dries. For the hedgehog hairstyle, you want the hair to look spiked and tousled, so use your fingers to lift and twist the hair in different directions. This will give your hair the texture and volume it needs to achieve the spiky look.
4. Use a Blow Dryer to Set the Texture
Once you’ve styled your hair with your fingers, grab the blow dryer again. Aim the airflow downward to help set the texture and give the spikes a firmer hold. For extra volume at the roots, you can also use the blow dryer with a round brush.
5. Apply a Styling Product for Hold
To keep your spiked hair in place, you need a product that provides hold. Choose a gel, pomade, or hair wax depending on the level of hold you prefer. For a more flexible, natural look, use a hair wax or pomade. If you want your spikes to stand firm and stay in place all day, opt for a strong-hold gel.
Start by applying a small amount of product to your fingertips and rub it between your hands. Then, run your fingers through your hair, focusing on the areas you want to spike. Work the product through the ends of your hair to add texture and definition.
6. Shape the Spikes
Once the product is evenly distributed, begin shaping the spikes. You can create spikes by pinching sections of your hair and lifting them upward. The key to the hedgehog hairstyle is to make the spikes look messy yet structured. Don’t be afraid to vary the height of the spikes to give your hair a more dynamic and edgy look.
Use a comb or your fingers to shape the edges of your spikes, so they appear defined without being too rigid. The goal is to create a natural, effortless look, even though the spikes are styled intentionally.
7. Finishing Touches
To finish your hedgehog hairstyle, use a hairspray or setting spray to lock everything into place. A light misting will keep the spikes from falling flat and ensure your hair stays styled throughout the day. Be careful not to over-apply hairspray, as this can make the hair feel stiff.
8. Adjust the Style as Needed
After the hairspray has set, check your hairstyle in a mirror. If you feel any sections need more texture or lift, add a little more pomade or wax and tweak the spikes. The hedgehog hairstyle should look lived-in and natural, so feel free to experiment until you achieve your desired look.
Variations of the Hedgehog Hairstyle
While the classic hedgehog hairstyle involves spiky hair all over the head, there are several variations you can try. Depending on your personal style and hair type, these variations can help you create a unique look that suits you best.
1. Short Hedgehog Style
A short hedgehog hairstyle is great for those who want to keep things low-maintenance but still want that edgy look. With shorter hair, you can achieve a more defined spiked appearance with minimal effort. This style works best for men with straight or slightly wavy hair.
2. Long Hedgehog Style
If you have longer hair, you can still rock a hedgehog style by using the same principles. However, with longer hair, you may need to use a stronger styling product to help maintain the spikes. This version is more dramatic and can give a wild, textured look.
3. Hedgehog with Fade
If you want to add some flair, combine the hedgehog hairstyle with a fade haircut. A fade on the sides and back of your head will emphasize the spiky top and add sharp contrast. This modern twist on the hedgehog look is perfect for men who want a trendy, stylish hairstyle.
4. Messy Hedgehog
A messy version of the hedgehog hairstyle works well for men who want a more relaxed look. Instead of focusing on precise spikes, allow the hair to be a little more carefree and tousled. The messy hedgehog style still includes texture and volume but with a less structured appearance.
Hair Care Tips for the Hedgehog Hairstyle
The hedgehog hairstyle can be a lot of fun to style, but it also requires some maintenance to keep your hair healthy. Here are a few tips to help you take care of your hair while rocking this trendy look:
1. Regular Shampooing
Spiky hair often requires the use of hair products like gels or waxes, which can build up over time. To avoid product buildup, make sure to wash your hair regularly. However, don’t wash it every day, as this can strip your hair of natural oils. Aim for 2-3 times a week depending on your hair type.
2. Condition Your Hair
The styling products used for the hedgehog hairstyle can sometimes dry out your hair. To keep your hair soft and healthy, make sure to condition your hair regularly. You may also want to use a deep-conditioning treatment once a week for added moisture.
3. Trim Your Hair Often
To maintain the clean look of the hedgehog hairstyle, it’s important to trim your hair regularly. Regular trims will keep your hair at the right length for spiking and prevent split ends.
4. Avoid Over-Styling
While it’s tempting to try new products and styles, over-styling your hair can lead to damage. Make sure to give your hair a break from time to time, and avoid using too much heat or heavy styling products that can weaken your hair.
Conclusion
The men’s hedgehog hairstyle is a fun and bold look that can make you stand out in a crowd. With the right products and techniques, you can achieve this edgy, spiky style that is both stylish and low-maintenance. Whether you’re going for a short, long, or messy version, the hedgehog hairstyle is versatile enough to suit any personality or occasion. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a hedgehog hairstyle that works for you and keeps you looking sharp all day long.
