NYFW Spring/Summer 2027: Volume, Crimps and Knots Replace Minimalist Hair
Crimps, teased texture, slip knots and side parts dominated NYFW's spring/summer 2027 runways. Top stylists including Lacy Redway and Justine Marjan explain the exact techniques behind each look.
Updated
The takeaway
- Lacy Redway placed crimps three finger-widths apart on pin-straight hair at Christian Siriano for spring/summer 2027.
- Karim Belghiran created a single slip knot look without hair ties at Cult Gaia, described as 'light, delicate, and easy'.
- Side parts replaced middle parts across shows including Private Policy, Luar and Carolina Herrera.
Minimalist hair just lost its grip on the runways. At New York Fashion Week, hairstylists turned the volume back up for spring/summer 2027, bringing crimps, teased texture, loose updos and even the side part into the season's biggest hair statements.
The overall mood felt nostalgic without slipping into costume territory, according to ELLE's beauty editor, who reported backstage from the shows. Hair is embracing personality again.
Here are the five trends that defined the season, with the techniques, tools and products the stylists used.
Crimps and Creases
Crimps, dents and creases appeared across several runways. At Christian Cowan, celebrity stylist Justine Marjan worked small crimped strands into a low, messy bun. At Area, hairstylist Joey George placed one large dent around the entire crown, as if the hair had just come down from an extra-tight ponytail.
The most striking interpretation came from Lacy Redway, who created stripes of thick crimps juxtaposed with pin-straight strands on every model at Christian Siriano. "We're trying to bring crimps back in style," Redway told ELLE.com backstage. "After the hair is dry and flat ironed, we put some crimps three finger-widths apart from each other. We want it to feel strong, polished, and shiny."
Romantic Updos
Slicked-back styles are on their way out. Romantic updos with wavy tendrils and loose buns are set to dominate the upcoming season.
"It's very whimsical and dreamy," celebrity hairstylist Glen Coco said backstage at Alice + Olivia. "I think this goddess-like hair is really coming back. It has this beautiful, undone texture that feels effortless and a little romantic."
Slip Knots
The Cult Gaia show proved a hair tie is optional. Celebrity stylist Karim Belghiran created a single slip knot "inspired by a dream-like woman in a dream world," he said in a press release. "Wispy texture and an undone looped knot create a romantic finish that feels light, delicate, and easy."
The same knotted style appeared at Christian Cowan. "Soft bends, subtle crimps, and an imperfect low knot create a finish that feels both nostalgic and rebellious," says Cowan lead hairstylist Justine Marjan.
High-Volume Texture
Crimps are not the only '80s reference returning in 2027. Teased texture and big hair are officially back.
For Collina Strada, hairstylist Eugene Souleiman drew inspiration from the cult-classic film A Knight's Tale. "We created four distinct looks, loosely based around traditional and double mohawks, braids, and contrasting textures, incorporating deadstock fabric from the Collina Strada atelier into the constructions," he shared.
At LaQuan Smith, the trend turned wearable, with blowouts and updos featuring dramatic lift at the roots.
Sweeping Side Parts
After sleek-straight middle parts dominated recent years, the shift is sideways. Side parts appeared across dozens of hairstyles at NYFW. At Private Policy, every sleek blowout and blunt bob was parted to the side. Luar sent out slicked-back buns and wet looks with side parts. At Carolina Herrera, voluminous blowouts with bouncy curls came with swooping side parts reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour.
For stylists and salons planning spring/summer 2027, the takeaway is concrete: brush up on crimping technique, undone updos and root lift — and expect clients to ask for the side part again.
Source: Elle Beauty; Source: instagram.com
More from Amara Osei
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Staff writer covering media and advertising at Eurasian Beauty Journal.
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