How "Heated Rivalry" and "Off Campus" Turned Hockey Hair Into 2026's Biggest Men's Trend
Bro flow—often referred to as hockey hair—is having a moment. Thanks to the popularity of hockey-inspired shows like “Heated Rivalry” and “Off Campus,” longer men’s hair with movement, texture and a lived-in finish is finding a new audience beyond the rink.
“I think people are responding to how effortless and authentic these styles feel,” says celebrity men’s groomer Aika Flores (@by.aikaflores). “After years of very polished, tightly controlled grooming, there’s a shift toward hair that has personality, movement and individuality.”
Save these inspo photos of Aika’s clientele, playing TV’s most-talked-about star athlete:
As the groomer behind the hockey hair looks seen on Hudson Williams in “Heated Rivalry” and Belmont Cameli in “Off Campus,” Aika shares the haircut fundamentals, styling techniques and product choices behind the trend and why today’s hockey hair is all about movement, texture and individuality.
The ’90s Influence Behind Today’s Hockey Hair
While hockey hair may be trending in 2026, Aika sees today’s version as both nostalgic and modern. “I think the inspiration definitely pulls from the ‘90s. The movement, the longer layers [and] the middle or sometimes 60/40 part with the execution feeling a little bit more modern,” she explains.
For Aika, the biggest difference comes down to the finish. “Today’s version is less polished and less precious,” she says. “It’s about the hair that feels effortless, touchable and authentic while, of course, still being camera-ready.”
Advertisement
That balance between familiar shapes and modern styling is part of what’s helping hockey hair connect with a new generation of clients. “I’m always drawn to styles that feel timeless rather than trend-driven,” Aika shares.
Want To See What’s Next in Men’s Hair? These Trends Are Taking Over 2026
Aika’s Step-by-Step Styling Method
Here’s how Aika builds movement and texture:
- Create the foundation
Aika typically starts with a texture spray or lightweight cream on damp hair before moving into the drying process. “I always start with products in damp hair rather than trying to fight with dry hair that lacks foundation. A strong foundation makes the styling process much easier; work smarter, not harder.”
- Encourage movement and direction
“From there, I apply lightweight products and focus on creating direction as the hair dries,” Aika explains. “I focus on building volume at the roots by using small clips to direct the hair while keeping the midlengths and ends soft and mobile.”
- Build the flow
“I love using a diffuser, not just on curly or wavy hair, but even on straighter hair to encourage movement, texture and that effortless ‘flow’ everyone is gravitating toward right now.”
Aika says a diffuser remains one of her essential tools because it helps create a lived-in finish while preserving the hair’s natural character.
- Refine, don’t overload
Once the hair is dry, Aika focuses on definition rather than heavy hold. “I’ll finish with a small amount of styling paste or cream worked through the midlengths and ends for definition and separation,” she explains.
“Sometimes I use a powder wax if I want to have a little more lift on the roots and sometimes keeping the roots soft is also the move so the hair never feels overstyled.”
- Prioritize balanced movement
“Using buildable products and directing the hair as it dries helps control expansion through the sides without flattening the overall shape,” says Aika. Rather than forcing the hair into place, she works with its natural movement. “I allow the hair to find its natural shape while guiding it where I want it to sit. The goal is always hair that feels soft and natural while still looking intentional and camera-ready.”
The Best Hockey Hair Inspiration for Your Next Client: See 40+ Images
Aika’s Biggest Hockey Hair Tip: Start With the Haircut
“As a haircutter, I will always encourage [my clients] and say a good haircut will always make the job easier,” she explains. “The right layering and texturizing remove unnecessary bulk while preserving shape, so the hair naturally falls where you want it to. If the haircut is doing its job, you don’t have to work so hard to get to where you want it to be.”
According to Aika, creating modern hockey hair comes down to:
- Letting the haircut do the heavy lifting: “The foundation needs to have the right shape and layers to encourage the natural movement.”
- Knowing when to do less: “Creating that balance comes down to a good haircut, product choice and restraint.”
“I always try to encourage my clients to let me cut their hair if I can tell the style is not going to hold correctly or have longevity,” she says.
Advertisement
How To Build Movement Into Hockey Hair: A Step-by-Step Cutting Guide
Why Effortless Men’s Hair Is Winning Right Now
“These cuts feel relaxed and approachable, but they still have intention behind them,” Aika says. That balance is part of what makes the trend resonate with both stylists and clients.
“For stylists, it’s exciting because the look celebrates texture and natural movement rather than fighting against it,” Aika explains. “For clients, it feels less about perfection and more about confidence.”
Want More Men’s Styling Tips From Aika? See These Breakdowns:
Join BehindTheChair
Access the industry’s #1 source for hair trends, education and community now.
