Gen Z's Hair Playbook: The Top 5 TikTok-Viral Styles Taking Over NYC in 2025
Our official forecast, backed by analysis of 4849+ NYC salon styles, reveals the cuts and colors defining the next generation.
Every image you see is a bookable style. Click any photo to view details and book an appointment with a stylist.
Scroll, save, repeat. The digital heartbeat of Gen Z's style emanates from TikTok, and in 2025, it's taking over the salon chairs of New York City. To bring you the definitive forecast, we didn't just scroll—we analyzed over 8,300 hairstyles, with a deep dive into 4,849 recent cuts and colors from top NYC salons. The verdict? The lines between retro and futuristic are blurring, creating a playbook of bold, expressive, and unapologetically individual styles. This is what the city's most influential generation will be wearing next.
The Shullet: Business in the Front, Party Everywhere
The shag-mullet hybrid is 2025's go-to for texture and attitude, dominating Brooklyn's creative scene.
Neither a classic shag nor a retro mullet, the 'Shullet' is the gender-fluid hero cut of 2025. Our data shows a massive spike in searches for 'modern shag' and 'curly shag,' confirming its rise. This cut is all about celebrating natural texture with choppy layers, soft, face-framing pieces (often curtain bangs), and a longer flow in the back. It’s an effortless look that feels both rebellious and artfully considered, making it a favorite from Bushwick to the West Village.
"The beauty of the Shullet is its versatility. We can tailor the layers to enhance waves, remove bulk from thick hair, or create movement in straight hair. It’s less about a rigid shape and more about a feeling."
💬What to Ask Your Stylist
Pro Tips from NYC's Top Stylists
Screen-shot Everything, But Be Realistic
Bring multiple inspiration photos to your consultation, but have an open conversation with your stylist about how the look can be adapted for your unique hair type, texture, and face shape. The goal is a personalized version of the trend.
Invest in the Aftercare
A great cut or color can be ruined by poor home care. Ask your stylist for specific product recommendations—from color-safe shampoos to the right texture paste—to protect your investment and keep your hair looking salon-fresh.
How to Book Your Perfect 2025 Haircut in NYC
1. Find Your Inspiration
Use platforms like Kiri, TikTok, and Instagram to gather photos that capture the vibe you're going for. Look for examples on hair that has a similar texture to yours.
2. Find a Specialist
Look for stylists on Kiri whose portfolios are filled with the specific trend you want, whether it's vivid colors, precision crops, or modern shags. Their work will speak for itself.
3. Book a Consultation
For any major change, especially a chemical service like a perm or vivid color, book a dedicated consultation first. This ensures you and your stylist are on the same page about timing, price, and desired outcome.
Ready to embrace the trends of 2025? Discover the perfect stylist to bring your vision to life.
