70+ Cool Haircuts For Boys: A Parent’s Guide To Trendy Cuts

by John Griffith
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While it’s been quite some time since I was a kid or a young teen, I still remember the feeling of wanting to look cool and feel good in my skin. To be honest, not much has changed, except that I’m taller now. Hair has always been an easy way to express yourself and give yourself a little confidence boost. When I was a kid, my mom used to love giving me the iconic bowl cut look with the help of an actual bowl. Yeah, safe to say, I got teased quite a bit for that look. That’s why I want to help you out with choosing a hairstyle for your kid. All parents want their children to feel their best, so ensuring they have a nice haircut is a must. So, check out these 70 cool haircuts for boys and young teens for inspiration.

There are a bunch of cool haircuts you can try out

The Perfect Cut: Cool Haircuts For Boys

Selecting the perfect haircut for your kid might be a challenging endeavor. You want a look for a style that complements their personality and also looks fantastic. Plus, it also needs to be age appropriate. Finding that ideal cut could be intimidating with all the possibilities out there. For this reason, I’ve put together a selection of cool hairstyles for boys after looking at what is on trend in magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Esquire. So, check out these cuts.

Pick a hairstyle that suits your child’s style

The Pompadour

Originating in the 1950s, the pompadour is a variation of the fade haircut, inspired by rockabilly fashion. Like the classic fade, it features hair that is short on the sides, and longer in the middle and front. What sets it apart is that the longer sections are styled into a “pomp” – a voluminous comb on top of the head. In the past this striking look used to be associated with Elvis Presley, while nowadays it can be spotted on celebrities like David Beckham and Justin Bieber. The trend has evolved a lot in the past sixty-odd years. When it first appeared, it was usually glossy and neatly combed back. Pompadours today have a more relaxed feel, with rebellious strands of hair hanging loosely on either side of the head.

The Pompadour in all its splendor!

young man with dark blonde hair with messy pompadour style

The ever-popular fade

When it comes to cool haircuts for boys and young men, few contemporary styles are as popular as the fade. Coming in countless unique variations, this edgy look has captured the hearts of many. The classic fade features hair that is short on the sides of the head, and just slightly longer on top. Since it’s very easy to keep and style, this look is ideal for guys who want a cool hair change but are reluctant to go to extremes. All you need in order to look polished and trendy is a tiny amount of styling product.

If you’d like to try something a little edgier, you could choose one of the fade’s many variations. Why not opt for an undercut – a very short style with long middle section and bangs? The longer hair strands can be slicked back, swept to one side, or combed over, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. If you have curly or wavy hair and are wondering whether this look is right for you – it absolutely is! In fact, curly fades are some of the coolest styles around.

The fade – a trendy style that can be worn in a variety of ways

black and white image of a young man with faded haircut

The quiff – a vintage look

The quiff is another example of a timeless hairstyle, that is both stylish and cool. Here the volume also plays a significant role, as this look borrows elements from the pompadour, flattop and mohawk. Usually, the hair is brushed back in order to create a voluminous effect, similar to the rockabilly “ducktail” style. An important point to note is that, in order for this hairstyle to work, your hair needs to be at least 8-13 cm long on top.

The rockabilly ducktail – an edgy and very unique look!

Side parted hair

In the past, side parted hair used to be associated mainly with middle school proms. Nowadays, however, it has evolved into a very stylish and sophisticated look, that preserves a hint of boyish charm. In order to recreate this look successfully, you must cut your hair short at the sides, while leaving your bangs longer. Then you can part your locks to one side, following your hair’s natural parting line. Although the classic version of this cut features long bangs and a deep side part, there are many milder variations suitable for medium length hair.

A lovely example of a deep side part with asymmetrical effect

close up of a young man with side-parted hazel hair

Spikes – a dynamic youthful look

Spikes also have a long history. First appearing during the dawn of the punk era in the 1970s, spiky hairstyles used to be a sign of rebellion and nonconformity. Today, they have become popular in a variety of subtle reinterpretations. In general, the shorter the locks, the more elegant the appearance. Be careful though – in order to be able to style your hair in this way, you must ensure that your locks are at least 3 cm long on top. You can use styling products to shape spikes that point up, to the side, or in different directions.

Justin Bieber famously wore his hair in spikes for most of his teenage-hood

young justin bieber with auburn hair bangs styled in upward facing spikes

The long, asymmetrical fringe

Speaking of Justin Bieber – if you’ve have followed the progression of his career, you probably know that his style has changed quite a bit in recent years. One of the most recent looks he adopted features a long, side swept fringe. Although this look is technically a variation of the pompadour, it has become so popular recently, that it warrants its own mention. Unlike the pomp, where the hair is styled in a voluminous comb, here it is simply brushed to one side, so that it falls freely on the face. The result is very edgy, while also casual and effortlessly cool.

The long, asymmetrical fringe – on of the hottest styles at the moment

teenage boy with long side swept bangs

Grunge-style, mid-length hair

Mid-length grunge hairstyles are some pretty cool haircuts for boys that are making a big comeback at the moment. Popularized largely by Kurt Cobain in the 90s, this look is very popular among free-spirited individuals who have a rebellious streak. It is also an excellent suggestion for young men with wavy or curly unruly hair, which is difficult to style. Easy to maintain and very edgy, this look is highly recommended for teen boys. All you need to do is let your hair grow out and do its own thing. The result is a cool, natural-looking and very laid back style.

Mid length hair can be left natural or styled in a variety of ways

medium length wavy brunette hair with long side swept bangs

How to Choose the Best Hairstyle for a Boy

Boys’ face shapes, hair types, lifestyles, and personal tastes all have to be taken into account when selecting the ideal haircut. A fake hawk or other height-adding designs look great on round faces. Square faces gain from angles being softened, whereas oval faces may wear practically any style. Longer, textured styles work well with curly hair, and classic cuts look wonderful on straight hair. Buzz cuts are great low-maintenance haircuts for busy boys. Renowned hairstylist and grooming expert Andrew Fitzsimons says that speaking with a specialist can make all the difference. “A talented stylist can evaluate your child’s face shape and hair type to suggest the ideal cut,” adds Fitzsimons.

There are many things you need to take into account when choosing a hairstyle

thimothy chalamet curly hair gc photoshoot

Trendy Hairstyles for Boys: Finding the Perfect Look

And now it’s time for the ultimate selection of cool haircuts for boys. Here, I’ve selected lots of looks to help you choose the best style. Bear in mind that longer styles usually require more specialized products and care, and are a bit harder to manage. Don’t let that put you off however – the results are very much worth it! Above all, choose a hairstyle that makes your kid feel comfortable and confident.

A cool, contemporary reinterpretation of the pompadour style

dark brown hair with deep side part

The high-top disconnected fade

boys fade haircut dark brown curly afro hair

A cool suggestion for guys with curly hair

nick jonas with shiny and curly hair, with side part

Cool short haircut with layered asymmetrical fringe

dark-haired boy with voluminous asymmetrical fringe

blonde young man with spiky hair

boy with light brown hair

wavy tousled brunette hair worn by zac efron

A messy curly style, ideal for free-spirited rebels

smiling teen with brunette, curly and messy hair

louis tomlinson haircut

teen with brown hair faux hawk style

Afro braids are another timeless and very versatile look

afro braids in zig zag pattern

dark auburn hair styled in a modern pompadour

quiff on blonde hair with a disconnected undercut

pompadour quiff on a boys fade haircut

Asymmetrical side-swept bangs

teenage boy with auburn hair

disconnected undercut boys fade haircut

green-eyed young man with auburn hair

Justin Bieber with platinum blonde hair and long side swept bangs

older justin bieber, with chin-length hair, dyed light blonde, with dark roots, bangs swept to one side

zac efron

deep side part, on short brunette hair with longer bangs

Harry Styles messy wavy hair is the perfect example of a trendy rebellious look

a smiling harry styles

curly shaggy light blonde hair, long hairstyles for boys

An elegant hairstyle with hints of vintage glamour

smooth and straight, long bangs with a deep side part

13 Reasons Why star Dylan Minette has chosen a classic short haircut 

classical male hairstyle worn by dylan minette

blonde boy with deep side part

Asymmetrical fringe falling over the forehead

blue t-shirt with rolled sleeves, worn by brunette man

messy dark blonde mop top, naturally curly hair

A shaggy style that is certain to make an impression

niall horan with quiff

green-eyed teenager, with curly hazel hair

Nick Jonas rocking an elegant slicked back hairstyle

smooth black hair, with long bangs slicked back, guys haircuts, on nick jonas

Highlights in vibrant colors are a great way to get noticed

electric blue dyed hair, with long slicked back bangs, and shorter sides, worn by joe jonas

blue curly hair, with long bangs falling over one eye

Layered grunge look – great idea for guys who want to keep their hair longish but also natural

grunge style shoulder-length hair, blonde and layered

side-swept wavy brown hair

buzz cut in military style on nick jonas

smiling zayn mali, with spiky hair and disconnected undercut

shawn mendes

hoodie-wearing guy with messy hair

man with long hair

Platinum blonde shades are a very hot look at the moment

lucky blue smith silver hair

bearded young man with dark brunette hair

youth with a quiff brown wavy hair

Tousled hair – the perfect boyish look 

windswept and messy brunette hair with rebellious look

deep side part and long bangs

pale youth with blue eyes and short

shoulder length hair

teen boy with faux hawk

Curled red hair with a long fringe – unusual but very effective suggestion

curled ginger hair with long wavy bangs

serious-looking young man in black coat with brown hair

medium length spiky brunette hair

wavy layered hair with side part, and cropped bangs, swept to one side

deep brown colored hair

Spiky hairstyles are playful and stylish

retro haircut on dark blonde hair

black shiny and spiky hair with side part and styled to one side

messy and wavy brunette hair

layered spiky bangs facing forward on young man

young man with glasses and blonde layered hair

John Griffith
John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.

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