What are the best haircuts for teen boys – find the answer among our selection of 74 styles

by John Griffith
Advertisement

Hipster, grunge, skater, punk – there are many subcultures which define the life of teenagers. During adolescence we want to be different yet accepted, unique but also respected… or, to put it simply – we want to be cool. The clothes we choose, the hairstyles we go for – they are all ways in which we try to express our personality to the rest of the world. In this article, we have selected over 70 cool haircuts for boys and young men, to help you choose a style that underlines your best features, while also ensuring that you stay true to your character.

The Pompadour – a fashionable style that has stood the test of time

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. Highly recommended for stylish guys who want to make a lasting impression, this style is sure to bring you heaps of compliments and lots of admiring glances.

Cool Haircuts for Boys –  The Pompadour in all its splendor!

cool haircuts for boys, young man with dark blonde hair, messy pompadour style, wearing black leather jacket, and denim shirt

The ever popular fade and its many variations

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, standing in profile, with faded haircut, and curly quiff, wearing white shirt, cool haircuts for boys

The quiff – a vintage look, made for young gentlemen

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!

two images showing a ducktail pompadour hairstyle, seen from different angles, cool haircuts for boys, on young brunette man, in blue t-shirt

Side parted hair – a classic hairstyle with lots of boyish charm

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, bangs styled to one side, cool haircuts for boys, he is wearing a blue shirt, and brown woolen coat

Spikes – a dynamic youthful look with elegant variations

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, cool haircuts for boys, he is wearing white t-shirt and green jacket

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, and side part, cool haircuts for boys with brunette hair, he is wearing a black meshy jumper, over a white tank top

Grunge style mid length hair

Mid-length grunge hairstyles 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, messy grunge look, cool haircuts for boys, on young man in grey hoodie

And now it’s time for our selection of cool haircuts for boys. We have selected lots of looks to help you choose the best style for you. 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 you feel comfortable and confident.

A cool, contemporary reinterpretation of the pompadour style

dark brown hair, with deep side part, modern pompadour quiff, on christian navarro, in pale denim shirt

Cool hairstyles for boys – the hightop disconnected fade

boys fade haircut, dark brown curly afro hair, on a smiling young boy, with lip piercing, disconnected undercut

A cool suggestion for guys with curly hair

brunette man with dark, shiny and curly hair, with side part, hair designs for boys, he's wearing a red, blue and violet polo shirt

faux hawk hairstyle, one of the popular boys short haircuts, on brunette youth, wearing a navy jumper with white stripes, and dark denim jeans

Cool short haircut with layered asymmetrical fringe

hair designs for boys, dark-haired youth, with voluminous asymmetrical fringe, and deep side part, wearing black t-shirt with white graphic, crow-foot silver necklace, and stud earrings

blonde young man, with spiky hair, styled in a faux hawk, boys short haircuts, he is wearing grey pants, black top and a black leather jacket

boy with light brown hair, featuring a side part and longer bangs, swept to one side, ideas for boys short haircuts

wavy tousled brunette hair, with deep side part, worn by zac efron, hair designs for boys, with scarf and winter jacket

A messy curly style, ideal for free-spirited rebels

smiling teen with brunette, curly and messy hair, hair designs for boys, rebellious look, combined with brown, hooded winter jacket, and grey striped scarf

layered brunette hair, with deep side part, and bangs styled to one side, hair designs for boys, smiling young man in dark blue shirt

navy shirt with white polka dots, worn over grey printed t-shirt, by teen with brown hair, faux hawk style, boys short haircuts, tattoos and a pendant

Afro braids are another timeless and very versatile look

afro braids in zig zag pattern, hair designs for boys, worn by smiling young man, in white t-shirt

boys short haircuts, dark auburn hair, styled in a modern pompadour, and worn by young man, in grey jumper

quiff on blonde hair, with a disconnected undercut, boys fade haircut, on young man with serious expression

pompadour quiff on a boys fade haircut, disconnected undercut, worn by a teenager in purple t-shirt

Asymmetrical side-swept bangs – cool haircuts for boys

teenage boy with auburn hair, long bangs styled in a messy pompadour, and brushed to one side, hair designs for boys, denim jacket and a blue and white striped top

disconnected undercut, boys fade haircut, with faux hawk, on teen with hipster glasses, wearing checkered shirt and woolen coat

green-eyed young man, with auburn hair, short at the sides, and longer bangs styled in messy spikes, boys fade haircut, white shirt and blue jumper

sitting teenager in jeans and white shirt, with grey necktie and green cardigan, dark blonde hair, styled in a messy quiff, short at the sides like in boys fade haircut

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, long hairstyles for boys

messy spikes on light brown hair, shorter at the sides, worn by young man, in dark brown leather jacket, and white t-shirt, boys short haircuts, zac efron

deep side part, on short brunette hair with longer bangs, brushed to one side, boys short haircuts, young man in coat with high collar

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

chin-length shaggy, curly and messy brunette hair, with bangs partially brushed back, worn by a smiling harry styles

curly shaggy light blonde hair, long hairstyles for boys, worn by blue-eyed man, in black shirt, and black and red jumper

short guy haircuts, colton haynes with short brown hair, bangs styled in spikes, wearing a navy jumper with white stripes, and a big smile

An elegant hairstyle with hints of vintage glamour

guys haircuts, young man with vintage-inspired hairstyle, side part and wavy bangs, 1920s style look, he is wearing a checkered shirt, tie and formal vest

smooth and straight, long bangs with a deep side part, guys haircuts, on brunette man, wearing grey striped shirt and black coat

13 Reasons Why star Dylan Minette has chosen a classic short haircut that is easy to maintain and style. Great suggestion for guys who don’t want to spend ages taking care of their hair

classical male hairstyle, worn by dylan minette, dark brown hair, short guy haircuts, he's wearing a suit and tie

blonde boy with deep side part, and combed over hair, long bangs and short sides, guys haircuts

Cool haircuts for boys – asymmetrical fringe falling over the forehead

blue t-shirt with rolled sleeves, worn by brunette man, guys haircuts, with deep side part and long bangs, partially covering one eye

messy dark blonde mop top, naturally curly hair, long hairstyles for boys, on young man with stubble, wearing a red blazer

A shaggy style that is certain to make an impression

curled hair with quiff, partially dyed grey, guys haircuts, worn by blue-eyed man

very dark brown curly hair, with side part, guys haircuts, on black-eyed teenager in grey and brown top, wearing dog tags

green-eyed teenager, with curly hazel hair, with side part and medium long bangs, guys haircuts, pale grey t-shirt

Nick Jonas rocking an elegant slicked back hairstyle

smooth black hair, with long bangs slicked back, guys haircuts, on nick jonas, wearing a red plaid blazer, white shirt and black tie

hairstyles for teenagers, blonde young man, with a semi pompadour style hair, bangs combed over to one side, wearing black top

young man with blonde hair, styled in a textured quiff, with deep side part, boys short haircuts, he is wearing a white shirt and leather jacket

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, in a multicolored shirt, and maroon leather jacket

blue curly hair, with long bangs falling over one eye, long hairstyles for boys, on teenager in dark grey t-shirt

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, long hairstyles for boys, worn by teenager in black jumper, and red plaid jacket

side-swept wavy brown hair, bangs partially falling on face, worn by young man with stubble, in black woolen coat and top

buzz cut in military style, on nick jonas, short guy haircuts, dark brown hair, pale blue blazer

smiling zayn malik, with spiky hair and disconnected undercut, boys fade haircut, dark grey cable-knit jumper, black ear studs

wavy brunette hair, with brushed up bangs, hairstyles for teenagers, on smiling young man, in pale grey t-shirt

hoodie-wearing guy, with messy hair, short on the sides and longer on top, hairstyles for teenagers

pale youth with black sunglasses, wearing olive green v-neck t-shirt and suspenders, with dark brown and wavy, shoulder length hair, long hairstyles for boys

Platinum blonde shades are a very hot look at the moment

smartly dressed young man, in grey blazer and chequered shirt, with hair styled into a faux hawk, hairstyles for teenagers, and dyed silver

big black hat, and bright blue suit, with a patterned shirt and a black tie, worn by young man, with light blonde hair, hairstyles for teenagers, rebellious look with styled up asymmetrical fringe and sides

bearded young man, with dark brunette hair, shaped into a pompadour, hairstyles for teenagers, wearing a black t-shirt

youth with a quiff, brown wavy hair, hairstyles for teenagers, wearing a pale grey, v-neck t-shirt

Tousled hair – the perfect boyish look 

windswept and messy brunette hair, with rebellious look, hairstyles for teenagers, on froy guttierres, in brown leather jacket and pale grey t-shirt

deep side part and long bangs, combed over to one side, on green-eyed, brunette young man, wearing white top

pale youth with blue eyes and short, wavy platinum blonde dyed hair, wine red t-shirt

long hairstyles for boys, black and white image, of teenage boy wearing patterned t-shirt, with layered blond hair, very natural look

teen boy with faux hawk, wearing white tank top with graphic, looking to one side, black and white image

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

curled ginger hair, with long wavy bangs, partially falling over one eye, worn by brown-eyed teen, in black shirt

serious-looking young man, in black coat, with brown hair, worn in rockabilly-style

medium length spiky brunette hair, brushed to one side, on young man with blue eyes, wearing black top and leather jacket

black and white image of a teenager, with glasses and wavy layered hair, with side part, and cropped bangs, swept to one side

deep brown colored hair, with medium long layered bangs, and shaved sides, boys fade haircut, connected undercut

woolen grey trousers, and a ribbed sweater, worn by youth with hands in pockets, black hair in pompadour style

Cool haircuts for boys – spiky hairstyles are playful and stylish

retro haircut, on dark blonde hair, with spikes and short sides, worn by young man in black t-shirt

black shiny and spiky hair, with side part and styled to one side, worn by taylor lautner, short guy haircuts

red baseball jacket, and black t-shirt, worn by teenager, with messy and wavy brunette hair, with deep side paart, and brushed to one side, away from the forehead

layered spiky bangs facing forward, on young man, dressed in grey polo shirt, short guy haircuts, ideas for brunette men

ceasar classic hairstyle, with slight fade, short guy haircuts, worn by zac effron, in black suit, with white shirt and navy tie

glasses and a patterned shirt, with silver threads, on young man with glasses, and blonde layered hair, with choppy bangs falling on his forehead

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.