If you’re looking for the perfect short haircut for your little man that’s easy to maintain? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether your son prefers a classic look or wants to try something more modern, there’s a haircut out there that’s perfect for him.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 20 stylish short haircuts for boys, complete with detailed explanations to help you find the ideal style for your young trendsetter.
1. Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless short haircut that never goes out of style. This clean and neat look features hair that’s cut short on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top.
The top is usually styled upright, creating a subtle lift that adds dimension to the overall look.
To achieve the perfect crew cut, the hair is gradually tapered from the crown to the nape of the neck, with the sides and back closely clipped. The top is left about an inch long, allowing for some styling versatility.
This haircut is ideal for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair and works well for all face shapes.
2. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a modern twist on the classic short haircut. This style features short sides and back with a longer, textured top.
The key to this look is the choppy, uneven layers on top that create a messy yet stylish appearance.
To create a textured crop, the hair is cut short on the sides and back, often with a fade. The top is left longer, typically 1-2 inches, and is cut with pointcut techniques to create texture and movement.
This style works best on boys with straight or wavy hair, as the texture really shines through.
3. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is the ultimate low-maintenance haircut for boys. This super-short style involves using electric clippers to cut the hair to a uniform length all over the head, typically between 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch long.
There are several variations of the buzz cut, including the induction cut (the shortest possible buzz cut), the burr cut (slightly longer), and the butch cut (the longest variation).
The buzz cut is perfect for boys with any hair type, as it’s so short that texture doesn’t really come into play. It’s an excellent choice for active boys or those living in hot climates, as it’s incredibly cool and requires virtually no styling or maintenance.
4. Faded Pompadour
The faded pompadour combines classic style with modern flair. This trendy haircut features short, faded sides and back with longer hair on top styled upwards and backwards to create volume and height.
To achieve this look, the sides and back are cut short with a fade, while the top is left longer, typically 2-4 inches. The hair on top is then styled upwards and back using a strong-hold pomade or gel, creating the signature pompadour shape.
This haircut works best for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair, as it allows for easier styling and hold.
5. Spiky Top
The spiky top haircut is a fun and playful style that’s perfect for energetic boys. This cut features short sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled into spikes.
To create this look, the sides and back are cut short, often with a fade for a modern touch. The top is left longer, typically 1-2 inches, to allow for spiking.
This style works well for boys with straight hair, as it’s easier to create and maintain the spiky texture. It’s a great choice for boys who want to express their personality through their hair and don’t mind spending a few minutes styling each day.
6. Side-Swept Undercut
The side-swept undercut is a stylish and versatile haircut that combines short sides with longer hair on top. This cut features very short or shaved sides and back, with significantly longer hair on top that’s styled to one side.
To achieve this look, the sides and back are cut very short or buzzed, creating a stark contrast with the top.
The top is left much longer, typically 2-4 inches, allowing for versatile styling options. The longer hair is then swept to one side, creating a sleek and polished appearance.
This haircut works well for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair. It’s a great option for those who want a trendy, fashion-forward look that can be styled differently for various occasions.
7. French Crop
The French crop is a classic short haircut that’s been gaining popularity among boys in recent years. This style features short sides and back with a slightly longer top that’s cut with a straight fringe.
To create a French crop, the sides and back are cut short, often with a fade. The top is left slightly longer, typically about 1-2 inches, and is cut straight across the forehead to create a distinct fringe. The hair on top can be styled flat or with a slight texture for added interest.
This haircut is a low-maintenance option that still looks stylish and put-together.
8. Messy Quiff
The messy quiff is a trendy and effortlessly cool haircut that’s perfect for boys who want a stylish yet relaxed look. This cut features short sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled upwards and forwards to create volume and texture.
To achieve this style, the sides and back are cut short, often with a fade for a modern touch. The top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, to allow for styling. The hair is then styled using a texturizing product, like sea salt spray or matte clay, and tousled to create a messy, voluminous quiff.
This haircut works best for boys with straight or wavy hair, as it allows for easier styling and hold. It’s a versatile option that can be styled more neatly for formal occasions or left messy for a casual, laid-back look.
9. Ivy League
The Ivy League haircut, also known as the Harvard clip or Princeton, is a sophisticated and timeless style that’s perfect for preppy boys. This cut is essentially a longer version of the crew cut, featuring short sides and back with a slightly longer top.
To create an Ivy League cut, the sides and back are tapered short, while the top is left longer, typically 1-2 inches. The hair on top is usually styled with a side part and combed neatly to the side, creating a polished and refined appearance.
This haircut works well for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval or square face shapes. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up for formal occasions or styled more casually for everyday wear.
10. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk, or fohawk, is a edgy and stylish haircut that’s perfect for boys who want to make a statement. This style mimics the look of a mohawk but in a more wearable, everyday-friendly way.
To create a faux hawk, the sides and back are cut short or faded, while the top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches. The hair on top is then styled upwards and towards the center of the head, creating a strip of hair that resembles a mohawk.
This haircut works well for boys with straight or wavy hair and can be adapted to suit various face shapes. It’s a versatile style that can be worn more subtly for school or styled more dramatically for special occasions.
11. Textured Fringe
The textured fringe haircut is a modern and stylish option that’s perfect for boys who want a trendy, low-maintenance look. This style features short sides and back with a longer, textured top that’s styled forward to create a messy fringe.
To achieve this look, the sides and back are cut short, often with a fade. The top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, and is cut with texturizing techniques to create choppy, uneven layers. The hair is then styled forward using a matte styling product, creating a messy, textured fringe.
This haircut works best for boys with straight or wavy hair, as the texture really shines through. It’s a great option for those who want a stylish look that doesn’t require much daily styling.
12. Short Slick Back
The short slick back is a classic and sophisticated haircut that’s perfect for boys who want a polished, mature look. This style features short sides and back with a longer top that’s styled backwards for a sleek appearance.
To create a short slick back, the sides and back are cut short or faded, while the top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches. The hair on top is then combed backwards and secured with a strong-hold pomade or gel, creating a smooth, slicked-back look.
This haircut works well for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval or oblong face shapes. It’s a versatile style that can be worn for formal occasions or styled more casually for everyday wear.
13. Curly Top Fade
The curly top fade is a stylish and modern haircut that’s perfect for boys with naturally curly hair. This cut features short, faded sides and back with longer curls on top, creating a striking contrast.
To achieve this look, the sides and back are cut very short or faded, while the top is left longer to showcase the natural curls. The length on top can vary depending on preference, but it’s typically kept between 1-3 inches.
This haircut is ideal for boys with curly or coily hair textures. It’s a great way to embrace natural texture while still maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Styling is relatively low-maintenance – simply apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and let it air dry for the best results.
14. Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut is a classic short haircut that’s been popular for centuries. This timeless style features short, layered hair all over the head with a short, straight fringe.
To create a Caesar cut, the hair is cut to a uniform length all over, typically between 1-2 inches. The fringe is cut straight across the forehead, usually sitting about halfway down the forehead. The result is a simple, low-maintenance haircut that frames the face nicely.
This haircut works well for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair and is particularly flattering for those with oval or round face shapes. It’s a great option for boys who want a classic, no-fuss look that’s easy to maintain.
15. Disconnected Undercut
The disconnected undercut is a bold and edgy haircut that’s perfect for fashion-forward boys. This style features very short sides and back with a longer top, creating a stark contrast or “disconnect” between the two lengths.
To achieve this look, the sides and back are cut very short or buzzed, while the top is left much longer, typically 2-4 inches. Unlike a regular undercut, there’s no gradual transition between the short and long sections, creating a dramatic, high-contrast look.
This haircut works best for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair, as it allows for easier styling of the longer top section. It’s a versatile style that can be worn slicked back, messy, or styled into various other looks.
16. Short Textured Layers
The short textured layers haircut is a versatile and stylish option that works well for boys with various hair types. This cut features short to medium-length hair all over, cut in layers to create texture and movement.
To create this look, the hair is cut in layers of varying lengths, typically ranging from 1-2 inches. The layers are cut in a way that creates a textured, piece-y look when styled. This technique adds volume and dimension to the hair, making it look fuller and more dynamic.
This haircut is great for boys with fine or thin hair, as the layers can create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair. It’s also a good option for those with thick or coarse hair, as the layers can help to remove bulk and make the hair more manageable.
17. High and Tight
The high and tight is a classic military-inspired haircut that’s known for its neat and ultra-short appearance. This style features very short hair on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top.
To achieve this look, the sides and back are cut very short, typically with a #1 or #2 clipper guard. The top is left slightly longer, usually about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. The transition between the top and sides is usually blended for a seamless look.
This haircut works well for boys with any hair type, as it’s so short that texture doesn’t really come into play. It’s an excellent choice for those who want an extremely low-maintenance style or for boys who participate in sports or other activities where long hair might get in the way.
18. Brushed Up Texture
The brushed up texture haircut is a modern and stylish option that’s perfect for boys who want a trendy, textured look. This style features short sides and back with a longer, textured top that’s styled upwards.
To create this look, the sides and back are cut short, often with a fade. The top is left longer, typically 2-3 inches, and is cut with texturizing techniques to create choppy, uneven layers. The hair is then styled upwards using a matte styling product, creating a messy, brushed-up appearance.
This haircut works best for boys with straight or wavy hair, as the texture really shines through. It’s a great option for those who want a stylish look that can be easily adjusted for different occasions – it can be styled neatly for a more polished appearance or left messier for a casual, effortless vibe.
19. Short Waves
The short waves haircut is a stylish option for boys with naturally wavy hair. This cut embraces the natural texture of the hair while keeping it short and manageable.
To achieve this look, the hair is cut short all over, typically between 1-2 inches in length. The cut is tailored to enhance the natural wave pattern of the hair, with layers added if necessary to encourage wave formation.
This haircut is ideal for boys with wavy hair textures. It’s a great way to showcase natural texture while still maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Styling is relatively low-maintenance – simply apply a wave-enhancing product to damp hair and let it air dry for the best results.
20. Textured Bowl Cut
The textured bowl cut is a modern twist on the classic bowl cut. This updated version features a rounded shape like the traditional bowl cut, but with added texture and styling for a more contemporary look.
To create this style, the hair is cut in a circular shape around the head, typically just above the ears. However, instead of a blunt cut, the ends are texturized to create a softer, more natural-looking edge. The top is also cut with texturizing techniques to add movement and dimension.
This haircut works well for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair and can be particularly flattering for those with round or oval face shapes. It’s a bold choice that’s perfect for fashion-forward boys who aren’t afraid to stand out.
In conclusion, these 20 stylish short haircuts for boys offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes, hair types, and lifestyles. Whether your son prefers a classic, low-maintenance look or wants to try something more trendy and bold, there’s a perfect short haircut out there for him. Remember, the key to a great haircut is not just the style itself, but also how well it’s maintained. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks will help keep these short styles looking their best. Happy styling!