As a teen boy, your hairstyle is a powerful way to express your personality and stay on-trend. Today’s teen boys have more options than ever when it comes to hair trends.
From classic cuts with modern twists to bold, statement-making styles, there’s something for every personality and hair type.
Whether you prefer a low-maintenance look for busy school days or a more elaborate style for turning heads on the weekends, we’ve got you covered.Here are 20 trendy haircuts that are sure to turn heads and boost your confidence.
1. The Classic Undercut
The undercut remains a staple in teen boys’ hairstyles, offering a perfect blend of edgy and sophisticated.
This versatile cut features short sides and back, with longer hair on top. The contrast between the lengths creates a striking look that can be styled in various ways.
To achieve this style, ask your barber to buzz the sides and back short (typically a #1 or #2 guard) while leaving 2-4 inches of length on top.
The key to mastering the undercut is the styling. You can slick it back for a sleek look, tousle it for a messy vibe, or even part it to the side for a more preppy appearance.
Maintenance tip: Regular trims every 3-4 weeks will keep the contrast sharp and the style looking fresh.
2. Textured Crop
The textured crop is perfect for boys who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look.
This cut features short sides with a slightly longer top, typically 1-2 inches in length. The hair on top is cut with texture to create a natural, effortless appearance.
To get this style, ask your barber for a short back and sides (usually a #2 or #3 guard) with a textured top. The stylist will use point-cutting techniques to add texture and movement to the hair on top.
Styling is a breeze – simply work a small amount of matte clay or paste through damp hair and let it air dry for a casual, tousled look.
3. Modern Quiff
The quiff is a classic style that’s been modernized for today’s teen. It’s characterized by shorter sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled upward and backward from the forehead.
For this cut, you’ll want to keep the sides short (a #2 or #3 guard) while leaving 3-4 inches on top. The key to a great quiff is the gradual transition from the shorter sides to the longer top.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry the top section upward and backward using a round brush, and finish with a strong-hold pomade or wax to keep the shape in place.
4. Messy Fringe
The messy fringe is ideal for boys who want a laid-back, effortlessly cool look.
This style features longer hair on top that’s cut to fall forward onto the forehead, creating a textured fringe.
Ask your stylist for a scissor cut on the sides and back, keeping it relatively short but not buzzed. The top should be left longer, around 2-3 inches, with layers cut in to create texture and movement.
Styling is minimal – work a small amount of sea salt spray or lightweight texturizing cream through damp hair and let it air dry for a perfectly imperfect look.
5. Fade with Curly Top
For boys with naturally curly hair, the fade with curly top is a fantastic option.
This cut combines the clean lines of a fade on the sides and back with the natural texture of curls on top.
Request a high or mid fade on the sides and back, transitioning into the longer curls on top. The length on top can vary based on preference, but typically 2-3 inches works well.
To style, apply a curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance your natural curl pattern.
6. Slicked Back Undercut
The slicked back undercut is a more polished version of the classic undercut. It’s perfect for formal occasions or for teens who prefer a more mature look.
Ask for an undercut with very short sides and back (a #1 or #2 guard) and leave 3-4 inches on top. The key to this style is the sharp contrast between the short sides and the longer top.
To achieve the slicked-back look, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and comb it straight back. Use a blow dryer for extra hold and shine.
7. Textured Spikes
Textured spikes offer a modern take on the classic spiked look, perfect for boys who want an edgy style without the harsh, gel-heavy spikes of the past.
For this cut, keep the sides and back short (a #2 or #3 guard) and leave 2-3 inches on top. Ask your stylist to point-cut the top to create texture and uneven lengths.
To style, work a matte clay or fiber through dry hair, using your fingers to create spiky texture. The goal is a natural, piece-y look rather than uniform spikes.
8. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are a great option for boys who want to keep some length while maintaining a neat appearance. This style works well with various face shapes and hair types.
Ask your stylist to keep the sides and back relatively short (scissor cut or a longer guard on clippers) while leaving more length on top, especially in the front for the bangs. The top should be layered to create movement.
Style by applying a light hold product to damp hair and blow-drying while brushing the front section to one side. Finish with a light hairspray if needed.
9. Buzz Cut with Design
For the bold and adventurous, a buzz cut with a design offers a unique way to express personality through hair.
This low-maintenance style features very short hair all over with a shaved design on one side or at the back.
The base cut is a standard buzz cut, typically using a #1 or #2 guard all over. The design is then carefully shaved into the hair using trimmers or a straight razor.
Styling is minimal, but you’ll need to visit your barber every 2-3 weeks to maintain the sharpness of both the buzz cut and the design.
10. Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic style that’s made a big comeback. It’s characterized by volume on top that’s swept upward and backward, with shorter sides and back.
Ask for short sides and back (either faded or scissor cut) with 3-4 inches left on top. The front should be the longest, gradually getting shorter towards the crown.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, blow-dry the top section upward using a round brush, and then use a strong-hold pomade to shape the pomp. Finish with hairspray for extra hold.
11. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk offers the edgy look of a mohawk without the commitment of shaving the sides of your head. It’s a versatile style that can be adjusted to suit different personalities.
Request short sides and back (typically a #2 or #3 guard) with a longer strip of hair down the center of the head. The center strip should be 2-3 inches long and gradually taper from front to back.
Style by applying a strong-hold product to damp hair and using your fingers or a comb to push the center hair upward and slightly inward to create the faux hawk shape.
12. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs, popularized in the 90s, are making a strong comeback among teen boys.
This style features longer hair parted down the middle, with the front sections framing the face like curtains.
Ask your stylist for a medium-length cut with layers, keeping the front sections longer to create the curtain effect. The sides and back can be kept at a similar length or cut slightly shorter for contrast.
To style, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and blow-dry while using a round brush to create a slight inward curl at the ends of the bangs. Finish with a light-hold product to keep the curtains in place.
13. Textured French Crop
The textured French crop is a modern take on the classic Caesar cut. It features a short back and sides with a slightly longer top that’s cut forward to create a small fringe.
Request a short back and sides (usually a #2 or #3 guard) with about an inch left on top.
The key is to ask for lots of texture on top, which your stylist can achieve through point-cutting techniques.
Style by working a matte clay or paste through dry hair, focusing on creating piece-y texture. The fringe should be styled forward but in a messy, undone way.
14. Long and Layered
For boys who prefer longer hair, a layered cut can add movement and style while keeping things manageable. This versatile look can be adapted to various hair types and face shapes.
Ask your stylist for long layers throughout, with the shortest layers framing your face and the longest reaching past your ears or even to your shoulders, depending on your preference.
Styling can vary, but a common approach is to apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair, allow it to air dry, and then use a small amount of texturizing cream to enhance the layers and control any frizz.
15. High Top Fade
The high top fade, popularized in the 80s and 90s, is experiencing a resurgence among teen boys.
This bold style features very short sides and back with a dramatically longer, flat top.
Request a high fade on the sides and back, transitioning into the longer top. The top should be cut straight across, creating a flat, boxy shape. The length on top can vary but is typically 2-4 inches.
To style, use a strong-hold gel and a fine-toothed comb to shape the top into a flat, even surface. A hair sponge can be used to create texture for those with curlier hair types.
16. Shaggy Mid-Length
The shaggy mid-length cut is perfect for boys who want a relaxed, surfer-inspired look. This style works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair.
Ask for a layered cut with the hair reaching just past the ears and nape of the neck. The layers should be choppy to create a piece-y, textured appearance.
Styling is low-maintenance – simply work a sea salt spray through damp hair and let it air dry for a tousled, beach-inspired look.
17. Caesar Cut
The Caesar cut is a timeless style that’s both practical and stylish. It features short, horizontally straight cut bangs and equally short sides and back.
Request a uniform short length all over (usually about an inch long) with the bangs cut straight across the forehead. The sides and back should be slightly tapered for a clean look.
Styling is minimal – apply a small amount of matte paste or clay to slightly damp hair and use your fingers to create a bit of texture, especially in the fringe area.
18. Disconnected Undercut
The disconnected undercut takes the classic undercut to the next level by creating a stark contrast between the short sides and the longer top.
Ask for very short sides and back (typically a #1 guard) with a clear, unprompted transition to the longer top. The top should be left quite long, usually 3-4 inches.
Styling options are versatile – you can slick it back for a sleek look, style it forward for an edgy fringe, or even tie it up in a small man bun for a trendy appearance.
19. Textured Taper Fade
The textured taper fade combines the clean lines of a fade with the stylish texture of longer hair on top. It’s a versatile cut that can be adapted to various hair types and personal styles.
Ask your barber for a taper fade on the sides and back, keeping it longer than a typical fade (start with a #3 or #4 guard). The top should be left 2-3 inches long and cut with plenty of texture.
To style, work a matte clay or paste through dry hair, using your fingers to create piece-y texture on top. The result should be a natural, effortless look with clean, faded sides.
20. Brushed-Up Style
The brushed-up style is a modern, textured take on the traditional side-part look.
It’s perfect for boys who want a stylish cut that’s appropriate for both school and social occasions.
Request short sides and back (either faded or scissor cut) with 2-3 inches left on top. The top should be point-cut to create texture and movement.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry while brushing the hair upward and slightly back. Finish with a matte clay or paste, using your fingers to create texture and hold the brushed-up shape.
In conclusion, these 20 trendy haircuts offer something for every teen boy, whether you prefer a low-maintenance look or a style that makes a statement.
Remember, the key to pulling off any haircut is confidence. Choose a style that resonates with your personality and lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks as you discover your personal style.