As we step into 2024, the world of children’s hairstyles is evolving with exciting new trends. From classic cuts with modern twists to bold and unique styles, there’s something for every child’s personality and hair type. Whether your little one prefers a low-maintenance look or loves to make a statement, these 20 trendy kids haircuts are sure to inspire your next salon visit.
1. The Modern Shag
The shag haircut is making a major comeback in 2024, but with a fresh, modern twist for kids. This versatile style works well for both boys and girls and can be adapted to various hair textures. The modern shag features layers throughout the hair, creating a textured, piece-y look that’s full of movement.
For longer hair, the layers start around the chin and continue downward, framing the face beautifully. Shorter versions maintain the same layered effect but with a more compact silhouette. The key to this style is the textured, slightly messy finish that gives it a carefree, effortless vibe.
To style a modern shag, use a small amount of lightweight styling cream or mousse to enhance the natural texture. Encourage your child to embrace their hair’s natural wave or curl pattern for a truly effortless look.
2. The Textured Crop
Boys’ haircuts are leaning towards more texture in 2024, and the textured crop is leading the pack. This style features short sides and back with a longer top that’s cut to create lots of texture and movement.
The top can be styled in various ways – pushed forward for a messy fringe, swept to the side for a more polished look, or tousled for a carefree appearance. The key to this cut is the textured finish on top, which is achieved through point-cutting or razor-cutting techniques.
To maintain this style, use a small amount of matte pomade or clay to enhance the texture and hold the style in place. This cut is perfect for boys who want a trendy, low-maintenance look that’s easy to style in the morning.
3. The Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are no longer just for adults – they’re becoming increasingly popular for kids in 2024. This soft, face-framing style works well with various hair lengths and can be adapted to suit different face shapes.
Curtain bangs are characterized by a center part with longer pieces that sweep to either side, creating a curtain-like effect around the face. For kids, these bangs are often cut slightly shorter than adult versions, typically falling just below the eyebrows or at the cheekbones.
This style is versatile and can be worn with the rest of the hair down, in ponytails, or even with updos. To style curtain bangs, use a round brush while blow-drying to create a soft, curved shape. For a more casual look, simply part the bangs down the middle and let them fall naturally.
4. The Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a timeless style that’s getting a fresh update for kids in 2024. This short, sassy haircut is perfect for girls who want a low-maintenance style that still looks fashionable.
The modern pixie for kids features slightly longer layers on top, which can be styled in various ways – swept to the side, spiked up, or smoothed down for a sleeker look. The sides and back are kept short but not buzzed, maintaining a soft, feminine appearance.
One of the great things about the pixie cut is its versatility. It can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair textures. For girls with curly or wavy hair, a more textured pixie can enhance their natural hair pattern.
To style a pixie cut, use a small amount of styling cream or wax to define the layers and create the desired shape. This cut is perfect for active kids who don’t want to spend a lot of time on their hair in the morning.
5. The Messy Bob
The bob haircut gets a playful update in 2024 with the messy bob. This chin-length cut features soft layers and a slightly tousled finish that’s perfect for kids who prefer a more relaxed look.
The messy bob works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair. For straight hair, subtle layers are added to create movement and texture. For wavy or curly hair, the layers are cut to enhance the natural texture and create a bouncy, voluminous look.
To style a messy bob, apply a small amount of texturizing spray or sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch gently while air-drying. For a more polished look, use a wide-barrel curling iron to create loose waves.
6. The Faux Hawk
For kids who want to make a bold statement, the faux hawk is a trendy choice in 2024. This edgy style features shorter sides with a longer strip of hair down the center of the head, which can be styled upwards to create a mohawk-like appearance.
The modern faux hawk for kids is softer and more versatile than its punk rock predecessor. The sides are typically clipper-cut but not shaved completely, allowing for a gentler transition to the longer top section.
To style a faux hawk, use a strong-hold gel or pomade to sweep the hair upwards and towards the center. For a more subtle look, the top can be styled forward or to the side. This cut works well for both boys and girls and can be adapted to various hair textures.
7. The Long Layers
Long, layered hair is a classic style that’s getting a refresh for kids in 2024. This versatile cut works well for both boys and girls with medium to long hair.
The key to this style is the strategic placement of layers. Face-framing layers start around the chin and continue down the length of the hair, creating movement and preventing the overall look from appearing heavy or flat.
For straight hair, the layers add dimension and movement. For wavy or curly hair, the layers enhance the natural texture and reduce bulk. This cut is perfect for kids who want to maintain their length while adding some style and manageability to their hair.
To style long layers, apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair and either air-dry or blow-dry with a round brush for added volume. For a more polished look, use a flat iron or curling wand to create smooth waves or curls.
8. The Textured Bowl Cut
The bowl cut is making a surprising comeback in 2024, but with a modern, textured twist. This updated version of the classic cut features softer edges and more texture, making it a stylish choice for both boys and girls.
The textured bowl cut maintains the signature rounded shape but incorporates point-cutting or razor-cutting techniques to create a piece-y, textured finish. The result is a cut that looks intentionally messy and effortlessly cool.
To style a textured bowl cut, use a small amount of texturizing paste or cream to enhance the natural texture and create definition. This cut works well with straight or slightly wavy hair and is perfect for kids who want a unique, fashion-forward look.
9. The Braided Mohawk
For kids who love intricate styles, the braided mohawk is a standout trend in 2024. This edgy yet elegant style combines the structure of a mohawk with the artistry of braiding.
The sides of the head are braided tightly against the scalp, typically using a cornrow or Dutch braid technique. The center section is left longer and can be styled in various ways – left loose for a softer look, braided for added intricacy, or styled upwards for a true mohawk effect.
This style works well for kids with textured hair and is particularly stunning on curly or coily hair types. While it requires some skill to create, the braided mohawk can last for several days with proper care, making it a great option for busy families.
10. The Shaggy Mullet
The mullet is back in 2024, but with a softer, shaggier update that’s perfect for kids. This modern take on the “business in the front, party in the back” style features more blended layers and a less dramatic contrast between the front and back lengths.
The shaggy mullet typically features a textured fringe or curtain bangs in the front, with layers that gradually get longer towards the back. The overall effect is more subtle than the classic mullet, creating a stylish, rock-and-roll inspired look.
This cut works well for both boys and girls and can be adapted to various hair textures. To style a shaggy mullet, use a texturizing spray and scrunch the hair while air-drying to enhance the natural texture.
11. The Curly Fade
For kids with curly hair, the curly fade is a trendy and stylish option in 2024. This cut combines the structure of a fade on the sides and back with voluminous curls on top.
The fade can be adjusted to suit personal preference – from a low fade that starts just above the ears to a high fade that extends further up the head. The top is left longer to showcase the natural curl pattern, with layers cut to enhance the curls and create a rounded shape.
To style a curly fade, use a curl-enhancing cream or gel on damp hair and either air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer. Encourage your child to embrace their natural curl pattern for a look that’s both stylish and true to their hair texture.
12. The Asymmetrical Bob
For kids who love a unique, edgy look, the asymmetrical bob is a perfect choice in 2024. This modern cut features one side longer than the other, creating an interesting, dynamic silhouette.
The asymmetry can be subtle – with just an inch or two of difference between sides – or more dramatic, depending on your child’s preference. This cut works well with straight hair, as the clean lines showcase the asymmetrical shape, but can also be adapted for wavy or curly textures.
To style an asymmetrical bob, use a flat iron to create sleek, straight lines that highlight the cut’s unique shape. For a softer look, use a curling wand to create loose waves throughout.
13. The Textured Quiff
The quiff is a classic men’s hairstyle that’s been adapted for kids in 2024. This stylish cut features short sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled upwards and backwards.
For kids, the textured quiff offers a softer, more playful take on this classic style. The top is cut with lots of texture, allowing for a piece-y, tousled finish rather than a sleek, polished look.
To style a textured quiff, apply a small amount of pomade or styling cream to damp hair. Use a comb or your fingers to sweep the hair upwards and back, creating height at the front. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place.
14. The Braided Crown
For kids with longer hair who love intricate styles, the braided crown is a beautiful trend in 2024. This elegant style features a braid that wraps around the head like a crown, creating a romantic, fairy-tale inspired look.
The braided crown can be created using various braiding techniques – a traditional three-strand braid, a French braid, or a Dutch braid. For a fuller look, two braids can be created and wrapped around the head.
This style works well for special occasions but can also be a fun everyday look for kids who enjoy more elaborate hairstyles. To create a braided crown, start the braid at one side of the head and continue around, securing the end with bobby pins.
15. The Undercut
The undercut continues to be a popular choice for kids in 2024, offering a bold, edgy look that can be customized to suit various preferences. This style features closely cropped or shaved sides and back with longer hair on top.
For a more subtle look, the undercut can be hidden when the hair is worn down. For a bolder statement, the top can be styled up or to the side to showcase the contrast between the short and long sections.
The undercut works well for both boys and girls and can be adapted to various hair textures. To style an undercut, use a strong-hold gel or pomade to create the desired shape on top.
16. The Layered Lob
The lob, or long bob, gets an update for kids in 2024 with the addition of face-framing layers. This versatile cut falls between the chin and shoulders and works well for a variety of hair textures.
The layered lob features subtle layers throughout, with shorter pieces around the face to create movement and soften the overall look. This cut is perfect for kids who want a low-maintenance style that still looks polished and put-together.
To style a layered lob, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush. For a more casual look, let the hair air-dry and use a texturizing spray to enhance natural waves.
17. The Textured Fringe
Fringes, or bangs, are back in a big way for kids in 2024, with textured fringes leading the trend. This style features a choppy, piece-y fringe that adds interest and personality to any haircut.
The textured fringe can be adapted to suit different face shapes and hair textures. For round faces, a longer, side-swept fringe can have a slimming effect. For heart-shaped faces, a shorter, choppier fringe can balance out a wider forehead.
To style a textured fringe, use a small amount of texturizing paste or cream to create definition and separation. This style works well with both straight and wavy hair textures.
18. The Natural Afro
Embracing natural hair texture is a big trend for kids in 2024, and the natural afro is a beautiful celebration of curly and coily hair types. This style allows the hair to grow out in its natural pattern, creating a full, rounded shape.
The key to a great natural afro is proper care and maintenance. Regular deep conditioning treatments and the use of curl-enhancing products can help define the curl pattern and keep the hair healthy and moisturized.
To style a natural afro, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently detangle the hair when wet. Apply a leave-in conditioner and curl cream, then allow the hair to air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on low heat.
19. The Disconnected Undercut
A more dramatic version of the classic undercut, the disconnected undercut features a stark contrast between the short sides and longer top. In this style, there’s no gradual transition between the two lengths, creating a bold, eye-catching look.
The top can be styled in various ways – slicked back for a sleek appearance, tousled for a more casual vibe, or even braided for added interest. This versatile cut works well for both boys and girls who want to make a statement with their hair.
To style a disconnected undercut, use a strong-hold gel or pomade to create the desired shape on top. The short sides typically require little to no styling.
20. The Beachy Waves
For kids with medium to long hair, beachy waves are a effortlessly cool trend in 2024. This relaxed style mimics the tousled, textured look of hair after a day at the beach.
Beachy waves work well with various hair lengths and can be achieved on both straight and naturally wavy hair. The key to this style is creating a loose, undefined wave pattern that looks natural and effortless.
To create beachy waves, apply a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch gently while air-drying. For more defined waves, use a wide-barrel curling iron to create loose curls, then run your fingers through to break them up.
In conclusion, 2024 brings a wide array of trendy haircuts for kids, ranging from classic styles with modern twists to bold, unique looks. Whether your child prefers a low-maintenance cut or loves to experiment with more elaborate styles, there’s something in this list to suit every personality and hair type. Remember, the best haircut is one that not only looks great but also makes your child feel confident and comfortable. Happy styling!