As the new school year approaches, it’s time to consider a fresh look for your little man. Whether he’s starting elementary school or entering his senior year, a stylish haircut can boost his confidence and help him start the academic year on the right note.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 back-to-school hairstyles for boys that are trendy, easy to maintain, and suitable for various hair types and face shapes. From classic cuts to modern styles, there’s something here for every young gentleman.
1. The Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless choice that never goes out of style. This short, neat haircut is characterized by hair that’s clipped close to the head on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. The top is usually styled upward and slightly forward, creating a clean and polished look.
Why it’s great for school:
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal styling in the morning
- Versatile: Suitable for all hair types and face shapes
- Neat appearance: Keeps hair out of the eyes during classes and activities
Styling tip: Use a small amount of lightweight styling cream to add texture and hold to the top section.
2. The Textured Quiff
The textured quiff is a modern take on the classic 1950s style. It features shorter sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled upward and backward. The key to this look is creating texture and volume in the front.
Why it’s great for school:
- Stylish yet appropriate: Adds a touch of personality without being too edgy
- Adaptable: Can be styled more or less dramatically depending on school rules
- Flattering: Suits most face shapes and adds height to the appearance
Styling tip: Use a sea salt spray to add texture, then blow-dry the top section upward. Finish with a matte clay or paste for hold.
3. The Side Part
The side part is a classic, sophisticated hairstyle that works well for boys of all ages. It involves parting the hair on one side and combing it over to the other side. The sides can be cut shorter for a more modern look or left longer for a traditional appearance.
Why it’s great for school:
- Timeless: Never goes out of style and is appropriate for all occasions
- Versatile: Can be styled neatly for school or messier for casual days
- Mature look: Great for older boys or those who prefer a more grown-up style
Styling tip: Use a fine-toothed comb to create a precise part, then apply a small amount of pomade for hold and shine.
4. The Textured Crop
The textured crop is a trendy yet practical choice for boys. It features short sides and back with a slightly longer top that’s cut with texture. The front is usually styled forward with a slightly messy, tousled look.
Why it’s great for school:
- Easy to style: Requires minimal effort in the morning
- Modern look: Gives a fresh, current appearance
- Suitable for active kids: Stays in place during sports and activities
Styling tip: Apply a small amount of texturizing paste to damp hair and use fingers to style the top forward and create a piece-y look.
5. The Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a more school-appropriate version of the mohawk. It features shorter sides with a longer strip of hair down the center of the head. The top is styled upward to create a subtle crest effect.
Why it’s great for school:
- Edgy yet acceptable: Allows for self-expression within school guidelines
- Adaptable: Can be styled more subtly for school and more dramatically for weekends
- Confidence-boosting: Unique style that stands out from the crowd
Styling tip: Use a strong-hold gel or pomade to style the top section upward and slightly backward. Use a comb for a neater look or fingers for a messier style.
6. The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is an ultra-short, low-maintenance hairstyle where the hair is cut to a uniform length all over the head using electric clippers. It’s a practical choice for active boys or those who prefer a no-fuss look.
Why it’s great for school:
- Extremely low maintenance: No styling required
- Cool and comfortable: Ideal for hot weather or sports
- Neat appearance: Always looks tidy and well-groomed
Styling tip: No styling needed! Just make sure to get regular trims every 3-4 weeks to maintain the look.
7. The Curly Top Fade
This style embraces natural curls while keeping the sides and back short. The top is left longer to showcase the curly texture, creating a fun and stylish contrast.
Why it’s great for school:
- Celebrates natural texture: Perfect for boys with curly or coily hair
- Manageable: Keeps curls under control while still allowing them to shine
- Trendy: A popular choice among young athletes and celebrities
Styling tip: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance and moisturize curls, then air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer.
8. The Slick Back
The slick back is a sleek, polished hairstyle where all the hair is combed backward from the forehead to the nape of the neck. It can be done with various lengths on top and sides.
Why it’s great for school:
- Sophisticated: Gives a mature, put-together appearance
- Versatile: Can be adapted for formal events or relaxed for everyday wear
- Keeps hair in place: Ideal for boys who don’t like hair in their face
Styling tip: Apply a water-based pomade to damp hair and comb backward. Use a blow dryer for extra hold and shine.
9. The Textured Fringe
This style features a longer fringe (bangs) that’s cut with texture and styled forward over the forehead. The sides and back are usually cut shorter for contrast.
Why it’s great for school:
- Trendy: Popular among young celebrities and influencers
- Flattering: Can help balance out face shapes and hide forehead imperfections
- Expressive: Allows for creativity in styling
Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray on damp hair, then blow-dry the fringe forward and to the side. Finish with a light-hold wax for piece-y definition.
10. The Ivy League
The Ivy League, also known as the Harvard Clip, is a slightly longer version of the crew cut. It features short sides and back with enough length on top to style with a side part.
Why it’s great for school:
- Classic and refined: Gives a studious, preppy appearance
- Versatile: Can be styled neatly or more casually
- Low maintenance: Easy to manage and style quickly
Styling tip: Apply a small amount of styling cream to damp hair, then comb into a side part. For a more textured look, use fingers to style instead of a comb.
11. The Messy Spikes
This playful style features hair that’s cut short on the sides and back, with a longer top styled into soft, messy spikes. It’s a great option for boys who want a fun, energetic look.
Why it’s great for school:
- Youthful and fun: Perfect for younger boys or those with a playful personality
- Easy to style: Can be quickly achieved with minimal products
- Forgiving: Looks good even when not perfectly styled
Styling tip: Apply a small amount of lightweight styling gel or wax to damp hair, then use fingers to create soft spikes all over the top.
12. The French Crop
Similar to the textured crop, the French crop features very short sides and back with a longer top. The key difference is the straight-cut fringe that’s styled forward onto the forehead.
Why it’s great for school:
- Modern and stylish: A trendy choice that’s still school-appropriate
- Flattering: Works well for various face shapes and hair types
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal styling once cut properly
Styling tip: Apply a matte clay or paste to damp hair, then use a comb to style the fringe straight across the forehead. Tousle the top slightly for added texture.
13. The Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic style that’s made a big comeback. It features short sides and back with a longer top that’s styled upward and backward to create volume at the front.
Why it’s great for school:
- Statement style: Makes a bold impression without being too edgy
- Adaptable: Can be styled more or less dramatically depending on preference
- Grows out well: Looks good even as it gets longer between cuts
Styling tip: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry the top section upward and backward using a round brush. Finish with a strong-hold pomade for shine and hold.
14. The Textured Bowl Cut
This is a modern take on the traditional bowl cut. It features a rounded shape all around, but with added texture and slight variations in length to create a more stylish, less severe look.
Why it’s great for school:
- Unique: Stands out from more common styles
- Low maintenance: Holds its shape well between cuts
- Suitable for fine hair: Gives the appearance of fuller, thicker hair
Styling tip: Apply a texturizing spray to damp hair, then use fingers to tousle and create piece-y texture all over. Air dry or use a diffuser for added volume.
15. The Brushed Up Style
This style involves shorter sides and back with a longer top that’s brushed upward and slightly backward. It’s similar to a quiff but with a more uniform upward direction all over the top.
Why it’s great for school:
- Neat and tidy: Keeps hair off the face and out of the eyes
- Flattering: Adds height and can elongate round face shapes
- Versatile: Can be styled more or less neatly depending on the occasion
Styling tip: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair, then blow-dry the top section upward using a vented brush. Finish with a light-hold hairspray for all-day hold.
16. The Surfer Hair
This laid-back style features longer hair all over, typically reaching the ears or collar. It’s styled to look slightly messy and tousled, as if windswept from a day at the beach.
Why it’s great for school:
- Relaxed vibe: Perfect for boys with a casual, easygoing personality
- Grows out well: Looks good at various lengths
- Versatile: Can be worn loose or tied back for sports and activities
Styling tip: Apply a sea salt spray to damp hair, then scrunch and let air dry for natural-looking waves. For a neater look, use fingers to comb back from the face.
17. The Short Afro
This style celebrates natural African hair texture, featuring a short, rounded shape that’s full of volume and personality.
Why it’s great for school:
- Embraces natural texture: Perfect for boys with tight curls or coils
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal daily styling
- Comfortable: Keeps hair off the face and neck
Styling tip: Use a wide-toothed comb or pick to shape the afro into a rounded silhouette. Apply a moisturizing cream or oil to keep hair hydrated and defined.
18. The Faded Undercut
This modern style features very short or shaved sides that gradually fade into longer hair on top. The top can be styled in various ways, from slicked back to textured and messy.
Why it’s great for school:
- Cool and current: A popular choice among trendy teens
- Versatile top: Can be styled differently for various occasions
- Grows out well: Maintains its shape as it gets longer
Styling tip: Apply a matte clay or paste to the top section and style as desired. For a sleek look, comb backward; for a messier style, use fingers to create texture.
19. The Shaggy Layers
This style features longer hair cut into layers all over the head, creating a shaggy, textured look. It’s a great option for boys with wavy or thick hair.
Why it’s great for school:
- Easy to maintain: Looks good even when slightly messy
- Versatile: Can be worn loose or tied back
- Flattering: Works well for various face shapes and hair types
Styling tip: Apply a small amount of texturizing cream to damp hair, then scrunch and let air dry for a natural, tousled look.
20. The Classic Taper
The classic taper is a timeless style that features hair gradually getting shorter from the top of the head down to the neckline. The top is left longer and can be styled in various ways.
Why it’s great for school:
- Neat and tidy: Always looks well-groomed
- Versatile: Can be adapted to suit various hair types and personal styles
- Grows out well: Maintains its shape between cuts
Styling tip: Apply a small amount of styling cream to damp hair, then comb the top into place. For a more relaxed look, use fingers to create slight texture on top.
In conclusion, these 20 back-to-school hairstyles for boys offer a wide range of options to suit different tastes, hair types, and school dress codes. Whether your son prefers a classic, low-maintenance look or wants to make a style statement, there’s a perfect hairstyle here to help him start the school year with confidence. Remember, the best hairstyle is one that not only looks good but also fits your son’s personality and lifestyle. Happy styling!