Generation Z boys are redefining style with their bold and expressive haircuts. From classic looks with modern twists to cutting-edge styles that push boundaries, there’s a trendy cut for every personality.
Whether you’re looking to make a statement or prefer a low-maintenance look, our comprehensive guide to the top 20 Gen Z haircuts for boys will help you find your perfect match. Let’s dive into the latest trends that are taking the younger generation by storm!
1. The Modern Quiff
The quiff has been a staple of men’s hairstyles for decades, but Gen Z boys are giving it a fresh update. This versatile style involves keeping the sides short while leaving length on top, which is then styled upward and slightly back. The modern quiff offers a perfect balance between edgy and classic, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
To achieve this look, ask your barber for a fade on the sides and back, leaving 2-3 inches of length on top. Style it by blow-drying the hair upwards and using a matte pomade to create texture and hold. The beauty of the modern quiff lies in its adaptability – it can be worn sleek and neat or tousled for a more relaxed vibe.
2. Textured Crop
The textured crop is gaining massive popularity among Gen Z boys for its low-maintenance nature and stylish appearance. This haircut features short sides with a slightly longer top that’s cut with texture to create a messy, effortless look.
When getting a textured crop, ask your stylist to use point-cutting techniques on the top to add texture and movement. The sides can be faded or kept at a uniform short length. To style, simply work a small amount of texturizing paste through damp hair and let it air dry for that perfectly imperfect finish.
3. The E-Boy Middle Part
Inspired by the e-boy aesthetic that’s taken TikTok by storm, the middle part has made a strong comeback. This style typically involves medium-length hair parted down the center, creating a symmetrical look that frames the face.
To get this cut, grow your hair out to about chin length and ask your stylist to add long layers for movement. The key to styling is to embrace your hair’s natural texture – whether straight, wavy, or curly. Use a lightweight sea salt spray to enhance texture and volume, then create a clean middle part while your hair is damp.
4. Buzz Cut with Design
Gen Z boys are taking the classic buzz cut to new heights by adding intricate designs. This bold style involves cutting the hair very short all over and then having a barber create a unique pattern, line work, or even small images on one side or at the back of the head.
The possibilities for designs are endless – from simple geometric shapes to complex artwork. This style is perfect for boys who want to make a statement and aren’t afraid to stand out. Maintenance is relatively easy, but regular touch-ups are necessary to keep the design sharp.
5. Curly Fringe
Embracing natural texture is a big trend among Gen Z, and the curly fringe cut is a perfect example. This style keeps the sides and back short while leaving length on top to showcase curly or wavy hair texture.
To achieve this look, ask your barber to keep the top long enough to allow your curls to form (usually 2-4 inches) while fading the sides. Styling is all about enhancing your natural curl pattern – use a curl-defining cream on damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer.
6. The Messy Man Bun
Long hair is making a comeback, and the messy man bun is a favorite among Gen Z boys. This laid-back style involves growing the hair long enough to tie back, typically with shorter sides for contrast.
To get this look, you’ll need to commit to growing your hair out for several months. Once it’s long enough, ask your stylist to add layers for movement and possibly undercut the sides for a more edgy look. To style, gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a hair tie, leaving some strands loose for that effortless, messy appearance.
7. Bleached Tips
Adding a pop of color to their hair is a way for Gen Z boys to express their individuality, and bleached tips are a popular choice. This style involves lightening just the ends of the hair, creating a striking contrast with the natural hair color.
This look works with various haircuts, from short crops to longer styles. To achieve it, grow out your desired hairstyle, then have a professional bleach the tips. The key is to keep the transition gradual for a more natural sun-kissed effect. Regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial to maintain hair health.
8. The Disconnected Undercut
The disconnected undercut continues to be a favorite among Gen Z boys for its edgy and versatile nature. This style features a dramatic contrast between very short sides and back and a much longer top, with no gradual transition between the two lengths.
Ask your barber for a very short buzz on the sides and back, leaving the top long enough to style in various ways – slicked back, messy, or even braided for a more adventurous look. The versatility of this cut allows for different styling options to suit various occasions.
9. Textured Pompadour
A modern take on a classic style, the textured pompadour is gaining traction among fashion-forward Gen Z boys. This cut features short sides with a longer top styled upwards and backwards, creating height and volume at the front.
To achieve this look, ask for a fade on the sides and back, leaving 3-4 inches on top. The key to the modern version is texture – have your stylist use texturizing shears to add movement. Style by blow-drying the hair upwards and backwards, using a round brush for volume. Finish with a matte pomade for hold and texture.
10. The Curtain Hairstyle
Reminiscent of 90s heartthrobs but with a modern twist, the curtain hairstyle has made a significant comeback among Gen Z boys. This mid-length cut features a middle or slightly off-center part, with hair falling to frame both sides of the face like curtains.
To get this look, grow your hair to about ear-length or slightly longer. Ask your stylist for long layers to add movement and prevent the style from looking too heavy. Styling is relatively low-maintenance – simply part your hair down the middle or slightly to one side and tuck it behind your ears for a relaxed, effortless vibe.
11. Faded Afro
Embracing natural hair texture is a big trend, and the faded afro is a stylish way for Gen Z boys with curly or coily hair to do just that. This cut combines the fullness of a traditional afro on top with faded sides for a modern, clean look.
To achieve this style, ask your barber to keep the top full and natural while creating a fade on the sides and back. The fade can be high, medium, or low depending on personal preference. Maintaining this style involves regular moisturizing and using a pick or wide-toothed comb to shape the afro.
12. Choppy Layers
For boys who prefer a slightly longer, more rock-inspired look, choppy layers are an excellent choice. This cut involves various lengths of hair, cut in a way that creates a textured, piecy appearance.
Ask your stylist for a mid-length cut with lots of choppy layers throughout. The key is to create an intentionally messy, lived-in look. Style by applying a texturizing spray to damp hair and either air drying or rough-drying with a blow dryer. Finish with a small amount of styling paste to enhance the piece-y texture.
13. The Slick Back
A classic style that’s been given new life by Gen Z, the slick back is all about sleek, polished looks. This versatile cut can be adapted to various hair lengths and works well for both casual and formal occasions.
To get this look, keep the hair on top longer (about 3-4 inches) and the sides shorter, either faded or at a uniform length. The key to styling is to apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair and comb it straight back. For a more relaxed version, use your fingers instead of a comb for a less structured finish.
14. Textured Bowl Cut
The bowl cut has made a surprising comeback, but with a modern, textured twist that appeals to Gen Z boys. This updated version softens the harsh lines of the traditional bowl cut with texture and slight irregularity.
Ask your stylist for a rounded cut that’s longer on top and gradually shorter towards the sides and back. The key is to add plenty of texture to break up the solid shape of the traditional bowl cut. Style with a matte paste or clay to enhance the texture and create a piece-y, lived-in look.
15. Faux Hawk
For boys who want an edgy look without committing to a full mohawk, the faux hawk is an excellent option. This style features shorter sides with a strip of longer hair running from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
To achieve this look, ask for a fade on the sides and back, leaving a wider strip of longer hair on top. The length of the top can vary based on personal preference. Style by applying a strong-hold product and using your fingers or a comb to push the hair upwards and towards the center, creating the illusion of a mohawk.
16. Messy Shag
The shag haircut, popularized in the 70s, is making a comeback among Gen Z boys who appreciate its rock ‘n’ roll vibe. This cut features lots of choppy layers throughout, creating a messy, carefree look.
Ask your stylist for a cut with lots of layers, including face-framing pieces. The overall length can vary from mid-length to longer, depending on personal preference. The beauty of this cut is its low-maintenance styling – simply apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and let it air dry for that perfect, tousled look.
17. High Top Fade
A modern twist on a classic 90s style, the high top fade is popular among Gen Z boys, especially those with curly or coily hair textures. This cut features very short, faded sides with a dramatic contrast of length on top.
To get this look, ask your barber for a high fade on the sides and back, leaving the top long enough to style upwards (usually 2-4 inches, depending on hair texture). For curly or coily hair, use a sponge or twist method to create definition on top. Those with straighter hair can use a strong-hold gel to style the top upwards.
18. Surfer Waves
Embracing natural texture is key for many Gen Z hairstyles, and the surfer waves cut is no exception. This laid-back style works great for boys with naturally wavy hair or those willing to put in a bit of styling effort.
To achieve this look, grow your hair to about chin length and ask for long layers to enhance wave formation. Styling involves applying a sea salt spray to damp hair and either air drying or using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. Scrunch the hair as it dries to enhance the wavy texture.
19. Spiky Texture
Spiky hairstyles are getting a Gen Z update with softer, more natural-looking texture. This style features short sides with a longer top that’s styled into soft, piece-y spikes.
Ask your barber for a short cut on the sides and back, leaving 2-3 inches on top. The key to styling is to use a matte product like clay or fiber paste. Apply to damp hair and use your fingers to create soft, piece-y spikes. The goal is a natural, textured look rather than the rigid spikes of decades past.
20. Braided Top
For boys with longer hair on top, braided styles offer a unique and eye-catching look. This versatile style can range from a single braid to multiple small braids, often combined with faded or undercut sides.
To achieve this look, grow out the top section of your hair while keeping the sides short. The exact style of braids can vary – from a single French braid to multiple cornrows. This style works great for various hair textures and offers the added benefit of keeping hair manageable and stylish.
In conclusion, Gen Z boys have a wide array of trendy haircuts to choose from, each offering unique ways to express personal style. Whether opting for a classic look with a modern twist or a bold, statement-making cut, these 20 hairstyles provide plenty of inspiration for the fashion-forward young man. Remember, the key to pulling off any of these looks is confidence – choose a style that makes you feel great, and you’re sure to rock it!