The preteen years are a time of exploration and self-expression, and one of the most visible ways young boys can showcase their budding personality is through their hairstyle.Preteen boys are at an age where they’re starting to develop their own sense of style, and their haircut is a big part of that. Long on top haircuts are particularly popular, offering versatility and a cool, modern look.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a range of options from classic cuts with a modern twist to edgy, contemporary styles. Each haircut is explained in depth, detailing not just how it looks, but how to achieve and maintain it. We’ll cover everything from the length of the cut to styling tips and product recommendations, ensuring that both parents and preteen boys have all the information they need to make an informed decision.Here are 20 trendy and stylish long on top haircuts that are perfect for preteen boys.
1. The Classic Pompadour
The pompadour is a timeless hairstyle that’s been popular for decades. For preteen boys, a modern take on this classic cut can look incredibly stylish. The hair is kept longer on top, typically 3-4 inches, and swept upwards and backwards to create volume. The sides are cut shorter, often with a fade for a more contemporary look.
To style a pompadour, use a blow dryer to add volume while brushing the hair upwards and back. Finish with a strong-hold pomade for that classic slick look. This hairstyle works well for boys with straight to wavy hair and can be adjusted based on face shape and hair texture.
2. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a versatile and low-maintenance option that’s perfect for active preteen boys. This style features longer hair on top, typically 2-3 inches, cut in a way that creates natural texture. The sides are shorter but not as close-cut as a fade.
To style, simply towel-dry the hair and apply a small amount of texturizing product. Use your fingers to tousle the hair, creating a messy, bed-head look. This style works great for boys with naturally wavy or straight hair and is easy to maintain.
3. Side-Swept Undercut
The side-swept undercut combines edgy and classic elements for a stylish look. The top is left long, usually 3-4 inches, while the sides and back are cut very short or even shaved. The longer top hair is then swept to one side for a dramatic effect.
Styling this cut involves blow-drying the hair while brushing it to the side. Use a medium-hold styling product to keep the sweep in place. This haircut is ideal for boys with straight to slightly wavy hair and can help elongate round face shapes.
4. Messy Quiff
The messy quiff is a more casual take on the classic quiff hairstyle. It features longer hair on top, about 3-4 inches, with shorter sides. The key difference from a pompadour is that the hair is styled upwards and slightly forwards at the front.
To achieve this look, blow-dry the hair while brushing it upwards and forwards. Use your fingers and a texturizing product to create a deliberately messy look. This style works well for most hair types and adds height to the face, making it great for round or square face shapes.
5. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a less extreme version of the mohawk, perfect for preteen boys who want an edgy look without going too far. The hair on top is kept long, about 2-3 inches, while the sides are cut shorter. The top hair is then styled upwards and towards the center to create a “hawk” effect.
Styling involves using a strong-hold gel or pomade to sweep the hair upwards and inwards. This versatile style can be made more or less dramatic depending on the occasion. It works well for straight, wavy, or even curly hair.
6. Curtain Hairstyle
The curtain hairstyle, popularized in the 90s, is making a comeback. This style features longer hair on top, usually parted down the middle or slightly off-center, creating a “curtain” effect. The sides are kept shorter but not as short as an undercut.
To style, start with damp hair and apply a small amount of styling cream. Use a comb to create a center part, then blow-dry while brushing the hair outwards on both sides. This hairstyle works best for boys with straight or slightly wavy hair and can soften angular face shapes.
7. Textured Fringe
The textured fringe is a great option for boys who want to keep their hair out of their eyes while still maintaining a stylish look. The top is kept long, about 2-3 inches, with the fringe (bangs) cut to eyebrow length. The sides are shorter but not buzzed.
Styling is simple: apply a small amount of texturizing product to damp hair and use your fingers to tousle it, focusing on creating piece-y texture in the fringe. This style works well for most hair types and can help balance out longer face shapes.
8. Long Top Fade
The long top fade combines two popular elements: longer hair on top (3-4 inches) and a fade on the sides and back. The fade can be high, medium, or low, depending on preference. This style offers a clean, sharp look while still allowing for creativity with the longer top.
Styling options are versatile – the top can be swept back, to the side, or tousled for a messier look. Use a pomade or gel for slicker styles, or a texturizing product for more casual looks. This cut works well for all hair types and face shapes.
9. Brushed Back Style
The brushed back style is a sophisticated look that works well for preteen boys who prefer a more polished appearance. The top is kept long, about 3-4 inches, while the sides are cut shorter. All the hair is then brushed backwards for a sleek look.
To style, apply a medium-hold product to damp hair and use a brush to sweep all the hair backwards while blow-drying. Finish with a light-hold hairspray if needed. This style works best for straight or slightly wavy hair and can elongate rounder face shapes.
10. Textured Spikes
Textured spikes offer a modern, edgy look that many preteen boys love. The top is kept long, about 2-3 inches, while the sides are cut shorter. The key is to create spikes that look natural and textured, not stiff or uniform.
To style, apply a strong-hold product to damp hair. Use your fingers to pull small sections of hair upwards, creating spikes of varying heights and directions. This style works well for straight or wavy hair and can add height to the face.
11. Side Part with Long Fringe
This sophisticated style combines a classic side part with a longer fringe for a modern twist. The top is kept long, about 3-4 inches, with a deep side part. The fringe is left long enough to sweep across the forehead, while the sides are cut shorter.
To style, create a deep side part on damp hair. Apply a styling cream and use a comb to sweep the hair to the side, with the fringe angled across the forehead. Blow-dry for a sleeker look. This style works well for straight or wavy hair and can balance out round face shapes.
12. Curly Top with Fade
For boys with naturally curly hair, this style embraces those curls while keeping the look clean and modern. The top is left long, about 2-3 inches, to show off the curls, while the sides and back are faded for contrast.
Styling involves using curl-enhancing products to define the curls on top. Scrunch the product into damp hair and either air dry or use a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer. This style works best for boys with curly hair and can add interesting texture to any face shape.
13. Long Slick Back
The long slick back is a sleek, sophisticated style that works well for more formal occasions. The top is kept quite long, about 4-5 inches, while the sides are cut shorter but not faded. All the hair is then slicked back for a smooth, polished look.
To style, apply a strong-hold gel or pomade to damp hair. Use a comb to smooth all the hair backwards, then either air dry or use a blow dryer for a sleeker finish. This style works best for straight or slightly wavy hair and can elongate rounder face shapes.
14. Textured Top with Taper
This style combines a longer, textured top with a clean taper on the sides and back. The top is kept about 2-3 inches long, cut in a way that enhances natural texture. The sides and back are tapered, gradually getting shorter towards the neck and ears.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair and use your fingers to tousle the top, creating piece-y texture. The tapered sides require little to no styling. This versatile cut works well for all hair types and face shapes.
15. Modern Bowl Cut
Don’t let the name fool you – the modern bowl cut is nothing like its outdated predecessor. This style features a longer top, about 2-3 inches, cut in a circular shape around the head. The sides are kept shorter but not faded, blending into the longer top.
Styling is minimal – simply apply a light styling cream to damp hair and either air dry or blow-dry while using your fingers to enhance the natural fall of the hair. This style works well for straight or wavy hair and can soften angular face shapes.
16. Asymmetrical Fringe
For boys who want a more unique look, the asymmetrical fringe offers an edgy, artistic style. The top is kept long, about 3-4 inches, with one side cut slightly shorter. The fringe is cut at an angle, longer on one side than the other.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair. Use a brush or your fingers to sweep the fringe diagonally across the forehead. This cut works well for straight or wavy hair and can add an interesting dynamic to any face shape.
17. Brushed Up Style
The brushed up style is a high-impact look that’s sure to turn heads. The top is kept long, about 3-4 inches, while the sides are cut shorter. All the hair on top is then styled upwards and slightly backwards for a bold, voluminous look.
Styling involves applying a strong-hold product to damp hair, then using a brush to sweep all the hair upwards and slightly back while blow-drying. Finish with hairspray if needed. This style works best for straight or slightly wavy hair and can add height to the face.
18. Long Top with Disconnected Sides
This edgy style features a stark contrast between the long top and short sides. The top is kept quite long, about 3-4 inches, while the sides are cut very short or even shaved. There’s no gradual transition between the two lengths, creating a “disconnected” look.
Styling options for the top are versatile – it can be swept back, to the side, or tousled. Use a variety of products depending on the desired finish. This bold style works for most hair types and can create an interesting silhouette for any face shape.
19. Textured French Crop
The French crop is a classic style that’s been updated with added texture for a modern look. The top is kept about 2-3 inches long, with the fringe cut straight across the forehead. The sides are cut shorter but not faded.
To style, apply a texturizing product to damp hair. Use your fingers to create piece-y texture all over, paying special attention to the fringe. This low-maintenance style works well for all hair types and can balance out longer face shapes.
20. Long Wavy Top
For boys with naturally wavy hair, this style embraces those waves for a laid-back, beachy look. The top is kept long, about 3-4 inches, to show off the natural wave pattern. The sides are cut shorter but not too short, blending into the wavy top.
Styling involves applying a wave-enhancing product to damp hair and either air drying or using a diffuser attachment on a hair dryer. Scrunch the hair while drying to enhance the waves. This style works best for wavy hair types and adds interesting texture to any face shape.
In conclusion,these 20 long on top haircuts offer a range of styles to suit any preteen boy’s personality and hair type. From classic looks to edgy modern cuts, there’s something here for everyone. Remember, the key to a great haircut is not just the style, but also how well it’s maintained. Regular trims and proper hair care will keep these styles looking their best.