Finding the perfect haircut for a middle school boy can be a challenge. It’s a time of self-expression and discovering personal style, but also a period when fitting in with peers is important. This comprehensive guide explores 20 popular and stylish haircuts that are perfect for middle school boys, balancing trendiness with practicality and ease of maintenance.
1. Classic Crew Cut
The crew cut is a timeless choice that never goes out of style. This short, neat haircut features hair that’s cut short on the sides and back, with slightly longer hair on top. The top is usually styled upright, creating a clean and polished look.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Low maintenance and easy to style
- Suitable for all hair types
- Keeps hair out of the face during sports and activities
- Looks neat and tidy for school
Styling tip: Use a small amount of gel or pomade to keep the top standing upright and looking fresh all day.
2. Modern Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic style that’s been modernized for today’s youth. It features short sides with longer hair on top that’s swept upward and backward, creating volume and height at the front.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Makes a bold statement
- Can be adjusted to suit different face shapes
- Works well with thick hair
- Allows for personal styling creativity
Styling tip: Use a blow dryer and round brush to create volume, then apply a strong-hold pomade to keep the style in place.
3. Textured Fringe
This trendy cut features longer hair on top that’s cut into choppy layers, creating a textured fringe that falls across the forehead. The sides and back are kept shorter for contrast.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Adds a cool, laid-back vibe
- Works well for boys with straight or wavy hair
- Can help hide forehead acne
- Easy to style in different ways
Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray or powder to enhance the choppy look and keep the fringe in place.
4. Faded Undercut
The faded undercut combines a dramatic short-to-long contrast with a smooth fade on the sides and back. The top is left longer, allowing for various styling options.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Offers a modern, edgy look
- Versatile for different styling preferences
- Keeps sides neat while allowing expression on top
- Suitable for various hair textures
Styling tip: Experiment with different products to style the top – try a messy, textured look or a sleek, combed-back style.
5. Curly Top Fade
This style embraces natural curls or waves on top while keeping the sides and back short with a fade. It’s an excellent option for boys with naturally curly hair.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Celebrates natural texture
- Low maintenance for curly hair types
- Keeps hair manageable and out of the face
- Looks stylish without much daily styling
Styling tip: Use a curl-enhancing cream to define curls and reduce frizz.
6. Side-Swept Bangs
This versatile style features longer hair on top that’s swept to one side, creating a soft, side-swept bang. The sides and back are typically kept shorter but not buzzed.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Suits various face shapes
- Can be adjusted to different lengths
- Works well for straight or slightly wavy hair
- Offers a softer, more relaxed look
Styling tip: Use a light-hold styling cream to keep bangs in place without making them look stiff.
7. Spiky Top
The spiky top haircut features short sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled into spikes using gel or wax.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Fun and energetic look
- Can be styled differently each day
- Works well for straight hair
- Easy to maintain with regular trims
Styling tip: Use a strong-hold gel or wax to create defined spikes that last all day.
8. Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a very short, all-over cut that’s achieved using electric clippers. It’s one of the easiest styles to maintain.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Extremely low maintenance
- Great for active boys or summer months
- No styling required
- Suits all hair types
Styling tip: While no daily styling is needed, regular trims every 2-3 weeks help maintain the neat look.
9. Messy Quiff
The messy quiff combines volume at the front with a deliberately tousled look. It features shorter sides and back with longer hair on top that’s styled upward and backward.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Adds height to the face
- Allows for a “bedhead” look that’s actually stylish
- Works well for straight, wavy, or curly hair
- Offers a cool, relaxed vibe
Styling tip: Use a sea salt spray to add texture, then tousle the hair with fingers for a messy-but-styled look.
10. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk mimics the look of a mohawk but in a more school-appropriate way. It features short sides with a strip of longer hair down the center of the head.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Edgy without being too extreme
- Can be styled more or less dramatically
- Works for various hair types
- Allows for personal expression
Styling tip: Use a strong-hold gel to style the center strip upward, creating the faux hawk effect.
11. Slicked Back Undercut
This sleek style features very short sides and back with longer hair on top that’s slicked back using gel or pomade.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Creates a polished, mature look
- Can be dressed up or down
- Works well for straight or wavy hair
- Keeps hair neat and out of the face
Styling tip: Apply a water-based pomade to damp hair and comb it back for a smooth, shiny finish.
12. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a short haircut with plenty of texture on top. The hair is cut in choppy layers and styled forward or to the side.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Low maintenance yet stylish
- Suits various face shapes
- Works well for straight or wavy hair
- Easy to style quickly in the morning
Styling tip: Use a small amount of texturizing paste to enhance the choppy texture and hold the style in place.
13. Long and Layered
This style embraces longer hair, typically falling below the ears or to the shoulders, with layers added for movement and texture.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Allows for a more relaxed, bohemian look
- Can be tied back for sports or activities
- Suits boys who prefer a less conventional style
- Works well for wavy or curly hair
Styling tip: Use a leave-in conditioner to keep longer hair healthy and manageable.
14. Short Sides, Long Top
This versatile cut features very short sides and back with significantly longer hair on top, allowing for various styling options.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Offers flexibility in styling
- Keeps sides neat while allowing creativity on top
- Suits various hair types
- Can be adjusted to different lengths
Styling tip: Experiment with different styles – try a messy, textured look one day and a sleek, combed style the next.
15. Curly Fringe
This style embraces natural curls, featuring a longer curly fringe on top with shorter sides and back.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Celebrates natural curl patterns
- Low maintenance for curly hair types
- Adds personality and character
- Can help balance facial features
Styling tip: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance natural curls and reduce frizz.
16. Tapered Fade
The tapered fade features hair that gradually gets shorter from top to bottom, creating a smooth transition from longer hair on top to very short hair at the neckline.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Creates a clean, polished look
- Suitable for all hair types
- Low maintenance with regular trims
- Versatile for different styling preferences on top
Styling tip: Use a small amount of styling cream to add definition to the longer hair on top.
17. Bowl Cut Revival
The modern bowl cut is a updated version of the classic style, featuring a rounded shape but with more texture and less severe lines.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Offers a unique, trendy look
- Works well for straight hair
- Low maintenance once cut
- Makes a bold style statement
Styling tip: Use a light-hold styling cream to add texture and prevent the cut from looking too “perfect.”
18. Shaggy Layers
This relaxed style features longer hair cut in shaggy layers all over the head, creating a carefree, tousled look.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Easy to maintain
- Works well for wavy or curly hair
- Offers a laid-back, cool vibe
- Can be styled in various ways
Styling tip: Use a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled, beachy look.
19. Side Part with Fade
This classic style combines a traditional side part on top with a modern fade on the sides and back.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Blends classic and contemporary styles
- Suitable for straight or wavy hair
- Looks neat and tidy for school
- Can be styled more or less formally
Styling tip: Use a comb and some pomade to create a defined side part, then style the longer top hair to one side.
20. Textured French Crop
The French crop features a blunt fringe across the forehead with short back and sides. This textured version adds choppy layers on top for a more modern look.
Why it works for middle schoolers:
- Combines classic style with modern texture
- Suitable for various face shapes
- Low maintenance and easy to style
- Works well for straight or slightly wavy hair
Styling tip: Use a matte clay or paste to add texture and hold to the choppy layers on top.
In conclusion, these 20 haircuts offer a wide range of options for middle school boys, from classic and low-maintenance styles to trendier, more expressive looks. When choosing a haircut, consider factors like hair type, face shape, personal style, and the amount of daily styling time available. With the right cut, every middle school boy can feel confident and look great as they navigate these important years.