Good Haircuts For Teenage Guys: Finding the perfect haircut as a teenage guy can be a game-changer. It’s not just about lookin’ good it’s about discovering a style that makes you feel confident too.
Those high school hallways are basically runways, and the right cut can seriously boost your self-esteem during these formative years.
I’ve been styling teenage guys’ hair for over a decade, and lemme tell you, there’s never been a better time for experimenting with different looks. Today’s trends are all about personal expression and breaking boundaries, while still being practical enough for busy school schedules and sports.
Whether you’re after something low-maintenance or ready to make a bold statement, this guide has you covered with 21 head-turning haircuts that’ll work for different face shapes, hair types, and personal styles. Let’s dive in!
1. The Modern Pompadour
The pompadour ain’t just for Elvis anymore. Today’s version is shorter on the sides with a voluminous top that can be styled messy or neat depending on your mood. It’s versatile and works great if you’ve got thicker hair.
To style it, you’ll need a good blow dryer and some pomade. Blow dry your hair upward and back while using a round brush, then lock it in with a medium-hold product. This style looks especially good on oval or square faces and it’s perfect for guys who don’t mind spending a few extra minutes on their hair in the morning.
Parents might think its too much volume, but trust me a modern pomp walks that perfect line between classic and contemporary.
2. Textured Crop
One of the most popular styles right now is the textured crop. It features short sides with a longer, textured top that’s typically pushed forward slightly.
What makes this cut so great for teens is how low-maintenance it is. Just run some texturizing paste through damp hair, mess it up a bit with your fingers, and you’re good to go. No need for constant styling throughout the day.
The textured crop suits almost all face shapes and hair types, tho guys with straighter hair might find it easier to achieve that perfect texture. It’s also great for active teens since it won’t fall apart during sports practice.
3. Classic Taper Fade
Sometimes the classics really are the best. A taper fade is clean, versatile, and never goes outta style. It gradually transitions from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back.
The beauty of a taper fade is that you can customize it to your preference keep the top longer for more styling options or shorter for an even lower-maintenance look. It works with virtually any hair type and face shape.
This cut is also super practical for teenage guys balancing school, sports, and social life. It grows out nicely too, which means fewer trips to the barber if you’re on a budget.
4. Curly Top with Fade
For guys blessed with natural curls, this style is a total winner. Instead of fighting those curls, this cut celebrates them by keeping length on top while fading the sides for contrast.
The key to making this work is finding a barber whose experienced with curly hair they’ll know how to cut it dry to maintain the right shape. A common mistake is cutting curly hair too short, which can make it harder to manage, not easier!
You’ll want to invest in good curl-enhancing products and maybe a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer. Trust me when I say the compliments will start rolling in once you embrace those natural curls.
5. The French Crop
Similar to the textured crop but with its own distinct vibe, the French crop features a blunt fringe (bangs) that’s cut straight across the forehead. The sides are kept tight while the top remains textured.
This haircut is ideal for guys with receding hairlines or widow’s peaks since the fringe covers the forehead. It’s also incredibly easy to style just apply a matte product to towel-dried hair and push everything forward.
The French crop has gained massive popularity among teenage guys because it looks deliberate and stylish without seeming like you’re trying too hard. Plus, it frames the face nicely, especially if you have prominent facial features.
6. Shaggy Medium Length
Channel your inner surfer with this relaxed, carefree style. The shaggy medium length cut is all about embracing natural texture and movement, with layers that hit around the ears and nape of the neck.
This style works amazingly well for guys with wavy or slightly curly hair, and it’s perfect if your school doesn’t have super strict dress codes. It gives off those laid-back vibes while still looking intentional.
To style, just apply some sea salt spray to damp hair and let it air dry or scrunch it with your fingers while blow drying for added texture. The beauty of this cut is in its imperfection, so don’t worry about making it look too neat.
7. Buzz Cut with Design
For the bold and daring, a buzz cut with a custom design can be a major statement maker. This super short style features clipper art shaved into the sides or back.
The great thing about this style is it’s literally the easiest to maintain just hop in the shower and go. No styling products needed. But the downside is you’ll need frequent touch-ups to keep the design looking fresh, typically every 2-3 weeks.
If your school allows it, this is a fantastic way to express your personality. Popular designs include lightning bolts, geometric patterns, or even your sports team logo. Just make sure your barber has experience with designs before taking the plunge!
8. Side-Swept Undercut
This style combines the edginess of an undercut with the versatility of longer hair on top. The sides are buzzed short while the top remains long enough to sweep to one side.
What’s great about the side-swept undercut is how it can be dressed up or down. Blow dry it with some product for a sleeker look on special occasions, or wear it messier for everyday school life.
This cut is particularly flattering for guys with round faces as the volume on top creates the illusion of length. It does require some styling time in the morning, but the results are worth those extra minutes infront of the mirror.
9. Messy Quiff
The quiff has been around for decades, but the modern messy version has become a teenage staple. It keeps volume at the front while allowing for a more casual, tousled finish than traditional quiffs.
To nail this look, you’ll need to ask your barber for shorter sides with length on top, especially toward the front. When styling, blow dry the front upward and slightly back, then use your fingers (not a comb) to muss it up with some texturizing product.
The messy quiff suits active lifestyles because it actually looks better when it’s not perfect. Got gym class? No problem this style looks even cooler slightly disheveled.
10. Two-Block Cut
Inspired by K-pop stars, the two-block cut has gained international popularity among fashion-forward teens. It features a distinct “two block” look longer on top and significantly shorter on the sides and back with minimal blending between the two.
Unlike a traditional undercut, the top section in a two-block typically includes the crown as well, creating an almost bowl-like shape but with modern texture and styling.
This cut is perfect for guys who want something different without going extreme. It works especially well with straight, thick hair and can be styled with minimal product just some light wax worked through the top section.
11. Textured Slick Back
The slick back has matured from its greaser days to become a sophisticated option for style-conscious teens. Today’s version adds texture rather than the wet-look of decades past.
To achieve this style, you’ll need at least 3-4 inches of length on top, with shorter sides for contrast. After showering, blow dry your hair while combing it backward, then use a matte or low-shine product to hold it in place without looking greasy.
This style tends to work best for guys with straight or slightly wavy hair, and it’s perfect for those occasions when you want to look a bit more grown-up, like school dances or family events.
12. Faux Hawk
Not ready for a full mohawk but want something with an edge? The faux hawk is your answer. It keeps hair longest in a strip down the center of the head but without the drastic shaved sides of a traditional mohawk.
Modern faux hawks are subtler than their early 2000s counterparts, with more blending on the sides and textured styling on top. They can be styled up for a bold look or worn more relaxed for everyday wear.
This versatile cut suits guys with oval, diamond, or triangle-shaped faces particularly well. Style it with a strong-hold product, working from the back to the front to create that signature center height.
13. Curtained Hair
Everything 90s is back in style, including curtained hair (think young Leonardo DiCaprio or Nick Carter). This look features a middle or slightly off-center part with hair falling to frame both sides of the face.
Today’s version is more textured and less perfectly combed than its 90s predecessor. It works best with hair that’s at least 3-4 inches long on top and can be paired with anything from scissor-cut sides to a tighter fade for a modern twist.
The curtained style is particularly good for guys with square or rectangular faces as it softens angular features. It’s also relatively low-maintenance just part your hair when wet and apply a light styling cream.
14. High and Tight
For active teens who want something super practical but still stylish, the high and tight is a perfect choice. It’s essentially a military-inspired cut with extremely short sides and slightly longer hair on top.
This no-nonsense style requires almost zero maintenance and stays looking neat as it grows out. It’s ideal for athletes, swimmers, or anyone who doesn’t want to fuss with their hair in the morning.
Despite its simplicity, the high and tight can be customized with different fade lengths or slightly more length on top to suit your face shape and personal style. It’s also one of the most economical cuts since it grows out nicely and needs less frequent trimming.
15. Bro Flow
For guys willing to commit to growing their hair out, the bro flow offers a stylish medium-to-long option. It typically falls somewhere between the chin and shoulders, with layers to enhance movement.
The name comes from how the hair seems to “flow” back away from the face, often tucked behind the ears on the sides. It’s been popularized by athletes and actors who want longer hair without it looking unkempt.
This style requires patience during the growing-out phase, but the result is worth it for guys who want something different from the typical short cuts. It works best with straight to wavy hair and looks especially good on oval and diamond-shaped faces.
16. The Disconnected Undercut
With short sides and a completely disconnected longer top (meaning no gradual transition), this bold style makes a strong statement. Think Peaky Blinders, but modernized for teenage style.
The dramatic contrast between the buzzed sides and the voluminous top creates an edgy look that’s surprisingly versatile in how it can be styled slicked back for a more formal look, tousled for casual days, or even braided for guys with longer tops.
This cut definitely requires commitment to regular maintenance every 2-3 weeks to keep the sides sharp, but it’s worth it if you’re after a distinctive look that stands out in the school hallways.
17. Textured Bowl Cut
Not your mom’s bowl cut from the 90s! The modern version features textured ends, more natural-looking perimeters, and usually an undercut or fade on the sides for a contemporary edge.
This style has made a huge comeback thanks to K-pop influences and offers a fashion-forward option for guys with straight hair. The key to making it work is texture lots of choppy ends and piece-y definition rather than a blunt, perfect circle.
While this cut works best with straight hair, guys with wavy hair can also rock it with the help of a straightening product or brief iron session. It frames the face nicely and draws attention to the eyes.
18. Short Dreadlocks
For Black teens with natural hair, short dreadlocks offer a stylish, manageable option that honors natural texture. Modern short locs are typically between 2-5 inches and can be styled in various ways.
This versatile style can be dressed up with intricately shaved patterns on the sides or kept more conservative for strict school environments. Many guys opt for a fade on the sides to create contrast with the locs on top.
While locs require specific maintenance, shorter versions are more manageable for active teens. The style continues to gain popularity as more young men embrace their natural hair texture.
19. Crew Cut with Texture
A slightly longer version of the classic crew cut, this style keeps about 1-2 inches on top with gradual fading on the sides. The key modern update is added texture throughout the top section.
This haircut works for practically every hair type and face shape, making it a foolproof choice for guys who want something classic but not boring. It’s also extremely practical for sports and active lifestyles.
To style, simply work a small amount of matte paste through the top and tousle with your fingers. The beauty of this cut is that it requires minimal maintenance but still looks intentional and put-together.
20. Curly Fringe
For guys with curly or wavy hair, the curly fringe embraces natural texture by keeping length in the front to create a statement fringe while keeping the sides shorter for contrast.
This style lets your natural curl pattern become the focal point of your look. The longer fringe can be swept to the side or worn forward, depending on your preference and curl type.
You’ll want to invest in good curl-enhancing products to keep frizz at bay. A lightweight curl cream scrunched into damp hair will help define your natural pattern without making it crunchy or stiff.
21. Bleached Tips
For guys looking to experiment with color without going all-in, bleached tips on a textured cut offer the perfect introduction. This style features natural color at the roots with lightened ends for contrast.
The great thing about this technique is that it grows out naturally, and when you’re tired of it, you can simply cut off the bleached portion. It works with virtually any short to medium style, from crops to quiffs.
Just remember that bleaching does damage your hair, so you’ll want to use color-safe shampoos and conditioning treatments to keep your hair healthy. It’s also best to have this done professionally rather than trying it at home for the first time.
Finding The Right Cut For You
Choosing the right haircut goes beyond just picking something that looks cool in a picture. Consider these factors:
Face shape matters more than you might think. Oval faces can pull off most styles, while round faces benefit from cuts with height on top. Square faces look great with styles that soften the angles, and longer faces pair well with styles that add width.
Your hair texture is another crucial consideration. Straight hair, wavy hair, curly hair, and coily hair all behave differently and require different approaches. Be honest about your hair type when discussing options with your barber.
Your lifestyle should also influence your choice. If you’re super active in sports or hate spending time on hair styling, opt for something low-maintenance. If you dont mind putting in a few extra minutes each morning, you can consider more intricate styles.
Talking To Your Barber
Once you’ve found a style you like, communicating effectively with your barber is key to getting exactly what you want.
Bring reference photos! This is the single most important tip I can give you. “Short on the sides, longer on top” could mean a hundred different things, but a photo leaves no room for misinterpretation.
Learn some basic terminology: knowing the difference between a taper, a fade, and an undercut will help you communicate more clearly. Also, be specific about guard numbers if you know what length you prefer.
Don’t be afraid to speak up during the cut if you notice something doesn’t look right. A good barber will appreciate the feedback and make adjustments. It’s your hair, after all!
Styling Tips and Products
Even the best haircut needs proper styling to look its best. Here are some quick tips for teenage guys:
Less is more when it comes to product. Start with a small amount (about the size of a dime or a nickel depending on your hair length) and add more if needed. You can always add product, but you can’t take it away without washing your hair.
Invest in quality basics: a good texturizing paste, sea salt spray for added texture, and maybe a stronger hold gel or pomade for special occasions.
A blow dryer is worth considering even for guys. It gives you way more control over your style than air drying and doesn’t have to be expensive even a basic model will do the trick for most styles.
Most importantly, remember that confidence is what really makes a haircut look good. Rock whatever style you choose with pride, and you’ll definitely turn heads in the hallway!
So there you have it 21 awesome haircuts that’ll help you stand out for all the right reasons. Whether you’re going for subtle cool or statement-making boldness, there’s something here for every teenage guy ready to level up his style game.
FAQs: Good Haircuts For Teenage Guys
What Are Good Haircuts for Teenage Guys to Stay Trendy in School?
Teenage guys looking to stay stylish at school should check out modern cuts like the textured crop, messy fringe, or a mid fade with a hard part. These looks are on-trend, easy to maintain, and perfect for everyday teenage life.
What Are Good Haircuts for Teenage Guys with Thick or Curly Hair?
Thick or curly hair is no problem when paired with the right cut. Try a curly undercut, high-top fade, or a layered curly fringe each balances volume with style while showing off your natural texture.
How Often Should Teenage Guys Get a Haircut to Keep It Looking Fresh?
For good haircuts to stay sharp, most teenage guys should visit the barber every 3 to 4 weeks. This keeps fades clean, necklines tidy, and your overall look on point without letting it grow out too much.
What Are Low-Maintenance but Good Haircuts for Teenage Guys?
If you’re not into styling every morning, go for a buzz cut, crew cut, or a short textured crop. These haircuts are low effort but still look sharp and stylish perfect for busy or laid-back teens.
Can Teenage Guys Try Edgy Styles and Still Keep It School-Appropriate?
Yes! You can show personality with bold yet wearable cuts like a modern mullet, skin fade with line designs, or a soft mohawk. They’re eye-catching but still school-friendly when kept clean and well-groomed.
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Max McKay is a hairstyle enthusiast sharing expert tips, trending styles, and easy-to-follow hair guides. From classic cuts to bold transformations, Max helps readers discover their best look and feel confident with every strand. Your go-to source for hair inspiration!