With so many cool haircuts for 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 year old boys, kids have a number of cute boy hairstyles to get right now. From a taper fade or undercut on the sides and back to a mohawk, comb over, slicked back, side swept, or spiky hairstyle on top, it’s important that your little boy’s haircut reflect his personality and age.
While the top 7, 8, and 9 year old boy haircuts are basically the same as the best 10, 11, and 12 year old boy haircuts, there are definitely some edgy good hairstyles for older boys worth exploring. But ultimately, what styles are trending for a 10 year old boy are going to also look stylish on all kids this young. This versatility should make your visit to a barbershop a little less stressful.
To help parents find a trendy cut and style, we’ve compiled the best school hairstyles for boys ages 7 through 12. And all of these great haircuts are dress-code appropriate for elementary and middle school.
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Cool 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 Year Old Boy Hairstyles
Let’s take a look at the best boys haircuts and hairstyles that are trending this year. Whether your little guy likes long, medium, or short haircuts, we’re confident you’ll discover countless cool ideas to try!
Taper Fade Haircuts
The boys fade haircut is the most popular way for kids to cut hair on the sides and back. Low-maintenance and easy to style, taper fades offer very short haircuts that focus the eyes on the styling on top.
There are many kinds of fades for little boys to choose from. Whether your kid wants a low, mid, high, or skin fade will determine where the tapering begins and how short the hair gets.
The low fade starts just above the ear and tapers down to the neckline. Classy and handsome, this haircut may be good for a 4, 5, 6, or 7 year old boy whose mom wants to retain some semblance of innocence.
The high fade starts the blending process very high on the sides and back, just below the hairstyle above. Edgy and bold, this type of fade may be the perfect short haircut for a 10 year old boy or older.
Finally, the bald or skin fade is a haircut that blends hair down to the skin. Cool and trendy for young tween boys, this clean cut looks nice with fashionable, sleek hairstyles such as the comb over, slick back, mohawk, and spiky hair. Some kids even like to ask their barbers to shave a design or add a hard part into their cut.
Many of the best hairstyles for kids ages 6 through 12 start with short sides and long hair on top. Taper fade haircuts provide plenty of variation and work with most hair lengths, types, and textures.
Just make sure to get your boy a good hair product so he can style all his favorite looks. Alternatively, if you think he’s grown-up enough, check out the top styling products for guys, including pomade, wax and cream.
Undercut
The undercut is one of the coolest haircuts for boys right now. As its name implies, an undercut involves keeping the hair on the top of the head and buzzing underneath it to shorten or remove hair on the sides and back of the head.
The end result is a one-length cut that looks fresh and stylish for all types of kid’s hairstyles.
As one of the best 9, 10, 11 and 12 year old boy haircuts you can get, the undercut has limitless styling options. Like the fade, it works with all hair lengths and can be styled with slick back, comb over, pompadour, quiff, spiky, and messy styles.
While boys with thick hair pull off the undercut best, the look can work with a variety of types. Talk to your child’s barber to see if the cut is right for your kid’s look.
Spiky Hair
Spiky hair is universally cute and has been a timeless hairstyle for boys of all ages. Compatible with long, medium, and short hair, spiked up hairstyles can be worn in a slew of ways to pull off vastly different looks.
For instance, short spiky hair looks best when textured on top to create a naturally messy look.
When combined with a high taper fade, short thick spikes draw the eyes to the awesome styling on top of the head.
Medium to long haired boys can choose to spike their hair in the front, style thick spikes all over, or to combine the style with a faux hawk.
A great spiky haircut can really transform your kid’s style and looks flattering on a 8 or 11 year old boy.
Mohawk and Faux Hawk
Daring and adorable, the mohawk is an exceptional hairstyle for self-expression. While it allows young boys to feel rebellious, wild and crazy, mohawk styles are incredibly versatile depending on how extreme of a cut you let your child try.
From shaved sides to short taper fade cuts, the length of hair on the sides and back of the head will influence the overall look. For instance, a mohawk with shaved sides is much more outgoing and unique than a sleek faux hawk fade.
Nevertheless, how short or long you keep your hair on top will is really what will affect the styling of your mohawk. Regardless of whether your little boy chooses a long or short mohawk, he will need a strong gel or pomade to keep the hair up.
Kids mohawk and faux hawk haircuts work for all hair types, including fine, thick, and curly hair.
Just to note, if your child is looking for the best back to school haircuts and wants something to stand out, we recommend you start with the faux hawk and fade.
Pompadour and Quiff
The pompadour and quiff are classy retro styles your kid will love. While the pompadour hairstyle was made famous by celebrities such as Elvis Presley and James Dean, the modern pompadour is less structured and more fluid with good volume and flow. However, nothing beats the casual and effortless look of the modern quiff.
Since the styling of each requires creating volume at the front of the head, it’s no surprise that the pompadour and quiff are easily confused.
The difference between the quiff and pompadour is that the famous pomp is brushed up and back to achieve a sleek, rock star look. It requires a good hair product and some effort.
On the other hand, the quiff flows beautifully as it is brushed up and forward to create an airy volume that is equal parts attitude and functionality.
As very cool hairstyles for 10, 11 and 12 year olds, these haircuts are better-suited for older kids.
Shaggy and Messy Hair
Shag tops and messy hairstyles are always fun and easy to get. If your boy has thick or curly hair, then shaggy or messy hair can be a perfect fit. After all, this is the ideal time in life for him to experiment with different looks, so embrace the shag haircut and forget about the upkeep that comes with other short, medium and long styles.
The good news is that messy doesn’t have to mean unkempt or dirty. In fact, when styled correctly, these simple hairstyles can be quite handsome and chic, especially for unruly coarse hair and hard-to-manage curls.
The secret to wearing a nice shaggy or messy hairstyle is to add layers to the hair and style it with a light hold cream. In addition to creating volume and texture, the styling cream will maximize control while moisturizing and conditioning to minimize frizz.
Short messy hair continues to be a hot trends, but the curly hair fringe is a trendy idea as well.
Crew Cut and Buzz Cut
The crew cut and buzz cut are cute yet masculine hairstyles for little boys. These awesome short boy haircuts are low-maintenance and simple. As a matter of fact, you can buzz cut your boy’s hair at home with good clippers.
With a kid’s buzz cut, the hair is the same short length all over the head, creating a handsome, clean-cut look that’s effortless. Good for boys with strong jawlines, high bones, and rugged features, it’s generally a great cut for the summer.
Similarly, with the boy’s crew cut, the hair on top is longer. Usually combined with a fade on the sides, a barber will leave between 1 to 3 inches of length.
The extra hair will allow your child to style a number of different styles, including the Ivy League haircut with side swept hair in the front, a textured crop top, or short spikes.
These practical yet stylish school boy haircuts are perfect for athletes and kids who have trouble getting ready in the mornings.
Side Part and Comb Over
The side part and comb over are two of the most iconic hairstyles for boys, and they look great with any hair length, type, or texture. It’s important to note that the modern comb over and current gentleman’s side part is different than their classic counterparts.
The comb over fade continues to be a popular short sides, long top haircut. Countless men and boys ask their barbers to shave in a hard part for a bold look.
The hard part comb over does add one great functional benefit – it tells your kid exactly where to part and comb the hair to one side.
Whichever style you choose, be sure to use quality shampoo, conditioner, and styling products to keep your boy’s hair healthy.
Slicked Back Hair
Sophisticated and adorable, slicked back hair is a look every kid can pull off. With a fade or undercut on the sides and longer hair on top, slick back haircuts for little boys just need to be combed straight back.
For a suave and mature look, use a high shine pomade or mousse for a glossy finish. Otherwise, a textured finish for a natural look can be achieved with a matte product such as wax or clay.
For more ideas and styles, check out all the hottest kids haircuts right now.
