Parents searching online for boys haircuts guide, boys haircuts near me, boys fade, or kids haircuts near me in East Memphis know how complicated boys haircuts are these days. Even knowing how to ask for a specific cut is complicated.
Whether you want a clean look for school, something easy for sports, or a more stylish or cool look, haircut names can be confusing. Most parents are unfamiliar with salon terms like fade, hard part, clipper cut, and faux hawk.
Our boys haircuts guide lists the proper terms for each style, so parents can quickly compare options and know what to ask for when they book.
Quick Booking Tip
When scheduling, mention your child’s hair type, whether you want clippers, scissors, or both, and whether you want the look to be wash-and-go or styled.
Favorite Boys Haircut Styles for Kids
Hard Part
What it looks like and who it’s for: A hard part features a clean line shaved into one side, paired with a longer top that can be brushed over. It works well on straight to wavy hair and gives a dressier, photo-ready look.
Ask for: Short sides with a hard part and enough length on top to sweep over.
Maintenance & styling tips: The part line softens as hair grows, so a trim every 2 to 4 weeks helps keep it sharp.
Add-on: Use a light cream for hold without making the hair stiff.
Long Curls
What it looks like and who it’s for: This look keeps the curls but cleans up the shape. The stylist trims the ends, adds shape, and reduces the bulk without losing the movement of curly hair.
Ask for: A trim that keeps the curls long, shapes them, and removes bulk.
Maintenance & styling tips: Curly cuts can often go 8 to 12 weeks between trims. Use curl-friendly products at home.
Add-on: Moisturizing curl cream or leave-in conditioner.
Classic Cut
What it looks like and who it’s for:
A classic cut is timeless and neat, usually done with scissors. It is cut clean around the ears and neckline with slightly more length on top. The classic cut is a great choice for school pictures, family events, and parents who want a traditional boys haircut.
Ask for: A classic scissor cut with tapered sides and some length on top.
Maintenance and styling tips:
Plan for trims every 4 to 6 weeks. Style with a brush and a small amount of cream.
Add-ons:
Wash and style for picture day.
Faux Hawk
What it looks like and who it’s for: A faux hawk has shorter sides and a longer center section that can be worn spiky or styled down. This playful, modern cut works for kids who want something fun without being extreme.
Ask for: A faux hawk with short sides and added length through the center.
Maintenance & styling tips: Trim every 3 to 5 weeks. Styling paste helps create lift and texture.
Add-on: Temporary color for birthdays, school breaks, or special events.
Classic Tapered Cut
What it looks like and who it’s for: A classic tapered cut keeps the hair shorter on the sides and back, then gradually blends into a longer scissor-cut top. This is a clean, polished look that is longer and less dramatic than a bald fade. It works well for boys who want a neat, versatile haircut that’s easy to wear for school, church, family events, and everyday activities.
Ask for: A classic tapered cut with shorter sides and back blended into a longer top.
Maintenance & styling tips: Keep it looking good with a trim every 3 to 5 weeks. It can be worn naturally or styled with a small amount of cream or paste for a more polished look.
Add-on: A quick style with product, temporary color on top, or a subtle hard part for more definition.
Design Cut
What it looks like and who it’s for: A design cut adds extra personality to a shorter haircut by combining a fade or clipper cut with a shaved design on the side or back. Boys who are playful and expressive love it, and so do parents because it’s neat and manageable. This is the cut for kids who like to stand out.
Ask for: A short fade or clipper cut with a simple design shaved into the side or back.
Maintenance & styling tips: Because the design grows out quickly, plan on a refresh every 2 to 3 weeks. A little styling paste can help finish the top.
Add-on: Temporary color, styled spikes, or pair with a faux hawk for an even bolder look.
Bald Fade
What it looks like and who it’s for: A bald fade is very short near the bottom then blends up into longer hair on top. It’s ideal for boys who want a crisp, polished haircut.
Ask for: A bald fade on the sides and back with a longer top.
Maintenance & styling tips: This style grows out quickly, so touch it up every 2 to 3 weeks.
Add-on: Styling paste for a spiky or swept-over finish.
Traditional Boys Cut
What it looks like and who it’s for: This everyday go-to boys haircut uses scissors only or a clipper-and-scissor blend. It’s versatile, easy to wear, and works well for different hair textures.
Ask for: A traditional boys cut, clean around the ears and neckline with a natural top.
Maintenance & styling tips: Trim every 4 to 6 weeks.
Add-on: A quick style at the end of the service.
Pompadour
What it looks like and who it’s for: A pompadour keeps the sides shorter with length on top to style up and back. A polished style that works best for straight to wavy hair.
Ask for: Short sides with enough length on top for a pompadour.
Maintenance & styling tips: This cut benefits from product and more styling time. Trim every 3 to 5 weeks.
Add-on: Blow-dry and styling product for extra shape.
Fade
What it looks like and who it’s for: A fade keeps the hair shorter on the sides and back, then gradually blends into a longer top. This popular style looks clean and modern, and works well for school, sports, and everyday wear.
Ask for: A boys fade with short sides and back and more length on top.Short sides with enough length on top for a pompadour.
Maintenance & styling tips: A fade usually looks best with a trim every 3 to 4 weeks. A light styling cream adds definition on top.
Add-on: Temporary color or a simple shaved detail for more personality.
Clipper Cut
What it looks like and who it’s for: A clipper cut is simple, neat, and easy to maintain. It keeps the hair shorter overall and is ideal for busy families who want a low-maintenance haircut.
Ask for: A clipper cut with a medium guard, short and even.
Maintenance & styling tips: Trim this style every 3 to 5 weeks.
Add-on: his is a true wash-and-go option, but a little styling paste can change up the look.
Ready to book?
When you book your child’s haircut at Pigtails & Crewcuts: Haircuts for Kids – East Memphis, TN, tell us the style name from this guide.
No matter the style, our team can help tailor the look to your child’s hair type, routine, and personality.
Book your appointment today and make haircut day easier from the start.
