Haircuts for Little Boys: The Long and the Short of It

I used to cut my son's hair and wanted to share what I've learned.

When I had my son almost ten years ago, I decided I was going to teach myself how to cut boys' hair. I went out and bought some high-quality scissors and clippers. Trouble was, I could easily buzz-cut his hair but didn't have the slightest idea how to give it an actual style. So I started studying up on the subject by looking at pictures and finding styles I wanted to imitate. Along the way, I learned a few things. I'm not going to actually teach you how to cut hair, but I will give you a few hairstyle ideas with pictures.

Classic Layered Cuts

There is a lot of variety when it comes to layered cuts for boys. The sky's the limit, essentially, but different types of layers will create different looks, of course. Shorter layers offer a tidier, less tousled appearance. Longer layers will frame the face better and can have that cute, messy look. Naturally, the personality of your boy will come into play when you're choosing his haircut, as will your tolerance for certain styles.

Short Haircuts

If you have an active young man who is always on the go and/or involved in sports, a buzz cut is a great choice. You can either buzz it the same length all around the head or leave the top or back layers a little longer.

A crew cut means you leave the hair on top longer than on the sides or back. If your son has a difficult to manage cowlick as does mine, this cut can do a world of wonders to tame that little tuft.

Spiked Hair

Spiked hair is very popular with boys today, no doubt since some young celebrities have been sporting the look. This is basically a layered cut that's short on the sides and the back with a longer layer on top. This is another simple hairstyle. All you need is some gel or mousse to spike the top. If your son is not in the mood to fuss with it, he can just leave the top layer flat, too. It's a very versatile hairstyle.

Mohawk

Who would have thought we'd see a re-emergence of the Mohawk? I really thought that was gone with the '80s and A Flock of Seagulls. But alas, it is back and with a vengeance. I'm seeing little boys sporting the do's all over the place: at our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.

It's taken me some time to get used to their come-back, but I can definitely see the attraction. First of all, they're relatively easy haircuts to maintain. If you don't feel like using gobs of gel to make the spikes on top, you can just allow the long top layer to lie flat. And, frankly, it looks pretty good that way.

There is also some versatility in the type of Mohawk you get. You don't have to completely shave off the sides; you can still leave a bit of hair there and just spike up the top. This is sometimes referred to as the "faux-hawk," the most famous of which is the one worn by David Beckham.

Of course, if you don't mind going through gel or mousse by the bottle, then you can go the traditional route and style it into a Liberty Spike. And, yes, boys are definitely pulling off this look.

Ray-Hawk

A final variation is what's referred to as the Ray-hawk, inspired by the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team. It's a Mohawk, but the top layer is also cut fairly short but not as long as the sides or back. Some boys enjoy putting designs on the top of their Rayhawks, too. See the photo of the little boy above with the arrow on his head!

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Medium-Length Cuts

A bowl or bob is a great cut, especially if your son has super straight hair. Don't even consider trying this on a kid with very thin and fine hair. It just won't lay down correctly; it needs some weight!

The Shag

The shag is a forgiving hairstyle, so it tends to work with many different types and textures of hair. It will look different depending upon how much natural curl or wave a boy has in his hair. Dare I say, part of the reason for the popularity of the shag cut is from Justin Bieber fever. His famous 'do was basically a straight shag that's swept over to the side. Imitating this style requires very straight hair. I don't see me using a flat iron on my son's hair!

Longer Styles

I'm not sure about you, but I'm seeing a lot of fairly long boys' hairstyles these days. Some boys are going for super-long shag cuts. One thing's for certain: There are lots of boys running around with bangs in their faces. Personally, it would drive me nuts.

You can also go for the more hippie hairstyle and let your boys' hair grow. Of course, when you are both sick of it, a ponytail can come to the rescue. Just make sure to trim the ends often so it stays healthy and tidy-looking.

Comments

Elsie Nelson (author) from Pacific Northwest, USA on December 08, 2011:

Right back atcha, Kenneth! I've always had a little hippie in me, always will. Not enough to stick out from the crowd (although I think that's fine if you do), but just enough to keep me centered and aware of what's really important. Funny thing you mention being at peace today. I am noticing just how at peace I really am right now. I hope you are as well. :-)

Kenneth Avery from Hamilton, Alabama on December 08, 2011:

Thank you, Sincerely,....Laura. And the pleasure is all mine. IN the 60's, believe this or not, I DID have hair. Long, but styled. I was a moderate militant. Civil semi-obedient. Wanted to fit in with my rural hippie friends, but that went south. No pun intended. I am going to love reading your materials. I sense that you have a razor sharp sense of humor. Great! Talk to you soon and be at peace today. Why not be at peace?

Elsie Nelson (author) from Pacific Northwest, USA on December 08, 2011:

toys-everywhere... good luck figuring out your next hairstyle. Oh, and by the way, congratulations on your upcoming college journey. Be safe!

Elsie Nelson (author) from Pacific Northwest, USA on December 08, 2011:

My husband had super long hair when I met him... funny thing, but that's part of what attracted me to him. I wonder how much the length of hair affects careers in this day and age. I can't imagine as much as the 60's, but I'd bet there's still some mistrust out there. No worries about the Ivory Soapbox, I'm the Queen of that. Just ask my hubby! Happy to have a new friend... and just in time for Christmas!

~Laura

Kenneth Avery from Hamilton, Alabama on December 08, 2011:

. . .voted up and all the way on this well-written hub. Classic subject. Classic text from a classic writer: wordscribe43. I did a hub a few months back: "It's All About The Haircut," in relation to long hair and why we arent trusted with long hair. Remember the turbulent 60's??? Yeah. That time. And how the length of hair dictated whether a job was granted or not. What a lousy time and standard in the USA. Uh, oh. I am on the Ivory soapbox. Sorry. Love your writing. Merry Christmas. Your new friend, Kenneth

Rachael C. from That little rambunctious spot in the back of your mind :) on December 03, 2011:

I was thinking of getting a Mohawk when I move out to college, but my mother brought up a good point...many people might think I'm a lesbian. (Nothing against that, but as I am not one, that would be an issue!) = P. No problem.

Elsie Nelson (author) from Pacific Northwest, USA on November 30, 2011:

I know, right? I would totally get a Mohawk if my children wouldn't die from embarrassment. Hey, I appreciate your coming by and commenting.

Rachael C. from That little rambunctious spot in the back of your mind :) on November 30, 2011:

This was pretty interesting; I suppose having seen little boys with these haircuts all over town still didn't make me quite think about them much. I have been trying to figure out what kind of hair-do my brother will like when he's older, though. Thanks for the info. and pictures! I think the MoHawks are awesome, and if I were brave enough, I would get one (despite being a girl).

Elsie Nelson (author) from Pacific Northwest, USA on November 30, 2011:

Oh ramboruiz, that's a great idea about the poll. I also like the classic bowl cut. Who doesn't think of the Beatles when they see one of those? Thanks for the visit and comment.

ramboruiz on November 30, 2011:

haha the Rayhawk looks funny, is it really the original or it was "Avatar, the Last Airbender"? You should put a poll in your hub asking Hubbers which among these haircuts is more love by them. I will vote for Bowl Haircut. Coz I like the Beatles =)

Elsie Nelson (author) from Pacific Northwest, USA on November 29, 2011:

Too funny, jaichar! Thanks for coming by... I'm glad you did because it gave me the chance to see that my capsules were all caddywhompus. Ugh. Anyway, they're all aligned and fixed now. I appreciate the visit.

jaichar on November 29, 2011:

I like how your hub has so many different photos of the types of haircuts you described. The boy with the arrow on his head looks like Avatar the Last Airbender. Excellent cartoon, bad movie. Sorry, tangent.