Whether your son is starting a new school year, heading to a family occasion, or just ready for a fresh look, choosing the right haircut makes all the difference. At Chroma Hair & Beauty in Brixton, we cut hair for boys of all ages — from toddlers to teenagers — and we know exactly which styles are trending in 2026 and which ones actually work in real life.
Here’s our guide to the best boys haircut styles this year, from classic cuts that never go out of fashion to the looks your kids are actually asking for right now.
The Best Boys Haircut Styles for 2026
1. The Textured Crop
The textured crop remains one of the most popular boys haircut styles going into 2026 — and it’s easy to see why. Short on the back and sides with a slightly longer, textured top, it’s a low-maintenance cut that looks sharp whether it’s been styled or just towel-dried. It suits virtually every face shape and works equally well for school, sport, and special occasions.
For younger boys, a softer version of the textured crop with a skin fade on the sides keeps it age-appropriate while still looking smart. For teenagers, a harder fade and more defined texture through the top gives it a more grown-up edge.
2. The Classic Side Part
The side part has been a staple of smart boys’ haircuts for decades, and it’s back in a big way in 2026. Longer on top with a clean side parting and shorter sides, it’s the go-to choice for school photos, weddings, christenings, and any occasion where you want your son to look polished and put-together.
The modern version has slightly more length and texture on top than the traditional version, which makes it easier to style and more forgiving on the days when you don’t have time for the comb. A light pomade or styling cream is all it needs to hold the parting in place.
3. The Fade
Skin fades and taper fades continue to dominate in 2026, particularly among boys aged 8 and up. The fade — where the hair is gradually tapered from very short at the sides and back to longer on top — is endlessly versatile. It can be paired with almost any top style: a textured crop, a quiff, a fringe, or left natural on top.
For younger boys, a mid or low fade is a softer, more age-appropriate option. For older boys and teenagers, a skin fade gives a cleaner, sharper finish that tends to last longer between appointments.
4. The Curtains / Middle Part
If your teenager has been asking for longer hair, the curtains style — longer on top with a natural centre parting that falls either side of the face — is the 2026 answer. Made popular again by footballers and social media, it’s a relaxed, effortless look that works best on naturally straight or slightly wavy hair.
It does require a bit more maintenance than shorter styles — regular trims to keep the shape and some light styling product to keep the parting clean — but for teenagers who care about their hair, it’s one of the most requested looks we see at the salon right now.
5. The Undercut
The undercut — shaved or very short sides with significantly longer hair on top — gives older boys and teenagers a bold, distinctive look that stands out. The top can be worn swept back, to one side, or left natural depending on your son’s preference and hair type.
It’s a high-contrast style that looks best when kept fresh, so plan for appointments every four to six weeks to maintain the definition between the longer top and shorter sides.
6. The Buzz Cut
The buzz cut never goes out of style — and in 2026 it’s as popular as ever for boys who want something that requires almost zero maintenance. A uniform short length all over, or a slight taper from front to back, gives a clean, confident look that’s practical for active kids and easy for parents to manage between appointments.
For the summer months especially, a buzz cut is one of the most requested styles we see for boys of all ages at Chroma.
7. The Quiff
The quiff — longer hair swept upward and back from the forehead — is a classic that’s been updated for 2026 with softer, more textured styling. Rather than the rigid, heavily pomaded quiff of previous decades, the modern version has a more relaxed, undone finish that sits more naturally on the head.
It works particularly well for boys with thicker hair, where the volume and texture of the style really comes into its own. A lightweight styling cream or texture spray is all that’s needed to achieve the look.
8. The Natural / Afro Style
For boys with naturally curly or afro hair, 2026 is seeing a move toward celebrating natural texture rather than suppressing it. Whether it’s a well-shaped natural afro, defined curls with a taper fade on the sides, or a twist-out style, the key is a skilled stylist who understands how to work with your son’s natural hair type rather than against it.
At Chroma Hair & Beauty in Brixton, our team is experienced across all hair types and textures — including curly, coily, and afro hair — so every boy leaves the chair with a cut that works with his natural hair, not just on the day of the appointment but every day after it.
How Often Should Boys Get Their Hair Cut?
This depends on the style and how quickly your son’s hair grows, but as a general guide:
- Skin fades and buzz cuts — every 3 to 4 weeks to maintain the clean shape
- Textured crops and undercuts — every 4 to 6 weeks
- Longer styles (curtains, quiff, natural) — every 6 to 8 weeks for a trim to keep the shape
For more on how often to book hair appointments, read our guide on how often you should get a haircut.
Tips for Bringing Kids to the Salon
If your son is nervous about the salon — particularly younger children — here are a few things that make the experience easier for everyone:
- Bring a reference photo — show us the style you’re going for on your phone before we start. It’s the fastest way to make sure we’re all on the same page, and kids often find it easier to point at a picture than describe what they want in words.
- Come with clean, dry hair — for a dry cut, clean and dry hair gives your stylist the best possible view of how the hair naturally falls and behaves.
- Book at a quieter time — if your son finds busy, noisy environments unsettling, call us and we can advise on the best time to come in when the salon is quieter.
- Let them have a say — older children and teenagers are much more cooperative when they feel like they’ve had some input into their own haircut. Within reason, let them choose the style they want — they’ll be more likely to look after it too.
Children’s Haircut Pricing at Chroma Hair & Beauty
We offer competitive children’s haircut pricing at our Brixton salon. View our full pricing list for all services.
- Children’s Dry Cut (Age 1–10) — £18
- Children’s Dry Cut (Age 10–15) — £25
Book Your Son’s Haircut in Brixton
Whether your son knows exactly what he wants or needs a bit of guidance, our team at Chroma Hair & Beauty will make sure he leaves the salon looking great. We welcome children of all ages and are experienced with every hair type — from fine and straight to thick, curly, and afro hair.
We’re easily accessible from Stockwell, Clapham, Camberwell, Herne Hill, and across South London.
Phone: 020 7274 5486