Thick hair on a kid is a blessing—until it turns into a daily battle with bedhead and brushes. But with the right cut, all that volume becomes a serious style advantage. This guide breaks down the best haircuts for kids with thick hair, along with pro tips on styling, maintenance, and getting the most out of every trip to the barber.
No fluff, just real advice from someone who’s been behind the chair.
Stylish Haircuts for Kids with Thick Hair
Thick hair on a kid can be a blessing—or a full-time job. But the right cut turns that high-volume chaos into smooth, stylish control. Here are the go-to haircuts for kids with thick hair we'd recommend.
The Classic Tapered Cut
The Swiss Army knife of haircuts—clean, versatile, and always in style. It's tapered up from the neckline, leaving just enough on top to work with while keeping the sides neat. Great for kids who want to look put together without the fuss.
It works with any hair type and grows out without turning into a mess. Throw in a bit of leave-in conditioner if needed and call it a day. It’s structured but not stiff, just how thick hair likes it. A reliable choice that keeps mornings simple.
The Short Quiff
This one gives thick hair some lift and direction without going full peacock. We leave it short on the sides, longer up top, and push it up and back with a bit of matte clay. It’s a sharp, modern look that adds personality without trying too hard.
Perfect for kids who’ve got natural volume and want to show it off. It also grows out clean, which means fewer fights over booking that next appointment. This cut brings a cool edge to the schoolyard without crossing into try-hard territory.
The Side Part Cut
Polished, smart, and sharper than a brand-new pencil. The side part takes thick hair and gives it a mission—clean lines, clear direction, zero chaos. Add a bit of product to lock it in and it’ll hold from math class to bedtime.
It’s the kind of cut that works for school, weddings, or even just flexing on picture day. And the best part? It grows out like a champ. No awkward stages, no weird corners—just a steady fade into a longer, still-stylish look.
The Layered Cut
If your kid’s hair has enough volume to be its own character, layers are your best weapon. They cut down the puff, add shape, and make thick hair feel lighter without chopping it all off. Perfect for kids who like longer styles but hate the bulk.
The result is controlled texture with a laid-back vibe. You won’t be wrestling a brush through a bird’s nest every morning either. It’s freedom with boundaries—and it looks good doing it.
The Fade Cut
Fades on thick hair? Oh, they hit. Whether you go low, mid, or high, a fade slices through all that density and sharpens everything up. It keeps the sides clean and brings attention to the top—where all that thick hair gets to shine.
You can leave the top natural or add a bit of style, depending on your kid’s vibe. It’s modern, bold, and always looks fresh coming out of the shop. Plus, it grows out well, so you’ve got wiggle room on maintenance.
The Crew Cut
This is the ultimate no-fuss cut. Short all over but not skin-close, with just enough on top to show off the thickness. Great for active kids who sweat through hats and run through haircuts like they’re optional.
It’s fast, it’s clean, and it’s almost impossible to mess up. No comb? No problem. Just towel dry and send ’em out the door. A tried-and-true classic that makes thick hair behave without a single complaint.
Short Pompadour Cut
If your kid’s got attitude (the good kind), this cut matches the energy. We keep the top a little longer and sweep it up and back to give that thick hair a spotlight. The sides stay tight to keep the shape focused, and the end result? All style, no chaos.
Add some lightweight pomade and he’s golden. It’s a confident look that says, “Yeah, I’ve got style,” without saying a word. Bonus: you’ll want to copy it.
Trendy Comb Over
Forget everything you know about old-school comb overs. This is the modern remix—sharp part, faded sides, and thick hair sweeping across the top like it owns the place.
Works great with volume and gives thick strands a direction instead of letting them do their own thing. A little styling cream and you’re out the door. It’s bold, cool, and surprisingly easy to manage. Think mini gentleman with a side of swagger.
Shaggy Inspired Cut
Sometimes, thick hair just needs to be let loose—but with boundaries. The shaggy cut layers things up just enough to keep the flow without letting it go full jungle. Great for kids with waves or curls who hate it when you style their hair but they still want to look good.
It’s all about letting the texture do its thing. No straight lines, no stiff shape—just soft edges and cool movement. It’s got that effortless “I woke up like this” energy that still looks intentional.
Bottom line? Thick hair doesn’t need to be a battle. You just need a cut that knows how to work with it—not against it. Pick the right style, keep the maintenance light, and your kid walks out of the house looking fresh every single time.
Styling Tips for Thick-Haired Kids
Got one of the best haircuts for kids with thick hair? Good—now let’s keep it sharp. With a few quick tricks, you can tame thick hair fast and skip the morning chaos.
1. Don’t Overdo the Product
Thick hair isn’t asking for a bucket of gel. Just a fingertip of matte clay or styling cream will do the trick. Too much, and your kid’s rocking a helmet instead of a hairstyle. Keep it light and focused—just enough to shape and hold. Less crunch, more control.
2. Work With Damp Hair, Not Soaking Wet
Styling thick hair straight out of the shower? Rookie move. Towel dry it till it’s damp, then shape it. Damp hair listens—wet hair just flops. Add a bit of product and a quick blow-dry if needed, and you’re golden.
3. Brush vs. Comb vs. Fingers
Use the tool that fits the cut. Combs are clean and precise for side parts; fingers are your friend for textured quiffs or pomps. Paddle brushes help smooth it all out. Keep it simple—no need for salon gear.
4. Less Washing, More Rinsing
Thick hair gets frizzy and dry if you shampoo it every day. Two or three times a week is plenty. Rinse with warm water on the off days and maybe run a little conditioner through. Hair stays soft, style stays smooth.
5. Trim the Neckline at Home
A clean neckline keeps the whole cut looking fresh. Grab clippers or a trimmer and touch it up every week or two. It’s a five-minute job that buys you two more weeks before that next barbershop visit.
6. Let the Hair Set
Once it’s styled, hands off. Let the product dry and the shape lock in before the hoodie goes on. Give it five minutes, and you’re good to go all day.
Bottom line: When it comes to styling haircuts for kids with thick hair, less is more—and a little know-how goes a long way. Keep it light, keep it clean, and that cut will keep pulling its weight every morning.
A Checklist for Dads Bringing Their Kid to the Barber
Don’t just walk into the barbershop and wing it. If your kid’s rocking thick hair, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s what to have in mind so the cut hits right the first time.
Know What You Want (Or At Least What You Don’t)
You don’t need to speak barber—just bring a photo or explain what to avoid. Saying “not too short on top” or “keep it clean around the ears” helps more than you think. A little direction keeps everyone on the same page.
Mention Hair Texture and Trouble Spots
If your kid has a double crown or stubborn cowlick, say something before the first snip. Thick hair hides quirks until it’s too late. A quick heads-up helps the barber work with the grain, not against it.
Talk Maintenance Level
Be real about your routine. If you’re not styling every morning, don’t ask for a high-maintenance cut. The right style should work with your lifestyle, not add stress to it.
Decide on the Neckline
Square, rounded, or tapered—it matters more than most dads or moms realize. Tapered necklines usually grow out cleaner, especially on thick hair. Just ask what works best for the cut you're going with.
Sideburns and Ears
Do you want sideburns faded, trimmed, or left a little longer? Should the ears be fully exposed or slightly covered? These small details shape the overall look more than you'd think.
Ask About the Grow-Out
Thick hair can look sharp one week and overgrown the next. Ask how the style will grow out and when to book the next visit. It’ll save you from the “we waited too long” phase.
Bottom line: A quick chat with your barber makes all the difference. The right questions lead to the right cut—and fewer regrets in the rearview mirror.
Conclusion: Thick Hair, Handled
Haircuts for kids with thick hair don’t have to be complicated—they just need the right approach. With a style that works with the volume (not against it), a few smart styling habits, and a clear plan at the barbershop, thick hair becomes a strength, not a struggle. You don’t need fancy tools or high-maintenance routines. Just a solid cut, a little consistency, and the confidence to walk in knowing what works.
Next time you head to the shop, you’ll be ready—with the right questions, the right expectations, and a thick-haired kid who walks out looking fresh.
