Finding the perfect haircut for kids with curly hair can be both fun and tricky. Curly hair has its own personality — bouncy, full of life, and sometimes unpredictable — so choosing a style that’s cute, manageable, and age-appropriate is key. The right cut can make daily styling easier, keep curls healthy, and let your child’s natural texture shine.
In this blog, we’ll explore haircuts for kids with curly hair that balance style and practicality. From layered cuts that enhance curls to short, playful styles that are easy to maintain, there are options for every age and curl type. We’ll also share tips on trimming, shaping, and caring for curly hair to prevent tangles and frizz. With these ideas, you can help your child rock their natural curls with confidence, comfort, and cuteness to spare!
Undercut Plus Hard Part
The undercut plus hard part is one of the most stylish and popular haircuts for kids with curly hair, especially among Black, African-American, and multiracial children. The design features a sharp part above the fade, creating a striking contrast between the closely cut sides and the longer hair on top. This parting adds a modern edge and makes the hairstyle more dynamic. While it looks effortless, replicating the clean line and precision at home can be challenging, so a skilled barber is recommended. The low-maintenance nature of the undercut combined with the eye-catching part makes it perfect for parents who want a trendy yet practical style for their children.
Curly Mohawk
A curly Mohawk is an exciting way to showcase natural curls while keeping the sides neat and tidy with an undercut. This hairstyle allows kids to express personality and creativity while maintaining manageable hair length. Although perfecting the curls may require a bit of attention and daily or weekly maintenance, the overall style is worth the effort because of its bold, energetic look. The curls on top create height and dimension, making it an ideal choice for kids who want a playful yet stylish haircut.
Pencil Back Mohawk
The pencil back Mohawk is another trendy haircut for children with curly hair, known for its precise side part and sharply defined lines. The style emphasizes the natural curl pattern on top while keeping the sides tapered or faded. This haircut is particularly popular among African-American children because it enhances facial features and maintains a clean appearance with minimal daily fuss. Proper upkeep with light moisturizers ensures that the curls retain their bounce without becoming frizzy or tangled.
Buzz Fade Undercut
The buzz fade undercut is a classic and versatile hairstyle that works on nearly all hair types, including curly textures. The fade gradually tapers the sides while keeping some length on top for styling. Adding a touch of texture or curls to the upper portion allows the haircut to remain playful and contemporary. This style is particularly practical for older kids who need a low-maintenance haircut but still want to look stylish, as it requires minimal styling effort beyond the initial cut.
Low Drop Fade Curly Toddler Haircut
The low drop fade is a timeless choice for toddler boys with curly hair, combining simplicity with charm. The fade gently curves around the sides and back, creating a soft, rounded look that enhances natural curls on top. For parents who want their child to look polished while maintaining manageable hair, this style is a go-to. It works particularly well when paired with textured or styled curls at the top, giving toddlers a modern and lively appearance without the need for complicated styling routines.
Black Kid Mohawk Haircut
A Mohawk for Black kids is especially striking because of the natural texture and density of African hair. This haircut allows for a bold statement while maintaining easy upkeep. Although it may not be suitable for schools with strict dress codes, it is ideal for holidays, weekends, or special events. Adding a ridged design or taper enhances the uniqueness of the style, making it stand out even more while celebrating the child’s natural curl pattern.
Low Bald Fade Haircut
The low bald fade is a simple yet polished haircut that works for children who need a no-fuss look. The fade starts low on the sides and can either be a smooth bald fade or a tapered style. Paired with a bit of styling product, it becomes easy to maintain and perfect for school-friendly appearances. This haircut offers a more relaxed version of a Mohawk, providing a balance between trendy style and practicality, making it a versatile option for many parents.
Undercut Plus Textured Top
The undercut with a textured top is ideal for kids who want some length and natural movement while keeping the sides short. This style emphasizes the hair on top, which can be styled in a variety of ways, from spiky to curly or tousled. The low-maintenance undercut ensures that the hairstyle remains manageable, while the textured top adds personality and flair. It is perfect for both everyday school wear and special occasions, offering a fresh, stylish look without excessive upkeep.
Mid Fade Plus High Top
The mid fade paired with a high top is a bold haircut that creates a striking contrast between the tapered sides and the voluminous top. The sharp lines of the fade draw attention to the face, while the longer hair on top allows for creativity in styling. This haircut is particularly well-suited for toddlers who may be wary of clippers, as it maintains a neat appearance for an extended period. Its low-maintenance nature combined with the dramatic look makes it a great choice for parents seeking style and convenience.
Temple Fade Haircut
The temple fade haircut is perfect for parents who prefer to keep the top of their child’s hair untouched. The fade focuses on the temples, gradually tapering the sides while maintaining length above. This style highlights the natural texture and shine of curly hair, and although it requires occasional washing and moisturizing, the overall upkeep is minimal. The temple fade offers a refined, stylish look that balances ease of maintenance with a polished finish.
Buzz High and Tight
The buzz high and tight haircut eliminates the need for fades, keeping the hair uniformly short on the sides while leaving a small amount of curly fringe on top. This style is low-maintenance and easy to manage, as the curls naturally retain their shape. Simple gel application or leaving the hair in its natural state ensures the haircut remains stylish without daily effort. It is particularly useful for parents seeking a clean, masculine look for their children.
Fauxhawk Haircut + Wavy Fringe
The fauxhawk with a wavy fringe is a creative alternative to the traditional Mohawk for children with curly or wavy hair. This style maintains longer hair along the center of the head while tapering the sides, allowing the curls or waves to stand out. It offers flexibility in styling, letting kids maintain a playful and trendy appearance. With minimal effort, the wavy fringe can be enhanced using light styling products or left natural for an effortless look.
Crew Cut
The crew cut is a classic, low-maintenance haircut that works exceptionally well for kids with curly hair. The short length on top allows for natural curl patterns to show, while the sides can be paired with a fade or undercut for a cleaner appearance. This style requires little to no hair product, giving parents and children an easy routine. The crew cut provides a timeless look while allowing for subtle variations in styling when desired.
Textured Undercut + Part
The textured undercut with a part is a practical yet stylish haircut that works well for older kids. The undercut keeps the sides short, while the top remains long enough to add texture and volume. The parting adds sophistication and highlights the natural curl pattern, creating a polished and fashionable look. This haircut is also school-friendly, low-maintenance, and suitable for kids who may be apprehensive about frequent barber visits.
Low Drop Fade
The low drop fade is ideal for kids with lightweight curly hair, offering a haircut that is easy to maintain while still looking stylish. The gradual taper ensures that the top retains enough length for curls to shine, while the sides remain neat. Once styled initially, this haircut requires minimal daily effort. Regular washing and occasional moisturizing are sufficient to maintain the soft, natural texture of the curls.
Curly Textured Undercut
The curly textured undercut emphasizes the hair’s natural curl pattern while keeping the sides short and tidy. Its unique texture makes it stand out from standard undercuts, providing a bold and playful appearance for kids. Maintenance is straightforward since the natural curl pattern adds volume and style without requiring extensive product use. Parents can enjoy a stylish yet manageable haircut that looks fresh for weeks with minimal upkeep.
Fauxhawk and Mohawk Haircuts
Fauxhawk and Mohawk haircuts allow children to keep longer hair while achieving edgy, creative looks. The sides are often tapered or faded, while the top section is left long to showcase curls or waves. These styles are perfect for kids who want individuality without compromising hair health or requiring daily complicated styling. They combine playful aesthetics with practicality, making them a favorite choice for parents and children alike.