One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Haircut Inspiration is about school haircuts. Many readers ask, “What’s a good style that’s appropriate for school?” It’s a great question; many young men want a clean-cut appearance for school, and some schools (such as private schools) have strict dress codes that include haircut rules.
Easy hairstyles for school
Often, business haircuts make for quick and easy hairstyles for school, but sometimes young guys want something a little different. So we’ve put together a list of hairstyles that are ideal for school hairstyles. These are flexible enough to suit both formal and casual occasions, and there’s something for everyone here. And these styles work for a wide range of ages: they’re good choices for boys in junior high school, men attending university, and all guys in between.
School haircuts and dress code
If you do attend a school with a strict school dress and school hairstyles policy, make sure that your desired cut falls in line with the rules. You can modify most of these school haircuts to fit even the strictest of dress codes, so never think you’re limited by any policies. If you attend a more lenient school, then feel free to experiment with these styles to find ones that work for you.
Crew Cut
The crew cut is a great option for guys who don’t have time to (or simply don’t want to) style their hair. This style requires little maintenance and no styling, unless you choose to. This is one of the shorter school haircuts on this list, and it’s suitable for all schools and dress codes. It’s also great for athletes and boys who lead high-activity lifestyles. The crew cut works best with around half an inch to 2 inches of hair. Ask your barber to trim the top to this length. Then ask for the sides and back to be faded with clippers. A #2, #3, or #4 works nicely for this. Your barber or stylist should touch everything up so there are no harsh or abrupt edges or any hairs sticking out.
Side Part
The side part is one of those timeless haircuts that we recommend in 99% of situations. It’s a clean, professional style that looks great on most guys and works with a variety of hair types and face shapes.
The side part is ideal if you have a stricter dress code but still want a stylish school haircut. You can style a side part to your liking, using a good pomade, and you can even ask your barber or stylist for a hard part to make the cut really stand out.
How to get it: 2 to 4 inches of hair is best for the side part. The sides should be clipped with a #3 to #6 setting on the clippers. It’s also ideal to have the cut faded down the head and neck. From there, part your hair and style it to one side.
If you want a more dramatic style (like the comb-over haircut), work in some pomade and style to your liking.
Undercut
The undercut is a one-two punch: it’s trendy and it works well in almost all school environments. This should also pass most of the stricter dress codes. Like the side part, you can style this one however you like. It’s a flexible style that makes for a nice school haircut.
You’ll need a good pomade to style the undercut. We recommend Suavecito Original Hold or Layrite Original. Both of these products work well for most hair types and provide a strong hold and nice shine.
How to get it: You’ll most likely want 2 to 4 inches of hair on top. The sides should be buzzed with a #1 to #4 setting, depending on how long the hair on top is. Depending on which undercut variation you choose, you’ll style your hair specifically for that variation.
Taper Fade
You can’t go wrong with the taper fade. It’s short without being super-short, and it’s professional without being stiff or lifeless. Overall, it’s a neat, clean style, which makes it an ideal school haircut.
It’s also easy to cut and style, and if you’re pressed for time, it’s a great, low maintenance school hairstyle. It’s nice for mornings when you’re rushing to class and don’t have the time to worry about styling.
How to get it: As with most cuts on this list, 2 to 4 inches of hair on top is best. Tell your barber or stylist you want a taper/fade hairstyle. The sides and back should be gradually tapered down the head and neck so that the hair gets progressively shorter as it moves toward the neck.
You can specify how gradual you want the taper/fade to be. For an added touch that will make the cut look even cleaner, ask your barber or stylist to use a straight razor to eliminate all of the hair below the end of the taper.
