Top 10 Gen Z Haircuts of 2024: Defining Style Trends & How to Maintain Them

Explore the top 10 Gen Z haircuts dominating 2024, from bold undercuts to natural ‘fros. Get styling tips, maintenance advice, and answers to your common haircut questions. Discover how to express your identity and pride through these trendy cuts.

In today’s dynamic and expressive era, hairstyles go beyond mere fashion statements. They embody individuality, cultural resonance, and bold self-expression. Particularly among Generation Z, the haircut choice reflects personal style and an alignment with broader social and cultural movements. From the revival of iconic 70s looks to the embracement of natural textures and bold patterns, Gen Z’s hairstyles are a fascinating mirror of their collective psyche. Below, we explore the top ten haircuts that have stamped their mark on this generation, each telling a story of creativity, resilience, and a fearless departure from convention.

Steps to Achieve a Gen Z Haircut

1. Consultation: Your stylist will start with a thorough consultation, discussing the look you want to achieve. They will advise what will work best for your hair type, face shape, and personal style.
2. Cutting and Shaping: The cutting process may involve multiple techniques for texture and layers. This is the most crucial step to ensure your haircut has the depth and dimension synonymous with the Gen Z style.
3. Designing Patterns: If you opt for shaved sides or an undercut, your stylist may suggest including a pattern—a subtle way to make your haircut uniquely yours.
4. Coloring: If you want a bold color, like a full head or highlights, your stylist will proceed with the coloring process. This typically involves bleaching before applying the chosen color to achieve the best result.
5. Styling: Finally, your stylist will style your hair perfectly, potentially adding accessories and recommending the right products to maintain your look.

Here are the top 10 Gen Z haircuts you need to know about:

1. The E-boy Cut

The e-boy haircut has become the poster child for Gen Z rebellion and counterculture. This style typically features a longer fringe—sometimes worn covering one eye—and often incorporates bleached sections or colorful tips. It is the perfect marriage of traditional skater, and punk looks with the flamboyant touch of the digital age. E-boys have taken over social media platforms, and their unique hairstyle contributes to their daringly charming overall aesthetic.

2. The Shag

The shag is a timeless cut that has been resurrected into the Gen Z scene. It is a layered style that is all about texture and movement. Often worn with a curtain bang or a grown-out fringe, the shag provides an effortlessly cool factor that is easy to maintain and suits a variety of hair textures. This nod to 70s rock and punk gives off a carefree, edgy vibe that complements the ‘DIY’ vibe of Gen Z fashion and lifestyle.

3. The Undercut

Resilient and versatile, the undercut continues to remain a Gen Z favorite. This haircut features closely shaved sides and back, contrasting sharply with a longer top. It is a look that screams rebellion while allowing for many styling options. From sleek pompadours to wild curls, the undercut allows Gen Zers to express their style with a subversive twist.

4. The Mullet

Once viewed as the punchline of out-of-date hairstyles, the mullet has made a strong comeback among young trendsetters. Gen Z’s take on the mullet earns it a place among the coolest haircuts, coupling a shorter silhouette at the front with long, flowing locks at the back. It is a gutsy choice that is all about defying conventions and celebrating the unexpected.

5. The Buzz Cut

The classic buzz cut is a strong contender for those in Gen Z who prefer low-maintenance and a powerful, no-nonsense look. With its ultra-short length and minimalist aesthetic, the buzz cut signifies an uncomplicated and straightforward approach to style. It is also gender-neutral, popular among men and women, and has been a go-to for those seeking to make a bold statement or start fresh with their look.

6. The Bob or Lob (Long Bob)

The bob has been given a modern twist with the long bob, or “lob,” a popular choice among Gen Z fashionistas. This variation keeps the classic chin-length shape but with a little more length to play with. It is a versatile, sharp, sophisticated cut that can be adapted to reflect each person’s unique style, often featuring a blunt cut, wavy texture, or a bold color to stand out.

7. The Fade

The fade is not just a haircut but a work of art among Gen Z. This technique blends the hair dramatically from short to long, usually graduating it into the shaved nape of the neck. Fades can be high, low, or mid, with variations leading to different personalities and styles. It requires a skilled hand and is often an essential part of creating intricate patterns or designs shaved into the sides of the head.

8. The Slicked-Back

The slicked-back look offers a suave and put-together vibe but with a modern Gen Z edge. It involves combing the hair and using products to keep everything in place. This style can range from understated to high-shine and is favored by those who want to exude confidence and a touch of retro glamour in their everyday look.

9. The Braided Look

Braids have been a significant part of cultural history, and their resurgence among Gen Z is no different. From box braids to cornrows, braided styles offer a rich tapestry for personal expression. It is not just the final look but the braiding process that adds a communal and ritualistic aspect to hair maintenance. Braids allow for countless patterns and designs, making them a signature style for many Gen Zers.

10. The Natural ‘Fro

Lastly, there is nothing as empowering and beautiful as the natural ‘fro. Among Gen Z, there is a strong movement towards celebrating one’s natural texture and beauty, and the ‘fro stands as a symbol of that. This bold, voluminous style reflects confidence and a sense of connection to one’s roots. It is a look that is not only trendy but also carries social and cultural significance. For many, the natural ‘fro is more than a haircut; it is a statement of identity and pride.

In conclusion, the diversity and creativity of Gen Z haircuts reflect a generation that values self-expression, inclusivity, and a bold approach to personal style. Whether opting for an undercut, a natural ‘fro, intricate braids, or a classic buzz cut, these hairstyles are more than mere fashion statements; they are reflections of individuality, cultural pride, and a shift toward authenticity in how we present ourselves to the world. Amidst these myriad choices, the key is finding a style that truly resonates with your identity and sense of self. In doing so, you look your best and feel authentically empowered to face whatever the world throws your way.

FAQ about the Gen Z haircut