Back-to-School Hair: Cuts and Styles for Kids and Teens
August in Boca Raton means one thing for families: the back-to-school rush. Between shopping for supplies, attending orientations, and squeezing in the last few beach days of summer, there is a lot to manage. A fresh haircut might seem like a small detail, but for kids and teens heading back to school, it can make a real difference in how they feel about themselves on that first day. At Sofia Loren Salon, we welcome families and love helping our younger clients start the school year looking and feeling their best.
Why a Back-to-School Haircut Matters
For adults, a haircut is a routine part of personal grooming. For kids and especially teens, it carries more emotional weight. The start of a new school year is a fresh beginning, and a new haircut can help a child feel confident, put-together, and ready to take on whatever the year brings. It is also a practical matter. After a summer of swimming, sun exposure, and general outdoor adventure, most kids’ hair is in rough shape. Dry ends, chlorine buildup, sun damage, and tangles from months of minimal maintenance all need to be addressed before the school year starts.
A professional haircut at the end of summer cleans up the damage, removes split ends, and sets kids up with a manageable style that can carry them through the first several weeks of school without much effort. It is an investment in their daily routine as much as their appearance.
Cuts for Younger Kids
For younger children, the priority is a cut that is easy to maintain and does not require much morning styling. Most parents of elementary-age kids do not have time for elaborate hair routines before the school bus arrives, so simplicity is key.
For girls, a classic bob is always a strong choice. It falls above the shoulders, which means it does not tangle as easily as longer hair, and it can be quickly pulled into a half-up style or secured with a headband on rushed mornings. A bob looks neat and polished without any styling products or tools, which is exactly what you want for a six-year-old.
For girls who want to keep their hair long, adding some face-framing layers can make a big difference. Layers remove weight and allow the hair to move more freely, which reduces tangling. They also make the hair look more styled even when it is simply air-dried or thrown into a ponytail.
For boys, the classic taper or fade remains the most popular back-to-school choice. It looks clean, grows out well, and requires virtually zero maintenance. For boys who want a little more personality, a textured crop on top with shorter sides offers a modern look that is easy to manage with a small amount of styling paste.
Styles for Teens
Teenagers are a different story entirely. Hair is a major form of self-expression during the teen years, and the back-to-school haircut often reflects whatever trends and influences are currently dominating their social feeds. In 2018, several trends are particularly popular with our teen clients in Boca Raton.
For teen girls, the long lob, falling just past the collarbone, is the most requested cut. It is long enough to pull into a ponytail for sports and activities but short enough to look intentional and styled. Many teens are also asking for curtain bangs, which add a fashionable element without requiring major maintenance. Face-framing layers paired with natural waves give that effortless, cool-girl look that resonates strongly with this age group.
Some brave teens are asking for shorter, more dramatic cuts, like the modern shag or even a pixie with texture on top. We always encourage teens to express themselves through their hair while also making sure they understand what the maintenance will look like. A high-maintenance cut on a teenager who is not going to style it daily can lead to frustration.
For teen boys, the trends lean toward textured styles with length on top and clean, faded sides. The classic undercut remains popular, as does the messy, pushed-forward fringe. These styles work well in South Florida because they keep the sides and back short and cool while allowing some creative expression on top.
Dealing With Summer Damage
Before any cutting happens, it is worth addressing the damage that summer has done. Kids who spent their summer at the pool often have hair that is dry, brittle, and discolored from chlorine exposure. Blonde hair may have turned greenish, and brunette hair may feel like straw. A deep conditioning treatment before the cut can restore moisture, improve elasticity, and make the hair more manageable.
Sun damage is another common issue. Prolonged UV exposure breaks down the protein structure of hair, weakening it and making it more prone to breakage. A trim that removes the most damaged ends is the quickest way to make sun-damaged hair look and feel healthier. For kids who will continue to spend time outdoors, we recommend a leave-in conditioner with UV protection as part of their daily routine.
Salt water exposure, while fun, is also hard on hair. Salt draws moisture out of the hair shaft, leaving it dry and tangled. If your child spent a lot of time at the beach this summer, a clarifying wash followed by a moisturizing treatment can reset the hair and prepare it for a fresh start.
Making the Salon Experience Positive for Kids
At Sofia Loren Salon, we understand that not every child loves going to the salon. Younger kids may be nervous about the scissors, and teens may feel self-conscious about articulating what they want. Our stylists are experienced with clients of all ages and know how to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
For younger kids, we keep things relaxed and friendly. We explain what we are doing at each step so nothing comes as a surprise, and we work at a pace that keeps the child comfortable. We welcome parents to stay nearby and be involved in the consultation, since they know their child’s hair better than anyone.
For teens, we encourage them to bring reference photos from their phone or social media. This opens up a productive conversation about what they like, what is realistic for their hair type, and how to achieve a look they will love. We take their opinions seriously while also providing honest guidance about what will and will not work for their specific hair.
Timing Your Appointment
Back-to-school appointments fill up quickly in August, especially during the last two weeks before school starts. We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time. Saturday mornings and late afternoon appointments after camps let out tend to fill first, so if your schedule is flexible, weekday morning slots are often easier to get.
Book Your Appointment at Sofia Loren Salon
Ready to get your kids looking sharp for the first day of school? Visit Sofia Loren Salon in Boca Raton for family-friendly haircuts and styles. Our stylists love working with clients of all ages and will make sure your child starts the school year with confidence. Call us at (561) 444-0720 or book online at sofialorensalon.com.