The 1980s were a vibrant and eclectic decade when it came to fashion, music, and even hairstyles. From big hair to bold colors and shapes, the 80s brought a playful energy that can still be seen in today’s trends. Toddlers today can rock 80s-inspired haircuts, combining retro flair with modern comfort. Here are 20 fun, stylish, and unique 80s-inspired toddler boy haircuts that will make your little one stand out.
1. The Mullet
The mullet is a classic 80s hairstyle that has made a comeback. It features short hair on the front and sides, while the back is left long. This style is playful yet rebellious.
The toddler mullet offers the perfect balance between fun and practical. The shorter sections allow easy maintenance while the long back gives it an edgy, vintage touch. Pair it with a graphic tee for a full 80s look.
Although it’s a bold choice, it’s surprisingly versatile. A well-kept mullet can be styled sleek and tidy for special events, while also looking carefree and messy for playtime.
2. The Flat Top
The flat top was a signature 80s style that emerged from hip-hop culture. It involves keeping the hair flat and squared off at the top, with faded sides. This haircut screams retro coolness.
For toddlers, the flat top can be softened to create a more child-friendly look. The top remains relatively tall, while the sides are faded or buzzed short. This cut adds volume and makes a statement.
This style can be styled with some light gel or leave it natural for a messier look. It’s fun, funky, and perfectly captures the essence of 80s hair without being too high-maintenance for a toddler.
3. The High-Top Fade
Inspired by hip-hop legends like Kid ‘n Play, the high-top fade is another iconic 80s cut. It’s characterized by tall, sharply defined sides with the top left full of volume.
This hairstyle is perfect for bold toddlers who aren’t afraid to stand out. The high-top fade is both a throwback to the past and a fun, modern statement. A tapered fade on the sides gives it a clean, contemporary twist.
Maintaining a high-top fade on toddlers is relatively easy, and the haircut can be styled in various ways. Use minimal product for a natural, soft finish that still shows off the style’s height.
4. The Shag
The shag haircut emerged in the 80s as a rock ‘n’ roll staple. It consists of layers of various lengths, giving the hair a tousled and carefree appearance. It’s a great option for toddlers with curly or wavy hair.
This haircut adds a lot of movement and texture to your child’s locks. The uneven layers can be shaped to enhance the natural texture, making it low-maintenance and fun to style. It’s especially charming for little boys with thicker hair.
With the right care, the shag remains trendy, offering both a retro and effortless vibe. Add a little curl cream or light mousse for more definition, and you’re good to go!
5. The Pompadour
The pompadour is a timeless hairstyle that saw immense popularity in the 80s, inspired by rockabilly and glam rock stars. This style features volume at the front, while the back remains shorter and neat.
For toddlers, the pompadour can be softened into a more wearable version. A small amount of gel or mousse can create the voluminous look without being too stiff or heavy. It’s ideal for more formal occasions, while still offering fun flair.
This cut is perfect for parents who want a stylish, clean look for their little ones. The pompadour adds a vintage touch that feels fresh and polished on any toddler boy.
6. The Crew Cut
A classic and practical 80s-inspired haircut for toddlers, the crew cut involves a short, uniform length around the sides and top. It’s easy to maintain and always looks neat.
This low-maintenance style is perfect for active toddlers who don’t want hair in their eyes. It’s also versatile, providing a clean and sharp look that works for all occasions. The crew cut can be styled flat or with a bit of texture on top.
For a more 80s vibe, you can leave the top slightly longer than the sides. This variation adds a touch of retro while keeping the cut modern and comfortable for young boys.
7. The Side Part
The side part was hugely popular in the 80s, adding a structured, sophisticated look. It involves a neat parting on one side of the head, with hair combed over for volume and shape.
This classic cut is perfect for toddlers who like a tidier style. The side part allows for a clean and stylish look, which can be enhanced by a light pomade or gel. It’s ideal for formal events or family photos.
The side part works well with different hair textures. Whether your toddler has straight or wavy hair, this cut gives them a polished appearance with minimal effort. It’s both retro and refined.
8. The Jheri Curl
A defining feature of 80s hair culture, the Jheri curl was all about shiny, loose curls that bounced with volume. While it requires some maintenance, it’s a great option for toddlers with curly hair.
A Jheri curl on a toddler gives a fresh, fun, and very distinctive look. The curls are well-defined but not tight, offering a soft and playful vibe. It’s a statement style that stands out in any crowd.
To maintain the Jheri curl, use moisturizing curl creams or gels. This cut requires regular attention to keep the curls glossy and bouncy, but the result is worth the effort for a truly unique look.
9. The Buzz Cut
A timeless classic, the buzz cut is an extremely short haircut that requires very little upkeep. This cut became popular in the 80s for its clean and no-fuss look.
The toddler buzz cut is perfect for parents who want a simple, easy-to-manage style. It’s particularly great for warmer weather, as it keeps the head cool and reduces the amount of maintenance required.
A buzz cut is sharp, youthful, and ideal for busy toddlers who are always on the move. It’s versatile, pairing well with casual wear and formal outfits alike, making it a highly practical choice.
10. The Bowl Cut
The bowl cut, which became widely popular in the 80s, is exactly what it sounds like—a haircut that’s cut all around the head to resemble the shape of a bowl.
For toddlers, the bowl cut is a playful and easy-to-maintain option. The even length creates a rounded, cute shape, while the fringe in the front adds a youthful, innocent vibe. It works well for straight hair types.
Though the bowl cut is simple, it’s effective in capturing an 80s aesthetic. A bit of gel can keep the bangs in place, while the rest of the hair remains neat and uniform, perfect for everyday wear.
11. The Caesar Cut
Named after Julius Caesar, the Caesar cut is a short, layered haircut with bangs that are usually combed forward. It was popularized in the 80s and continues to be a stylish, low-maintenance option for young boys.
This cut works best for toddlers who have straight or slightly wavy hair. The front bangs can be styled with a little product to keep them in place. The sides are kept short to maintain a neat appearance.
The Caesar cut provides a clean, sharp look that’s both retro and contemporary. It’s easy to maintain, making it an ideal option for toddlers who need a quick yet stylish haircut.
12. The Spiky Haircut
Spiky hair was all the rage in the 80s, giving a rebellious, edgy feel to hairstyles. The spiky cut for toddlers can be achieved by cutting the hair short and using gel to create defined spikes.
For toddlers, the spikes can be kept small and manageable, allowing the cut to stay fun without being too messy. It works well for tousled, carefree looks that require little upkeep.
A spiky hairstyle on a toddler can add texture and volume while maintaining a playful energy. Use a light hold gel to shape the spikes for a soft, 80s-inspired effect.
13. The Fade with Curls
Curls were a major trend in the 80s, and this version of the fade is perfect for toddlers with natural curls. The sides are faded, while the top is left full of curls, creating a stylish contrast.
The fade with curls works well for toddlers with thicker, curly hair. The fade on the sides helps reduce bulk, while the top retains a lot of volume and texture. It’s ideal for a bold, retro look.
To maintain this style, use a curl cream or light mousse. This style can be styled tightly or left loose for a more casual, voluminous look, capturing the 80s vibe effortlessly.
14. The Retro Quiff
The quiff is another 80s hairstyle that involves a voluminous front with shorter sides. For toddlers, the quiff can be softened to create a stylish yet child-friendly version of the classic cut.
This cut gives a fresh and stylish edge without being too complicated. The quiff can be styled with a little mousse or gel to achieve volume at the front, while the rest of the hair stays neat.
The retro quiff works well with straight or slightly wavy hair and makes for a great special-occasion style. It’s timeless and sophisticated while still being fun for toddlers.
15. The Flock of Seagulls
Inspired by the iconic 80s band, A Flock of Seagulls, this haircut involves longer layers on top that are styled to one side, with shorter sides. It’s
a daring and creative hairstyle for adventurous toddlers.
While it’s a unique cut, the Flock of Seagulls is surprisingly fun and can be softened for younger boys. The longer layers can be spiked or swept to one side, creating a wild, voluminous look.
This haircut requires a bit of product to maintain, but it’s perfect for a toddler who likes to be different. It’s an unmistakable 80s-inspired choice that will turn heads!
16. The Windblown Look
The windblown look is effortlessly chic, capturing the carefree spirit of the 80s. This style involves tousled hair with lots of volume, like your toddler has just stepped out of the wind.
The windblown look is all about texture and volume. It’s ideal for toddlers with medium-length hair who want a relaxed, carefree style. Light styling products such as mousse or sea salt spray can add the perfect amount of texture.
This cut gives a fun, wild energy and works great for toddlers who love to run and play. It’s an easy style to maintain and perfect for the adventurous spirit of a young boy.
17. The Rat Tail
Though a quirky choice, the rat tail was a distinctive hairstyle trend in the 80s. It features a small section of hair left long at the nape while the rest is cut short.
This unusual style can be adapted for toddlers by keeping the rat tail small and manageable. It offers a funky twist on more traditional cuts, allowing for individuality and fun.
For maintenance, the short sides and back are easy to care for, while the long tail requires minimal upkeep. It’s a playful, retro option for toddlers who like to stand out from the crowd.
18. The Curly Mohawk
The Mohawk was a rebellious 80s haircut, and the curly version adds a fun twist for toddlers with natural curls. This style features shaved sides with a strip of curls running along the middle.
For toddlers, the curly Mohawk is both fun and fashionable. It’s a great way to let your little one embrace their curls while rocking a bold, edgy cut. This style is playful yet functional.
Use curl cream or mousse to enhance the curls in the Mohawk. It’s a standout cut that will make your toddler the center of attention at any event.
19. The Teddy Boy
The Teddy Boy look is a retro 80s style that combines a pompadour and slicked-back look with a bit of a rockabilly twist. It’s perfect for toddlers with straight hair.
This vintage-inspired haircut is ideal for a toddler who loves a refined, sleek look. The hair is combed back for a smooth finish, while the top maintains volume, adding a polished edge to any outfit.
For easy styling, use a soft pomade to keep the hair in place without making it stiff. The Teddy Boy style is versatile enough to be worn casually or dressed up for special occasions.
20. The Teddy Boy Wave
The Teddy Boy Wave is a combination of vintage 80s styles with a wave pattern, adding structure to the look. This hairstyle incorporates short, wavy sections with a cool, retro edge.
For toddlers, this style is great for boys who want to add some volume and texture to their hair. The wave pattern brings a fun, vintage feel, while the shorter sides keep it manageable.
Use a light styling gel to define the waves. This style is both nostalgic and trendy, capturing the 80s wave while being perfect for modern toddlers.