The Latest Gen Alpha Trend? K-Pop Haircuts of Course

Move over alpaca hairstyle—there’s a new trendy look in town that’s coming for tween and teen boys. It’s the K-Pop Haircut, and not only do I see my teen son’s friends rocking it, but I am also noting how it’s a throwback to a 90s heartthrob look—and you’ll never believe who.

Now then. The K-pop haircut is built around a center part, with hair on either side brushed down in a simple and effortless-looking cool-guy esthetic. Of course, there’s primping it the mirror and products that achieve that look, according to stylists. (I predict that, next to cologne, guys are going to be shopping hair styling products galore.) Unlike previous more permed or poofy styles, the K-pop haircut is sleeker and longer in front, while still short or tapered in the back. You can see the look on emerging artists such as Taemin of boy band SHINee and mega stars like Jin of the band BTS.

Here’s how to get the look. After having a haircut parted down the middle, short in the back and sides, use a bit of product. Stylist Jason Schneidman of California Born salon in Venice, California says the look is as much California surfer as it is K-pop star.  He swipes a little bit of Days of Dirt styling gel through the hair to get a textured look. “The hair is not sticky or stiff, and the product adds moisture to the hair and allows hair to fall with perfect separation,” he says. “Hair often looks fluffy flat and dry after shampooing, but this adds the perfect lived in look, like you’ve been surfing all day."

K-pop star, '90s TV actor or surfer dude, I’m co-signing this style for young guys. A fresh take on the classic long-bangs style, I think it’s flattering. Of course, as a mom, I’m always going to worry about too much hair hanging on the face and causing breakouts—but I’m letting that anxiety take a back seat to aesthetics for now.