Find stylists who actually get Gen Z trends without the cringe
Let's be honest—getting a haircut as a teenager can be awkward. You're trying to explain what you want from TikTok or Instagram, your parents might have opinions, and you need a stylist who understands current trends without treating you like a kid. This guide covers the best salons in Delray Beach for teen haircuts, current styles that actually look good IRL (not just in photos), and how to communicate what you want to your stylist.
Not every salon is great for teenage clients. Here's what actually matters:
You need someone who takes your inspiration photos seriously, even if they're from social media. The best teen stylists ask questions, offer honest feedback about what will work with your hair type, and don't automatically default to what your parent wants.
Gen Z hair trends move fast. A good teen stylist knows the difference between a wolf cut, a butterfly cut, and a shag (they're not all the same thing). They should understand terms like "curtain bangs," "money piece," or "e-girl layers" without you having to explain.
This doesn't mean boring. It means a stylist who can help you achieve a trendy look that works for school dress codes, sports requirements, or other real-life constraints. They should also be honest if a style requires maintenance you might not want to commit to.
Some teens prefer modern, energetic salons with music and a younger vibe. Others want a professional but low-key environment. The best salons respect you as a client regardless of your age.
Teen-Friendly Factor: High-energy, modern vibe
Booking tip: Request a stylist who specializes in layered cuts if you want trendy textures
Teen-Friendly Factor: Precision cutting, editorial vibes
Booking tip: Bring multiple reference photos showing front and back views
Teen-Friendly Factor: Personal attention, consultation-focused
Booking tip: Book a consultation if you're nervous about a big change—they'll walk you through it
What it is: Heavy layers through the crown, shorter pieces framing the face, longer in back. Shaggy, lived-in texture.
Works best on: Medium to thick hair, wavy to straight
Maintenance: Low—looks better slightly messy
Styling time: 5-10 minutes
Real talk: Grows out fine but needs trims every 8-10 weeks to maintain the shape
What it is: Face-framing layers that flare out like butterfly wings, shorter layers on top, creates volume and movement
Works best on: All hair types, especially good for adding volume to fine hair
Maintenance: Medium—needs some styling
Styling time: 10-15 minutes
Real talk: Super flattering but requires blow-drying or diffusing to look right
What it is: Face-framing bangs parted in the middle, longer on the sides
Works best on: All hair types and face shapes
Maintenance: Low to medium
Styling time: 5 minutes
Real talk: The most versatile bang style—can pin back when you're over them
What it is: Choppy layers throughout, lots of texture, '70s-inspired but updated
Works best on: Wavy or textured hair
Maintenance: Low
Styling time: 5-10 minutes
Real talk: Looks effortlessly cool but needs the right cut—show your stylist specific photos
What it is: Short on top with longer layers underneath—kind of like a mullet meets a bowl cut
Works best on: Straight to wavy hair, confident personalities
Maintenance: High—needs regular trims
Styling time: 10-20 minutes
Real talk: Very editorial, not for everyone. Make sure you're ready for attention.
What it is: Subtle layering throughout long hair for movement without losing length
Works best on: All hair types
Maintenance: Very low
Styling time: 5 minutes or air dry
Real talk: Never goes out of style, easy to maintain, great if you're growing out a previous cut
Color can be expensive and requires maintenance. Here are realistic options:
Face-framing highlights (usually blonde) around the front sections. Popular because it's less commitment than full highlights. Cost: $80-$150. Maintenance: Every 8-12 weeks.
Hand-painted highlights that look natural and grow out well. More expensive upfront ($150-$300) but lower maintenance (3-4 months between appointments).
Darker roots blended into lighter ends. Super low-maintenance and intentionally looks like it's grown out. Cost: $100-$200. Maintenance: 3-6 months.
Bright colors (pink, purple, blue). Fun but HIGH maintenance. Fades quickly, especially in Florida sun and chlorine. Cost: $100-$250+. Maintenance: Every 4-6 weeks, plus special shampoo/conditioner.
Don't just bring one photo. Bring 3-5 showing front, back, and side views. Save them to your phone beforehand so you're not scrambling to find them during your appointment.
Instead of "I like this," say "I like how the layers frame her face" or "I want this texture but not this short." This helps your stylist understand exactly what appeals to you.
If you're not going to straighten your hair every day, say so. If you shower at night and air dry, tell them. A good stylist will work with your actual routine, not an imaginary one.
Questions to ask your stylist:
| Service | Price Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basic haircut (trim, no major style change) | $35-$50 | 30 min |
| Layered haircut (wolf cut, shag, etc.) | $45-$75 | 45-60 min |
| Haircut + blowout/style | $55-$95 | 60-75 min |
| Bang trim (between cuts) | $10-$20 | 10 min |
| Money piece highlights | $80-$150 | 90 min |
| Partial highlights | $100-$180 | 2 hours |
| Full balayage | $150-$300+ | 3-4 hours |
| Fashion color (all-over) | $100-$250+ | 2-3 hours |
South Florida humidity is no joke. What works: Anti-frizz serums, leave-in conditioners, and accepting that some texture is going to happen. Embrace it rather than fighting it daily.
If you swim a lot (whether for a team or just recreationally), chlorine will damage your hair and fade color fast. Solutions: Wet your hair with regular water before swimming, wear a cap when possible, use chlorine-removal shampoo, and deep condition weekly.
Florida sun naturally lightens hair, which can look great but also causes dryness. If you have color, it'll fade faster. UV-protecting sprays and hats help, but most teens just accept this as part of living here.
Going from air-conditioned classrooms to outdoor heat makes hair react weirdly. Styles that work with some natural texture and movement tend to look better throughout the day than super-sleek styles that lose their shape.
Letting your teen have some control over their hair is a relatively low-stakes way to let them express themselves. Hair grows back, color fades, and styles change. If they want something you're unsure about, consider compromising—maybe try a temporary color first, or agree to a specific style with the understanding that if maintenance becomes an issue, you'll revisit the decision.
Also, trust professional stylists to guide your teen toward age-appropriate versions of trends. Most stylists are great at creating looks that feel current and cool while still being suitable for teenagers.
Best times to book: After school during weekdays (3-6pm) tends to be busy. If you have flexibility, late morning or early afternoon on weekdays usually has more availability.
How far in advance: For a regular haircut, 1-2 weeks is usually fine. For color or complex cuts, book 2-4 weeks ahead, especially before big events (prom, homecoming, school pictures).
What to ask when booking: