What Is the Broccoli Haircut and Should You Give It a Try?
The Most Popular Gen Z Hairstyle Might Actually Work for Older Guys as Well
There's a new hairstyle on the block: It's called the broccoli haircut and it has nothing to do with eating your vegetables. Even if you're not familiar with the term, you would probably recognize it in an instant, as it has become a popular style with Gen Z.
Wondering what exactly it entails and whether you should give it a try? Here is everything you need to know about the broccoli haircut, who it’s best for, and how to pull it off.
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What Is the Broccoli Haircut?
Have you seen young men walking around with short hair on the sides and back and a curly top? This is the broccoli haircut in a nutshell — it’s named after the fact it resembles the look of broccoli florets. “Usually, it's faded with a slight taper while disconnected from the top of the hair, leaving the hair on top curly with uneven layers,” notes barber Jovan Figueroa.
Some people choose to go with a more dramatic fade and more volume on top than others, but even with slight variations, it’s a very distinct aesthetic.
Why Is the Broccoli Haircut So Popular?
For some, it’s a way to embrace their natural curls. For others, it’s a fashion statement. “Aside from its interesting name, this haircut stemmed from Gen Z and the nation of young men starting to wear their hair naturally and embrace their curls. They’re allowing their hair to live its best natural life, and letting it fall wherever the mood takes it,” says Phoenix Thomson, global director of education at American Crew.
Thomson notes that TikTok has played a major role in the popularity of the broccoli cut — and it’s even resurrecting an old-fashioned hair styling technique: “The style is bringing back the perm, for those with naturally straight hair who have curl envy. PS: The Broccoli Cut has also been named the wet mop or bird’s nest.”
“There are famous athletes and gym influencers who have this hairstyle, which has been a major influence on teenagers and young adults,” adds Figueroa, who thinks the style is a way for men to lean into a curly look, even if they don’t naturally have textured locks.
Should You Try the Broccoli Haircut?
Perhaps you’re no longer in your 20s and wondering whether it would be appropriate to wear the broccoli haircut. The answer is, yes. Anyone can wear it and it’s a surprisingly versatile cut.
Go with a shorter version of it and a tapered fade for a more subtle look — or let long tousled curls cover your forehead for a more untamed vibe. If you want to express your creativity, you can even ask your barber for a design.
“I personally like this look because it’s a little different from just having a fade or a typical structured look. It’s a nice lived-in look on top for everyone,” says Figueroa.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of practicality. If you have straight hair, you’re looking at more maintenance (and money spent) keeping your hair curly as it grows out. In any case, you’ll still need to visit your barber regularly to keep the layers and fade fresh and maintain the shape of the hairstyle.
Tips to Pull Off the Broccoli Haircut
The first step to pulling off the broccoli haircut is owning the look with confidence. Skim through pictures to find a variation that complements your personal style and hair type, and bring your desired look to your barber. For example, if you’re more of a classic, clean-cut guy, you’ll probably gravitate towards a shorter version of the cut with less drama on top.
There are also a few styling tips that can help you look your best. This isn’t the time to skimp on styling products.
“Using a product like American Crew Cream Pomade is great for styling the broccoli cut because it adds a light hold to the hair while enhancing curls in a natural, effortless way and getting rid of frizz, so the curls look more intentional,” recommends Thomspon. “No sticky mess — just work a small amount of the cream evenly through dry or towel dried hair or scrunch the product directly into the curls.”
Alternatively, you can use a product like the STMNT Grooming Definition Spray, which Figueroa suggests, to enhance your curls. The goal is to define your waves or curls while keeping softness and natural movement. Combating frizz is also key.
If you’re someone who likes to shower and walk out the door without doing much, this haircut might not work for you. But if you don’t mind some maintenance and regular barber visits, it can be a great way to have a little fun with your hairstyle, especially if you were blessed with natural volume and curls.
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Men's Hairstyles