What is the Broccoli Haircut? A Complete Guide to the Gen Z Hairstyle
The broccoli haircut features voluminous curls on top with faded sides. Learn about this viral Gen Z hairstyle, who it suits, how to style it, and whether it's right for you.
If you've scrolled through TikTok or walked past a high school recently, you've probably noticed a particular hairstyle everywhere. Tight curls piled high on top. Faded sides. A silhouette that looks, well, like a vegetable.
Welcome to the broccoli haircut.
This hairstyle has become the defining look of Gen Z men over the past few years. It's polarizing, it's memeable, and it shows no signs of slowing down. But what exactly is it? And should you get one?
The Basics: What Makes a Broccoli Haircut
The broccoli haircut combines two elements: voluminous, textured curls (or waves) on top, and short, faded sides. The top section is left long enough to create height and movement. The sides are typically cut with a low, mid, or high fade that creates sharp contrast with the bushy top.
The name comes from the obvious visual comparison. When viewed from above or the side, the rounded mass of curls sitting on tapered sides resembles a broccoli floret on its stalk.
The curls themselves can be natural or achieved through a perm. Many guys with straight hair opt for a "zoomer perm" to get the texture. Those with naturally curly hair have an easier time, just needing the right cut and some styling product.
Other Names for This Style
The broccoli cut goes by several names depending on who you ask:
- Zoomer perm: References the Gen Z audience and the perm often required
- Bird's nest haircut: Another visual comparison to the messy top
- Wet mop cut: Describes the tousled, slightly messy appearance
- TikTok boy hair: A catch-all for this aesthetic
K-pop fans might also recognize this as similar to styles worn by artists like Jungkook of BTS, though the Korean variation tends to be softer and less aggressively curly.
Who Made the Broccoli Haircut Famous?
Pinpointing the exact origin is tricky. The style emerged gradually through social media around 2020-2021, gaining steam as TikTok became the dominant platform for young people.
Several groups helped popularize it:
TikTok creators were early adopters. The haircut became associated with a certain type of content creator: young, often athletic, posting dancing videos or lifestyle content. The style spread through imitation as viewers copied creators they followed.
K-pop artists influenced the aesthetic, particularly the combination of textured hair with faded sides. While K-pop styling tends toward softer waves, the general silhouette matches.
Athletes and gym culture embraced the look. The style became common among young soccer players, basketball players, and guys who post workout content. This connection to fitness culture is why some people call it the "gym bro haircut."
GQ called it "the definitive zoomer hairstyle," noting the trend gained traction in the US via TikTok, though perms on men were popular in different forms during the 1980s and 1990s.
Why Did This Haircut Go Viral?
A few factors explain the broccoli cut's popularity.
It photographs well. The high-contrast silhouette is instantly recognizable in thumbnails and profile pictures. On a visual platform like TikTok, standing out matters.
It signals membership in a generation. Like the mullet for Gen X or the undercut for millennials, the broccoli cut marks you as part of Gen Z. Wearing it says something about your age and cultural affiliations.
It embraces the meme. Part of the haircut's appeal is that everyone knows it looks like broccoli. Getting one means you're in on the joke. The self-awareness is part of the point.
It's easy to maintain day-to-day. Once you have the cut and (if needed) the perm, daily styling is relatively simple. Some product, maybe a diffuser, and you're done. The intentionally messy look means you don't need precision.
Hair Types and the Broccoli Cut
The style works differently depending on your natural hair texture. We have detailed guides for both curly hair and straight hair if you want to dive deeper.
Naturally Curly Hair
If you already have tight curls or coils, you're starting from the best position. Your barber just needs to shape the cut correctly, keeping enough length on top for the curls to spring up while fading the sides.
Products like curl cream or mousse will help define the texture and reduce frizz. A diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can add volume without disrupting the curl pattern.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair can achieve the look with the right cut and products. You might need to scrunch in some curl-enhancing cream or use a salt spray to encourage more texture. The result will be looser than a true broccoli cut but still fits the general aesthetic.
Straight Hair
Straight hair requires a perm to achieve the broccoli look. This involves a chemical treatment that restructures the hair to hold a curl pattern. A good perm can last three to six months.
The perm process takes a few hours and typically costs between $80-150 depending on your location and the salon. Maintenance perms are needed as new hair grows in straight at the roots.
If you're unsure whether the permed look suits you, trying an AI visualization tool before committing to the chemistry makes sense.
What Face Shapes Work Best?
Not every face shape pairs equally well with the broccoli cut. For a complete breakdown with modifications for each face type, check out our face shape guide.
Oval faces work well with almost any haircut, including this one. The balanced proportions mean the added height on top won't throw off your overall look.
Square faces can benefit from the softening effect of curly texture on top. The volume balances strong jawlines.
Heart-shaped faces are complemented by the width that curly volume adds at the forehead, creating more balance with a narrower chin.
Round faces should approach this style carefully. The round shape of the curly top can emphasize facial roundness. If you have a round face and want to try the style, ask your barber for more height than width on top, and consider a higher fade to elongate the face.
Oblong faces might want to skip this one. Adding height on top can make an already long face appear even longer.
How to Ask Your Barber for a Broccoli Cut
Walking into a barbershop and saying "give me the broccoli" will probably work at this point. The style is common enough that most barbers know what you mean. For a more detailed guide on communicating with your barber, see our complete barber guide.
For a more precise result, specify these elements:
Top length: Ask for 3-5 inches on top, enough for curls to have volume. If you're getting a perm, the stylist will advise on length.
Fade type: Decide whether you want a low fade (starting near the ear), mid fade (starting at the temples), or high fade (starting higher on the head). Lower fades are more subtle; higher fades create more contrast.
Texture method: If you have straight hair, discuss whether you want a perm. Bring reference photos of the curl tightness you're aiming for.
Neckline: A tapered neckline looks cleaner than a blocked one for this style.
Bringing reference photos is always helpful. Save a few examples from Instagram or Pinterest that show the exact look you want, ideally from multiple angles.
Maintenance and Daily Styling
The broccoli haircut requires some upkeep to look its best. For a comprehensive guide on products, routines, and scheduling, see our full maintenance guide.
Haircuts every 3-4 weeks: The faded sides grow out quickly and need regular trimming to maintain the shape. The top can go longer between cuts, but you'll want to keep the sides fresh.
Perm touch-ups (if applicable): If you permed your hair, you'll need maintenance treatments every 3-6 months as new growth comes in straight.
Daily styling routine: Most people apply curl cream or mousse to damp hair, scrunch it to encourage curl formation, then either air dry or use a diffuser. The goal is defined curls with volume, not a wet or crunchy look.
Products that work well:
- Curl cream for definition without crunch
- Mousse for volume
- Sea salt spray for added texture
- Light-hold gel for more structured curls
- Leave-in conditioner to prevent frizz
Is the Broccoli Cut Still Trendy in 2025?
As of early 2025, the broccoli haircut remains popular among teenagers and young adults. Search interest has stayed consistent, and the style is still common on social media.
That said, trends do evolve. Some variations have emerged:
- Slightly longer, shaggier versions with less-defined curls
- Versions with middle parts rather than styled forward
- Combinations with designs shaved into the fade
The core silhouette (volume on top, short sides) has proven durable. Even if the specific "broccoli" look eventually fades, elements of it will likely influence men's hairstyling for years.
The Meme Factor
Part of discussing the broccoli haircut means acknowledging the jokes. The style is heavily memed, particularly by millennials and Gen X observers who find it amusing that an entire generation chose to look like a vegetable.
Common jokes include:
- Photos comparing the haircut to actual broccoli
- Comments about "gym bros" all having the same hair
- Observations about every high school soccer team looking identical
The Gen Z response has largely been to lean into it. Getting a broccoli cut means accepting (even embracing) that people will make broccoli jokes. The self-awareness is part of the culture.
Broccoli Cut vs. Similar Styles
The broccoli haircut exists within a family of related looks.
Edgar cut: A straight-across fringe with very short or bald sides. More angular than the broccoli cut, with no curls. Popular in Latino communities.
Alpaca haircut: Similar to the broccoli cut but with softer, fluffier texture. Less defined curls, more of a fuzzy appearance. Named for resembling alpaca fur.
Meet-me-at-McDonald's cut: A British term for a similar style, referencing where young people sporting it might hang out.
Perm mullet: Combines permed curls with longer length in the back. More of an ironic, retro-inspired style than the broccoli cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Try Before You Commit
Not sure if the broccoli haircut is right for you? Our AI-powered tool lets you see yourself with the style before you visit the barber. Upload a selfie and get an instant preview of how you'd look with the trendy curly top and faded sides.
It's free to try, takes seconds, and might save you from a haircut you'd regret (or convince you to finally take the plunge).