Broccoli Haircut: Why It’s So Popular How to Style It
Also called the bird’s nest cut, the wet mop, and the zoomer perm, the broccoli cut is basically the peak of Gen Z’s style creativity. This haircut features a tight fade around the sides and back that blends into a big, fluffy top full of curls or waves sitting above the hairline. But why does it suddenly feel like it’s showing up everywhere? What makes this haircut stand out so much? In this article, you’ll get all the answers and more.
What is broccoli haircut?
A broccoli haircut is a style where the back and sides are trimmed short with a fade or taper, while the top is kept longer, fuller, and usually curly or wavy, creating a shape similar to a broccoli floret. It became a major trend among teens thanks to social platforms like TikTok, and it works naturally with curly hair or can be made using a perm for people with straight hair.
Key features
- Top: The top section is left longer, thicker, and airy, often shaped with layers to give curls or waves their trademark lift.
- Sides and back: These parts are cut tight—often a fade or taper—to highlight the big top section.
- Texture: Best suited for people with naturally curly or wavy hair, but it’s also easy to recreate on straight hair with styling products or a perm.
How to get one
- Naturally curly/wavy hair: Ask your barber for a rounded, heavy top with enough length to show off your curl pattern, paired with a mid or low taper on the sides.
- Straight hair: You’ll need a longer top for movement and a perm to create the bouncy curls. Light texturizing can also stop the hair from appearing flat.
Does the Broccoli Haircut Work for Everyone?
“It works for any gender who wants to pull it off,” says Purvis, though having some natural texture helps before jumping in. “The broccoli looks best on hair with some grit, but with the right styling even someone with straight hair can pull off the look,” Purvis adds.
How to Style a Broccoli Haircut
If you’re going all in on the veggie-inspired cut, you need to style it properly so the top doesn’t look limp or weighed down. Volume is the number-one priority, so avoid heavy conditioners or thick creams. “Go light or skip conditioner altogether to keep the top as full as possible,” says Purvis. “Use a volumizing product on damp hair, and blow-dry with a diffuser for big curls, or use a round brush or blow-dry brush for lift.”
You can also add medium-hold pomade, curl cream, or mousse for more shape and all-day staying power.
The Mullet Meets Broccoli Cut
Add extra length to the back if you want the broccoli style with a twist. Keep the sides clipped short under the top layer so the look stays easy and airy.
The Straight Broccoli Cut
No curls? No problem. You can still rock the broccoli look with straight hair. Just work in a little pomade for texture and grip.
The Buzzed Broccoli Cut
If you want a cool, breathable haircut for warmer weather, this version is perfect. Keep the top pushed forward and full, while buzzing the sides and back completely.
The Curly Broccoli Haircut
The most classic version of the broccoli cut, this look truly captures the broccoli silhouette. Add gel or curl cream, and the style will stay put all day.
The Full-Bodied Broccoli Haircut
This one leans slightly toward a bowl cut, but it still fits the broccoli trend—especially for people with coily hair. Style the front pieces downward to get that signature veggie-like shape.
Why is the broccoli cut so popular?
It’s bold, it’s expressive, and it stands apart from older haircut trends.
Gen Z loves breaking norms and being different. They’re also the first fully digital generation, so when a style pops up online, it spreads instantly. The broccoli cut blew up on TikTok because it looked nothing like what Millennials, Gen Y, or Xennials typically wore, making it fresh and exciting.
- It’s also incredibly flexible. With different levels of styling, it can look sharp and clean, wild and playful, or anything in between.
- Zoomers aren’t as worried about looking too serious, so the fun and even silly elements of the broccoli cut are actually part of its charm. Sourece https://youtu.be/MzwwMQiE2jc?t=25
- The name comes from the short sides and fluffy top similar to the shape of a broccoli head.
The Broccoli Perm: Creating the Look
While some boys naturally have the texture needed, many choose a perm to get the perfect curls. That’s where the term “broccoli perm” comes from.
What is a Broccoli Perm?
A broccoli perm is a chemical process that adds curls or waves to the hair. For this look, the perm is usually applied only to the top section while the sides stay natural or remain short.
The Perming Process:
- Consultation to decide curl size and pattern
- Hair is washed and divided into sections
- Perm solution is applied to the chosen area
- Hair is wrapped on perm rods
- Processing time (usually 15–30 minutes)
- Neutralizer is applied to set the curls
- Rods are removed, and hair is styled
Considerations Before Getting a Broccoli Perm
Like any chemical service, there are things to think about before getting a broccoli perm:
- Hair Health: Perms can dry out the hair, so starting with healthy strands matters.
- Maintenance: The style needs upkeep and curl-friendly products.
- Growing Out: As hair gets longer, the curls become less defined.
- School and Sports: Check any dress code rules or see if the style affects sports.
- Commitment: A perm lasts a while and isn’t easy to undo instantly.
Caring for a Broccoli Head Haircut
No matter if the curls are natural or permed, the broccoli look needs proper care:
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and curl-boosting conditioners
- Apply leave-in conditioner to keep curls soft
- Use curl creams, gels, or mousse for structure
- Limit heat styling
- Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase to reduce frizz
- Get regular trims to keep the shape fresh
Is the Broccoli Head Right for Your Teen?
If you’re a parent, you may wonder if this trend is right for your child. Here are things to think about:
- Age appropriateness: There’s no strict age limit, but think about responsibility and care.
- Lifestyle: Make sure the haircut fits your teen’s daily routine.
- Self-expression: Hair is a great, safe way for teens to show personality.
- Temporary nature: If it doesn’t turn out perfect, hair grows back—nothing permanent.
Alternatives to the Broccoli Perm
If you aren’t ready to try a perm, there are other ways to get a similar look:
- Curl-enhancing products for naturally wavy or curly hair
- Temporary styling methods like twist-outs or sponge curls
- Using a small curling iron (though you’ll need daily styling)
FAQs
What is broccoli haircut?
A broccoli haircut is a style with a short, faded, or tapered back and sides, and a longer, fuller, and often curly or wavy top, resembling the shape of broccoli. It became a popular trend, especially among teenagers, due to its spread on platforms like TikTok and can be achieved with naturally curly hair or by using a perm on straight hair.
What are key features of broccoli haircut?
Top: The hair on top is left long and voluminous, often with layered curls or waves, to create the signature shape.
Sides and back: These areas are cut short, often with a taper or fade, to contrast with the fullness on top.
Texture: It is ideal for people with naturally curly or wavy hair, but can be achieved on straight hair with styling products or a perm.
How to get broccoli haircut?
Naturally curly/wavy hair: Ask for a heavy, rounded top with enough length to enhance your natural texture, paired with a mid or low taper on the sides.
Straight hair: You will need to maintain a longer top for volume and use a perm to add the signature bounce and curls. Light texturizing on top can also help prevent the hair from looking flat.
What makes the broccoli haircut different from other Gen Z hairstyles?
The broccoli cut stands out because of its rounded, fluffy top paired with short sides, giving it a bold, fun shape. It’s easy to customize and spreads quickly on social media, making it one of Gen Z’s most recognizable hair trends.
Can people with straight hair get a broccoli haircut without a perm?
Yes. Straight hair can pull off the look using texturizing products, mousse, pomade, or heat styling tools to add grip and volume, though a perm gives the most authentic curls.
How long does a broccoli perm last?
A broccoli perm typically lasts two to six months, depending on hair type, aftercare, and how fast your hair grows.
Is the broccoli cut appropriate for school or sports?
Most schools allow it, but some sports may require keeping hair off the face. Always check team or school rules before getting the cut.
Is the broccoli haircut high-maintenance?
It can be low or high maintenance depending on curl type. Natural curls need less work, while permed or straight hair requires more styling to keep the volume and shape.
Does the broccoli haircut suit all face shapes?
Yes. Because the top can be shaped, layered, or styled differently, it can be adjusted to fit round, oval, square, or long face shapes.
What products help maintain the broccoli haircut?
Volumizing mousse, curl cream, lightweight gel, leave-in conditioner, and curl-refresh sprays help keep the shape, definition, and bounce.
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