Broccoli haircut
Tapered sides with curly, layered top hair.
This style features short tapered sides and voluminous curls on top, often created with a chemical perm. It rose to fame among teenage boys in the late 2010s via TikTok, becoming a viral internet meme.
- Resembles a broccoli floret due to curly top and tapered sides.
- Popularized by TikTokers during the early 2020s lockdowns.
- Often requires chemical perming for straight-haired wearers.
- Banned in some UK schools for being distracting.
- Mocked online as the Zoomer perm or bird's nest.
What it is
The broccoli haircut is defined by its distinct silhouette: the sides are cut short and tapered, while the top remains longer with uneven, layered curls. This creates a rounded, voluminous shape on the crown that resembles a floret of broccoli. It is primarily worn by teenage and tween boys. The look often requires chemical treatment to achieve the necessary curl pattern if the wearer has straight hair.
Where it comes from
Precursors to this style appeared in the early 1980s among fans of new wave bands like Duran Duran and Wham. These were grown-out quiffs, often enlarged with hairspray. The modern version revived these permed undercuts in the mid-2010s. By 2018, it gained traction in the UK, where schools notably banned it. During pandemic lockdowns, young boys experimented with home perms. TikTokers such as Dillon Latham and Noah Beck helped spread the trend globally in 2020 and 2021.
What it means
The style has sparked debate regarding authenticity and body image. Supporters suggest it helps boys embrace curly textures that were previously less common in male fashion. Critics argue it exploits insecurities by promoting chemically altered hair as a natural ideal. It became a symbol of Generation Z identity online, often mocked as the Zoomer perm. The term meet me at McDonald's haircut highlights its association with youth culture and casual social spaces.
How it is made
Barbers taper the sides and back closely, leaving significant length on top. For those with straight hair, a chemical perm is applied to create tight curls or waves. The top section is then layered to add volume and texture. Styling often involves products to maintain definition and hold. Without a perm, natural curls must be encouraged with specific care routines to achieve the required bulk and shape.
Who and what it suits
This cut works best for those willing to maintain curly or wavy textures. It is particularly popular among adolescents with straight hair who use perms to mimic the look. Face shape is less critical than the willingness to manage the volume on top. It suits individuals seeking a bold, youthful aesthetic that stands out. Thick hair may require thinning to prevent excessive bulk.
Versions
Variations include the bird's nest look, which emphasizes messier, more tangled curls. The alpaca back and sides refers to similar textured styles with heavy layering. Some wearers opt for a softer curl pattern, while others prefer tight, defined ringlets. It is considered a modern take on the bowl cut, with more texture and less uniformity in the length of the top layers.
Questions people ask about Broccoli haircut
Why is it called the broccoli haircut?
It earns this name because the voluminous, curly top combined with short tapered sides resembles the shape and texture of a broccoli floret. The visual similarity is striking when viewed from the side or above.
Do you need naturally curly hair for this style?
No, many people with straight hair achieve this look using chemical perms. The perm breaks hair bonds to create artificial curls, allowing straight-haired individuals to mimic the natural texture required for the style.
Is this hairstyle controversial?
Yes, it has faced criticism from health experts due to damage from frequent perming. It also became an internet meme, with some mocking it as a symbol of generational divides, while schools have banned it for being disruptive.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Broccoli haircut", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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