25 Broccoli Haircut Ideas Every Gen Z Guy Is Getting

The broccoli haircut — also known as the ‘TikTok haircut’ or ‘fluffy hair’ — has become the defining Gen Z men’s hairstyle. The name comes from its silhouette: tight, voluminous curls or permed waves on top that resemble a head of broccoli, paired with a fade or taper on the sides.

What started as a meme became a genuine trend, and now it’s one of the most-requested haircuts in barbershops worldwide. The broccoli cut works best with naturally curly or permed hair and looks great on men who want maximum volume with minimal daily effort. Here are 25 variations to consider.

1. Classic Broccoli Cut

The OG version: tight, voluminous curls on top with a mid to high fade on the sides. The curls spring upward and outward, creating that signature broccoli silhouette. No styling needed — the curls do all the work.

2. Broccoli Cut with High Fade

The high fade maximizes the contrast between the bare sides and the curly top. This version makes the ‘broccoli’ shape even more pronounced and dramatic. It’s the most recognizable version of the cut.

3. Permed Broccoli Cut

Don’t have naturally curly hair? A perm creates the exact curl pattern needed for the broccoli look. The perm gives straight or wavy hair tight, bouncy curls that hold their shape for weeks. It’s how most straight-haired guys achieve this style.

4. Fluffy Broccoli Cut

The fluffy version has looser, more voluminous curls that create maximum height and width. The curls are less tight and more cloud-like, giving the overall shape more softness. It’s the most approachable version.

5. Short Broccoli Cut

A tighter, more compact version with shorter curls on top. The broccoli shape is still there but in miniature. It’s easier to maintain and works better in professional settings while keeping the Gen Z aesthetic.

6. Broccoli Cut with Taper

The taper fade is more gradual and conservative than a skin fade, making this version work-appropriate. The curls on top are still the star, but the overall look reads as a well-groomed curly haircut rather than a statement piece.

7. Broccoli Cut with Line Up

A sharp line up along the hairline adds geometric precision to the organic curls. The contrast between the perfectly straight lines and the wild curls on top creates a striking visual balance.

8. Blonde Broccoli Cut

Bleaching the curls blonde makes the broccoli shape pop even more against the darker faded sides. The light color also makes each individual curl more visible, adding incredible texture and dimension.

9. Broccoli Cut with Beard

Adding a beard to the broccoli cut ages it up in the best way. The curly top paired with facial hair creates a mature, put-together look that proves this isn’t just a teenager’s haircut.

10. Messy Broccoli Cut

The messy version lets the curls go wild without any shaping or definition. The curls spring in every direction, creating an intentionally chaotic look that screams effortless cool. Zero product required.

11. Broccoli Cut with Design

Shaved designs in the fade area add personal flair to an already expressive style. Stars, geometric lines, or wave patterns turn the sides into a canvas that complements the curly top.

12. Two-Tone Broccoli Cut

Dyeing the curls a different color from the sides creates a bold two-tone effect. Popular combos include platinum curls with dark sides, or red-tinted curls over a natural base. It’s the maximum-expression version.

13. Broccoli Cut with Drop Fade

The drop fade curves down and behind the ear, creating a unique frame for the curly top. The drop shape mirrors the roundness of the curl pattern, making the transition between curls and skin feel more natural.

14. Long Broccoli Cut

Extending the curls to maximum length creates a towering broccoli shape with serious presence. The extra length lets the curls cascade and bounce, creating movement and drama that shorter versions can’t match.

15. Broccoli Cut with Highlights

Subtle highlights through the curls add depth and dimension. Each curl catches the light differently, making the texture look more complex and interesting. Caramel or honey tones on dark hair work beautifully.

The broccoli haircut has gone from internet joke to legitimate barbershop staple, and it’s not going anywhere in 2026. The key to a great broccoli cut is getting the right curl pattern on top — whether natural or permed — and pairing it with a clean fade that lets the volume do the talking.

For styling, less is more. A light curl cream or mousse on damp hair, diffuse or air dry, and you’re done. The curls handle themselves.