Broccoli haircuts are trendy for short hair

No shade for the vegetables, but we never thought that broccoli would influence the beauty field. However, recently, people are using the nutrient-rich food to perfect their freckles and even get inspiration for their next haircut. Don’t believe us? Please check out the broccoli haircut.

“Believe it or not, a lot of it started with children’s movies,” celebrity hairstylist Rene Fris tells PS. (That’s true; look at characters like Ralph in Wreck-It Ralph or Dexter in Chang Can Dunk for proof.) “However, it’s possible that cartoon characters with unique hairstyles contributed to the popularity of unconventional cuts like the broccoli haircut among today’s younger audiences.”

A quick Google search reveals that it’s a short hairstyle seen mostly on men, but broccoli cuts can suit anyone. They combine two popular hairstyles: taper fades and bowl cuts. If you’re ready for a new look, Fris explains everything you need to know about the broccoli haircut below.

What is the broccoli haircut?

If you’re a fan of shaggy, slightly messy-looking hairstyles, then the broccoli haircut is for you. “The look often results in a textured and slightly messy finish,” says Fris. “This is achieved by cutting the hair into short, uneven layers that resemble the florets of a broccoli. The side can be cut completely short or shaved very close to the scalp (like a fade).”

When you break the look down, it looks a lot like the combination of a bowl cut and a tapered fade—two hairstyles that are hugely popular independently. When you combine them, the resulting broccoli haircut feels like it’s destined for greatness.

Experts featured in this article

Rene Fris is a celebrity hairdresser.

How to do the broccoli haircut

When it comes to the broccoli haircut, you’ll want to make sure your hairdresser is familiar with short hairstyles, as there are subtle differences you should be aware of. “The first thing you should ask your hairdresser for is lots of texture and volume,” says Fris. “You’ll already start with a shorter cut, but ask for uneven lengths as a priority – the ends of the hair should be cut to mimic the irregular shape of the vegetable.”

This hairstyle works particularly well for curly hair, as the curls are very similar to the natural curls of a broccoli. However, if you have straighter hair, Fris recommends experimenting with styling products. “Use volumizing products like the Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($38) and scrunch the hair to accentuate the texture,” he says. This is important if you prefer to keep more hair on the sides of your head, as it will help the entire style look more cohesive.

Ready for the era of the broccoli haircut? Read on to get inspiration for the style you should save for your next appointment.