No shade to the vegetable, but we never would have thought that broccoli would be influencing the beauty space. Recently, however, people have been using the nutrient-packed food to perfect their freckles and even inspire their next haircut. Don’t believe us? Please see the “broccoli haircut.”
“Believe it or not, a big part of this started out from children’s movies,” celebrity hairstylist Rene Fris tells PS. (It’s true, take a look at characters like Ralph in “Wreck It Ralph” or Dexter in “Chang Can Dunk” for proof.) “However, it’s possible that animated characters with unique hairstyles could have contributed to the popularity of unconventional cuts like the broccoli haircut among younger audiences today.”
A quick Google search will show that it’s a short hairstyle primarily seen on men, but broccoli cuts can work on anyone. They combine two popular hairstyles: taper fades and bowl cuts. If you’re ready for a new look, Fris explains everything you should know about the broccoli haircut, ahead.
What Is the Broccoli Haircut?
If you’re a fan of shaggy, slightly more undone-looking hairstyles, then the broccoli haircut is for you. “The look often results in a textured and slightly messy finish,” Fris says. “It’s achieved by cutting the hair in short, uneven layers that resemble the florets of a broccoli. The side can be completely buzz-cut short or shaved very close to the scalp (like a fade).”
If you break the look down, it looks quite a bit like the combination of a bowl cut and a tapered fade — two hairstyles that are independently very popular. When you combine them, the resulting broccoli haircut feels like it was destined for greatness.
How to Achieve a Broccoli Haircut
When it comes to the broccoli haircut, you want to make sure that your stylist is well-versed in short hairstyles, as there are subtle differences that you may want to be aware of. “First thing you’ll want to do is ask your hairdresser for a lot of texture and volume,” Fris says. “You’ll already be starting off with a shorter cut, but prioritize asking for uneven lengths — the ends of the hair should be cut to mimic the irregular shape of the vegetable.”
This hairstyle is particularly well-suited for curly hair, as the ringlets very closely mimic the heads of a piece of broccoli naturally. However, if you have straighter hair, Fris recommends playing around with styling products. “Use volumizing products like the Sachajuan Ocean Mist ($40) and scrunch the hair to emphasize texture,” he says. This is important if you prefer to keep more hair along the sides of your head, as this will help the entire style look more cohesive.
Ready for your broccoli haircut era? Keep reading to get inspiration for the style to save for your next appointment.
