Gen Z Loves “Broccoli Hair” — Here’s How It’s Done
Because I work in fashion and beauty, I’d like to think I’m more hip than your average Millennial. But I must admit, when I heard TikTokers calling the latest must-have hairstyle is called Broccoli Hair… I was thrown for a loop.
After doing a bit of classic beauty journalist research, I am pleased to inform you that broccoli hair doesn’t involve clipping actual broccoli florets to your head. It’s actually not even green!
In reality the broccoli haircut is just when you shave the sides of your head and keep the top long and curly (like a broccoli floret). While this hairstyle has its fair share of haters, I’m not one of them. As someone with naturally curly hair myself, I love any hairstyle or trend that promotes natural curls.
In case you or someone you know want to try the broccoli haircut at home, I did a little more research into how to make it happen.
How to Ask for the Broccoli Haircut from a Hairdresser
How to Style Your Broccoli Haircut
To style the broccoli haircut, follow these steps:
- Wash and Towel Dry: Start with clean, towel-dried hair. The hair should be damp but not soaking wet.
- Apply Product: Use a lightweight styling product like a matte paste, clay, or texturizing cream. Take a small amount, rub it between your palms, and work it through your hair, focusing on the top where the layers are.
- Create Texture: Use your fingers to tousle and shape the top, enhancing the uneven layers. Lift sections of your hair and let them fall naturally to create a messy, textured look. The goal is to make the hair look a bit disheveled, like broccoli florets.
- Define the Sides: If the sides are faded or buzzed, smooth them down with your hands, using a tiny bit of product if necessary to keep them sleek and close to the scalp.
- Finish with a Blow Dryer (Optional): For extra volume and hold, you can use a blow dryer on a low setting while styling the top with your fingers or a vented brush. Blow-dry upward to emphasize the texture and lift.
- Final Touch: Add a little more product if needed, to hold the style in place. You can also use a light hairspray to lock everything in without making it stiff.
This style is all about the natural, tousled look, so don’t worry about making it perfect—embrace the messy, laid-back vibe. Embracing the broccoli haircut is a fun way for anyone to celebrate their natural curls while staying on trend. Despite its strange name and meme-able reputation, this style is both versatile and easy to achieve with the right guidance.