25 Best Broccoli Haircuts for Men

The broccoli haircut is one of the most talked-about men’s hairstyles right now. Named for the way the curly top puffs out like a broccoli floret, this cut pairs a full, forward-falling fringe with short, clean sides. It is bold, it is youthful, and when it is done right, it is one of the most head-turning haircuts for men you can wear today.

What keeps the broccoli haircut at the top of the request list is how adaptable it is. Curls, waves, straight hair, thick hair, fine hair — there is a broccoli variation for almost every texture. And because the sides can be tapered, faded, or undercut, the same top works for a high-school hallway or a first job. It sits proudly among the most popular men’s hairstyles of the moment, right up there with the taper haircut and the classic fade.

Below are 25 of the best broccoli haircuts for men, from the timeless original to modern twists — each one with styling notes and exactly what to tell your barber.

25 Best Broccoli Haircuts for Men

1. Classic Broccoli Haircut

The classic broccoli haircut is the one that started it all. The top grows out into full, forward-styled curls that drape over the forehead like a soft fringe, while the sides and back stay neatly tapered. Nothing extreme, nothing overdone — just the signature rounded silhouette that made the cut famous. It suits oval, square, and heart-shaped faces and looks best on naturally curly or wavy hair.

Scrunch curl cream into damp hair and let it air-dry for natural definition. Tell your barber you want a classic broccoli — three to five inches of curl on top left forward, tapered sides, and the fringe cut to sit just above or on the eyebrows.

2. Curly Broccoli Haircut

The curly broccoli haircut is the style in its purest form. Tight, springy curls pack the top with volume while the sides stay short and controlled, so all the attention lands on that lush crown. It is one of the easiest broccoli haircuts for men with natural curls because your texture does most of the work — the cut simply gives it shape and direction.

Define curls with a leave-in conditioner and curl-defining gel, then diffuse on low heat. Tell your barber you want a curly broccoli with the sides faded short and the top shaped to your curl pattern, leaving enough length for the fringe to fall forward naturally.

3. Wavy Broccoli Haircut

The wavy broccoli haircut trades tight curls for loose, flowing movement. Waves roll forward into a soft fringe that looks effortless and touchable, which makes this version feel a little more relaxed than the curly original. It is a great pick for men whose hair bends more than it coils, and it flatters round and square faces because the movement softens the features.

Work sea salt spray into damp hair and scrunch as it dries to wake up the wave pattern. Tell your barber you want a wavy broccoli — four to five inches on top with light layering so the waves sit forward, and tapered sides to keep the shape clean.

4. Broccoli Haircut with Taper

The broccoli haircut with a taper is the cleanest way to wear the style. The sides taper down gradually to a crisp finish around the ears and neckline, which frames the full curly top beautifully. It is a favorite haircut for men who want the broccoli’s attitude without looking scruffy — the taper keeps it sharp enough for school photos and job interviews. See our full taper haircut guide for more tapered looks.

Style the top as usual with curl cream, then keep the taper fresh with a trim every three weeks. Tell your barber you want a broccoli top with a clean taper on the sides — low or medium taper both work — and ask him to keep the neckline natural or squared to your preference.

5. Broccoli Haircut with Mid Fade

The broccoli haircut with a mid fade splits the difference between bold and subtle. The fade starts around the middle of the sides and blends into the full curly top, creating a smooth transition that makes the top look even bigger by contrast. It is one of the most balanced broccoli haircuts for men who want edge without going extreme. Compare fade heights in our mid fade haircut collection.

Ask for the mid fade to blend seamlessly into the top so there is no harsh line where they meet. Tell your barber you want a broccoli with a mid fade — sides faded to skin or a short guard — with three to five inches of curl left on top for the fringe.

6. Broccoli Haircut with Low Fade

The broccoli haircut with a low fade is the subtlest take on the style. The fade hugs the ears and neckline and stays low, so the overall look stays soft and natural with maximum fullness on top. It is ideal for a first broccoli haircut or for men in settings where a high-contrast cut might raise eyebrows. More low-fade ideas live in our low fade haircut guide.

Because the fade is low, the top can stay longer without the cut looking top-heavy. Tell your barber you want a broccoli with a low fade — just cleaned up around the ears and nape — and five or more inches of curl on top. Keep the top moisturized so the longer length does not dry out.

7. Broccoli Undercut

The broccoli undercut is the boldest version of the style. The sides are buzzed short with a sharp disconnect instead of a gradual blend, so the long curly top stands out dramatically. It is a high-contrast look that reads confident and fashion-forward — best for men who do not mind turning heads. The disconnect also means grow-out shows fast, so plan on trims every two to three weeks.

Keep the top long — five to seven inches — so the contrast with the undercut stays dramatic. Tell your barber you want a broccoli undercut with a hard disconnect, no blending, and decide together whether the sides go to skin or a number one guard.

8. Long Broccoli Haircut

The long broccoli haircut is for men who have been growing the top for months and want to show it off. Curls fall past the ears and brush the eyebrows, giving the classic silhouette a shaggier, more relaxed feel. It works beautifully on oval and oblong faces because the length adds width, and it is a natural stage of the grow-out process for anyone committed to the look.

Longer curls need more moisture — use a leave-in conditioner and a deep-conditioning mask weekly. Tell your barber you want to keep the length on top while just tidying the shape, with the sides tapered lightly. Ask him to dust the ends so split ends do not thin out the fringe.

9. Short Broccoli Haircut

The short broccoli haircut proves the style does not need extreme length. The fringe is cropped just above the eyebrows, the top stays short and textured, and the sides are clean — all the broccoli character in a tidy, low-maintenance package. It is a smart entry point if you want to test the look, and it suits rounder faces since the shorter fringe keeps the face from looking overwhelmed.

Rub matte paste through dry hair and push the fringe forward. Tell your barber you want a short broccoli — two to three inches on top with texture, fringe cut to sit above the eyebrows, and neat tapered sides. It grows out fast, so book a trim every three to four weeks.

10. Thick-Hair Broccoli Haircut

Thick hair and the broccoli cut are a natural match. Dense curls build that full, lush silhouette with almost no effort, giving you the biggest, boldest version of the look. The main challenge is weight — too much bulk and the fringe can puff out instead of falling forward. A good barber removes weight with layers and thinning shears while keeping the curl pattern intact.

Use a light leave-in rather than heavy creams so the curls stay bouncy instead of weighed down. Tell your barber your hair is thick and you want a broccoli with internal layering to remove bulk, the fringe point-cut so it falls naturally, and tapered sides to control the sides.

11. Thin-Hair Broccoli Haircut

The thin-hair broccoli haircut uses texture tricks to make fine hair look fuller. Light, piecey layers create the illusion of volume while a wispy fringe covers the forehead without clumping. It will not have the same bulk as the thick-hair version, but with the right cut it reads as a soft, modern broccoli that flatters fine straight or wavy hair. Keep the length moderate — too long and fine hair looks stringy.

Blow-dry the top forward with a round brush for lift at the roots, then add volumizing mousse. Tell your barber you have fine hair and want a textured broccoli with choppy layers for fullness, a light fringe, and shorter sides so the top gets all the attention.

12. Blonde Broccoli Haircut

The blonde broccoli haircut is a statement. Bleached platinum or golden curls make the already-bold silhouette impossible to miss, and lighter tones show off every twist and curl in the fringe. It is a high-commitment look — bleach needs toning and care — but it is one of the most striking broccoli haircuts for men who want to stand out. Dark roots with a blonde top is a lower-maintenance way to try it.

Use purple shampoo once a week to keep the blonde from going brassy, and deep-condition regularly. Tell your barber or colorist you want the broccoli cut first, then the bleach, so the shape is right before the color goes on. Keep the sides faded tight for maximum contrast.

13. Highlighted Broccoli Haircut

The highlighted broccoli haircut adds dimension without full bleach. Caramel, honey, or ash highlights woven through the curls catch the light and make every coil stand out, which is a clever way to add depth to dark hair. It is less upkeep than all-over blonde and grows out more gracefully — the highlights just soften over time. This version photographs beautifully, which is part of why it is a social-media favorite.

Use color-safe shampoo and a weekly mask to keep highlighted curls healthy. Tell your barber or colorist you want a broccoli cut with face-framing highlights through the top and fringe, keeping the sides natural and tapered. Ask for a toner so the highlights blend instead of looking stripy.

14. Dark Broccoli Haircut

The dark broccoli haircut is the most understated of the colored versions — and one of the sharpest. Jet-black or deep espresso curls look glossy and rich, and the dark tone makes the silhouette itself the star instead of the color. It suits warm and olive skin tones especially well, and because there is no bleach involved, the hair stays healthier and the upkeep is minimal.

Shine is everything here — use a light oil or shine cream on the ends. Tell your barber you want a broccoli with a clean shape and faded sides, and ask him to keep the fringe full since dark hair shows off density. A gloss treatment between cuts keeps the color deep.

15. Korean Broccoli Haircut

The Korean broccoli haircut borrows from the K-pop world, where the style is closer to a two-block cut with a rounded, airy top. The fringe is usually straighter and more wispy than the curly original, and the sides are clipped short beneath the longer crown. It is the go-to broccoli variation for straight or slightly wavy hair, and it has a softer, more polished feel than the Western versions.

Blow-dry the fringe forward with a round brush for that airy lift, and finish with a light wax. Tell your barber you want a Korean-style broccoli — a two-block cut with a textured straight fringe and rounded volume on top. Bring a photo, since this version differs enough from the curly original that words alone can confuse things.

16. Broccoli Haircut with Line-Up

The broccoli haircut with a line-up adds razor-sharp precision to the playful top. The hairline along the forehead and temples is shaped into crisp geometric lines, which frames the curly fringe beautifully and gives the whole cut a finished look. It is especially popular on coily and curly hair, where a clean line-up makes the natural texture pop. The trade-off is maintenance — edges grow out in a week or two.

Keep the edges fresh with a touch-up every one to two weeks. Tell your barber you want a broccoli with a clean line-up — squared or slightly rounded corners — and ask him to keep the forehead line natural rather than pushing it back. A little edge control keeps it sharp between visits.

17. Messy Broccoli Haircut

The messy broccoli haircut leans into the style’s carefree side. The curls are tousled on purpose — scrunched, finger-combed, and left deliberately imperfect — for that just-rolled-out-of-bed energy that still looks intentional. It is the lowest-effort broccoli variation and works great on wavy to curly hair with natural texture. The trick is controlled chaos: messy on top, clean on the sides.

Work sea salt spray and a dab of matte clay into dry hair, then mess it up with your fingers and leave it alone. Tell your barber you want a textured broccoli cut for a messy finish — choppy layers that fall forward on their own — with the sides kept tidy so the mess looks deliberate.

18. Neat Broccoli Haircut

The neat broccoli haircut is the office-friendly version. The curls are defined and controlled instead of wild, the fringe sits smoothly in place, and the sides are tapered clean — the silhouette stays, but the chaos goes. It proves this haircut for men is not just a casual look; with the right styling it works in professional settings too. Best on curl patterns that can be smoothed without losing their shape.

Apply smoothing cream to damp hair, then define the fringe with your fingers and let it set. Tell your barber you want a neat, controlled broccoli — even layers that fall forward smoothly — and ask him to keep the fringe at a length you can tuck behind nothing but still manage. Regular trims keep the clean lines.

19. Broccoli Haircut for Round Faces

The broccoli haircut for round faces is all about adding height. By building extra volume on the crown and keeping the sides tight, the cut elongates the face and balances out fuller cheeks. The fringe still falls forward, but the overall shape pulls upward instead of spreading wide — that vertical emphasis is what makes it one of the most flattering haircut styles for rounder face shapes.

Blow-dry the crown upward at the roots for lift, then let the fringe fall forward naturally. Tell your barber you have a round face and want a broccoli with maximum height on top and tight, faded sides — and ask him to avoid too much width at the temples, which would widen the face.

20. Broccoli Haircut for Oval Faces

Men with oval faces have it easy — the balanced proportions suit almost any broccoli variation. The broccoli haircut for oval faces just needs medium, even volume all around: not too tall, not too wide, with the fringe proportioned to the forehead. The goal is harmony, letting the oval shape’s natural balance do the work while the cut adds character and texture on top.

Keep the styling simple — curl cream and a scrunch is plenty. Tell your barber you want a classic broccoli with balanced volume, fringe sitting on or just above the eyebrows, and tapered sides. Since your face shape is flexible, pick the version that fits your hair texture and routine best.

21. Textured Broccoli Haircut

The textured broccoli haircut is cut for movement. Choppy, piecey layers run through the top so the curls separate into defined strands instead of sitting as one solid mass. It is one of the most modern broccoli haircuts for men — lighter, airier, and full of dimension. Thick and wavy hair benefits most, since the texture removes bulk while showing off the natural pattern.

Use a small amount of matte clay and pinch the ends to separate the pieces. Tell your barber you want a textured broccoli — point-cut and razor-cut layers through the top — with a piecey fringe and tapered sides. The texture does the styling for you, so this is a genuinely low-effort option.

22. Layered Broccoli Haircut

The layered broccoli haircut is about structure. Graduated layers are cut through the top so the curls stack in a deliberate shape — shorter at the crown, longer toward the fringe — which gives the cut a sculpted, intentional look. It is the difference between hair that just grew out and hair that was designed. Layering also stops the top from collapsing into a triangle as it grows.

Style by scrunching curl cream upward so the layers stack instead of hanging. Tell your barber you want a layered broccoli with graduated length through the top and a forward fringe, blended sides, and enough layering to keep the silhouette rounded rather than triangular as it grows out.

23. Broccoli Haircut with Fringe Detail

Every broccoli haircut lives or dies by its fringe, and this version puts the fringe front and center. The fringe detail is about precision — the exact length, the softness of the tips, how it sits on the forehead. Whether yours is curly, wavy, or straight, a well-cut fringe is what separates a great broccoli from a mop. Browse our fringe haircut collection for more forward-styled inspiration.

The fringe should just brush the eyebrows or sit slightly above — too long and it looks unkempt, too short and it loses the effect. Tell your barber to cut the fringe dry or nearly dry, since wet curls shrink and he will cut off more than you want. Ask him to soften the tips with point-cutting so the fringe falls naturally.

24. Grown-Out Broccoli Haircut

The grown-out broccoli haircut is what happens when you skip a trim or two — and honestly, it can look great. The curls relax into a longer, shaggier shape with a lived-in feel, and the sides soften so the whole cut reads more natural. The risk is that it tips into shapelessness, so the key is knowing when to tidy the edges. If it keeps growing with no plan, you are heading toward a different style entirely — our mullet haircut guide shows where that road leads.

Keep the shape alive with regular dustings — just the ends and the edges. Tell your barber you want to grow out your broccoli and ask him to reshape rather than shorten it: clean the neckline, lighten the ends, and keep the fringe at a wearable length.

25. Side-Swept Broccoli Haircut

The side-swept broccoli haircut breaks the rules in the best way. Instead of the fringe falling straight forward, it sweeps diagonally across the forehead for an asymmetrical, dynamic shape. It is a fresh twist for men who love the broccoli silhouette but want something less common — and it is surprisingly flattering, since the diagonal line softens strong foreheads and adds movement.

Blow-dry the fringe to one side with a brush, then lock it in with light-hold cream. Tell your barber you want a broccoli with a side-swept fringe — the top cut slightly longer on the sweeping side so it falls naturally — with tapered sides to keep the base clean.

How to Style a Broccoli Haircut

A broccoli haircut is only as good as its daily styling. The cut gives you the shape, but a few minutes each morning decide whether it looks like a statement or a mess. Follow these steps and yours will look sharp every day.

1. Start with damp, towel-dried hair. Styling products work best on hair that is damp but not dripping. After your shower, gently squeeze out the excess water with a towel — do not rub, which creates frizz. A healthy routine starts with good hair care habits, especially for curly textures that dry out easily.
2. Apply curl cream or leave-in conditioner. Work a coin-sized amount through the top with your fingers, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. This defines the curl pattern and keeps the fringe soft instead of crunchy. Men with wavy hair can swap in sea salt spray for a more textured finish.
3. Push everything forward. The broccoli’s signature move is the forward fringe. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to direct all the top hair toward your forehead. Resist the urge to part it — the whole point is that unbroken curtain of curl over the brow.
4. Dry for definition. Let it air-dry for the most natural result, or use a diffuser on low heat to speed things up and boost volume. Cup sections of curl into the diffuser and dry upward from underneath — this builds the crown height that makes the silhouette work. Avoid high heat, which blows curls out into frizz.
5. Set the shape with a light product. Once dry, scrunch a pea-sized amount of matte clay or cream through the ends to lock the fringe in place without stiffness. A light hold keeps the fringe from splitting apart during the day while letting it move naturally.
6. Keep the sides clean. The contrast between the full top and tidy sides is what makes the cut work. Trim stray hairs around the ears and neckline between barber visits, and schedule a full shape-up every three to four weeks. If you are unsure which fade height suits the look, our fade haircut guide breaks down every option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a broccoli haircut?

A broccoli haircut is a men’s haircut with a full, forward-styled curly top that resembles a broccoli floret, paired with short tapered or faded sides. The defining feature is the fringe — curls or waves that fall over the forehead — while the sides stay neat and controlled. It works on curly, wavy, and even straight hair with the right styling.

Is the broccoli haircut just for teenagers?

It started as a teen and college favorite, but the broccoli haircut works at any age. Younger guys tend to wear the bolder versions — undercuts, blonde dye, extreme length — while men in their twenties and thirties usually go for neater takes like the tapered or low-fade versions. If you like youthful styles, our boys’ haircuts roundup has more teen-friendly ideas, but the broccoli itself has no age limit.

What hair type works best for a broccoli haircut?

Curly and wavy hair are the natural fit since the style is built around texture falling forward. That said, straight hair can absolutely wear a broccoli — the Korean two-block version is proof — it just needs more styling effort with a blow-dryer and texture products. Thick hair gives the biggest silhouette, while fine hair does best with the textured, layered versions that create the illusion of fullness.

How long does my hair need to be for a broccoli haircut?

You need at least three inches on top for the fringe to fall forward properly — four to six inches is the sweet spot for the classic look. The sides can be any length you like, from a skin fade to a simple taper. If your hair is shorter than three inches, grow the top out for a month or two first; getting the cut too early leaves the fringe stubby instead of flowing.

How often should I get a broccoli haircut trimmed?

Every three to four weeks keeps the shape sharp. The fringe grows fast and starts covering your eyes, while faded sides lose their crispness — both are signs it is time for a touch-up. Between visits, you can ask your barber for a fringe-only trim, which is quicker and cheaper and keeps the silhouette intact while the rest keeps growing.

What should I tell my barber to get a broccoli haircut?

Ask for a broccoli haircut with three to six inches of length on top, styled forward into a fringe, with your choice of tapered or faded sides. Be specific about the sides — taper, low fade, mid fade, or undercut — since that changes the look dramatically. Bring two or three reference photos on someone with your hair type, and mention how much styling time you are willing to do each morning so your barber can adjust the cut to your routine.

The Bottom Line

The broccoli haircut earns its spot among the most popular haircuts for men because it is equal parts bold and adaptable. Whether you go classic with full curls, clean it up with a taper, or make a statement with blonde, the formula stays the same: big textured top, forward fringe, tidy sides. Pick the version that fits your hair type and your routine, bring a photo to your barber, and enjoy one of the most fun men’s hairstyles you can wear right now. For more inspiration, explore our men’s haircuts collection and our guide to haircuts for the fundamentals.