Teen boys are flocking to salons to get the viral “broccoli cut,” a trendy hairstyle resembling the frizzy florets of the vegetable. Popularized on TikTok and spotted on celebrities like Bryce Hall and Mason Disick, the style features bouncy curls atop the head with shorter sides. This perm trend has become so widespread that some salons are overwhelmed with requests. Despite concerns over the chemical process, many teens are begging their parents to pay for perms, inspired by social media influencers and peers.
The hairstyle’s popularity isn’t just limited to social media; it’s making its way into mainstream culture. Set photos from the upcoming “Superman” movie show actor David Corenswet sporting the look, signaling its influence beyond just Gen Z. Celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins explains that the appeal lies in the low maintenance of the style; once permed, the hair can simply be air-dried, eliminating the need for daily styling.
Parents are feeling the pressure to finance this hairstyle trend, with some teens like Brooks Eddy and Quinn Goncalves convincing their moms to shell out $70 to $150 for the transformation. The trend has even caught the attention of stylists and media studies experts, who note that the perm’s resurgence marks a significant shift in young men’s fashion. Social media’s influence is undeniable, as seen with influencers like Dillon Latham, who turned a bet with his followers into a profitable hair trend, despite initial ridicule.
Though some teens are enjoying their newfound curly locks, there’s acknowledgment that this trend, like many before it, may be fleeting. Brooks Eddy admits that the “broccoli cut” could soon become a dated look, much like the mullets and soul patches of previous decades.
