Broccoli Haircut for Curly Hair: How to Get the Perfect Natural Look

Good news: if you have naturally curly hair, you're starting with a massive advantage.

The broccoli haircut is defined by voluminous curls on top with faded sides. That rounded, floret-like silhouette everyone's trying to achieve? It comes from curl texture. And you've already got it.

While straight-haired guys are spending hundreds on perms and maintenance, you just need the right cut and some decent products. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting the broccoli haircut when you're already blessed with curly hair.

Why Curly Hair Is Perfect for the Broccoli Cut

The broccoli haircut exists because of curly hair. The style emerged from natural curl patterns, not the other way around.

Here's why curly hair has the advantage:

Natural volume. Curly hair springs upward and outward, creating the height that defines the broccoli silhouette. Straight hair lies flat; curly hair defies gravity.

Built-in texture. The interesting, dynamic look of the broccoli cut comes from texture. Each curl catches light differently, creating depth and movement. You don't need products to manufacture this.

Low-commitment styling. Unlike permed hair that requires careful product routines, natural curls are more forgiving. They already know how to curl. You're just helping them along.

No chemical damage. Perms cause some hair damage by definition. Your naturally curly hair hasn't been chemically altered, so it's healthier and more resilient.

The only thing you need is the right cut and some basic curl knowledge.

Understanding Your Curl Type

Not all curly hair is the same. Your specific curl pattern affects how the broccoli cut will look on you.

Type 2: Wavy

Wavy hair forms loose S-shapes rather than tight spirals. If you have type 2 hair, your broccoli cut will be softer and less dramatically rounded than someone with tighter curls.

2A: Barely-there waves. May need product help to hold the broccoli shape. 2B: More defined waves with some volume. Works well with the style. 2C: Strong waves with some actual curls mixed in. Excellent for the broccoli cut.

Type 3: Curly

This is the classic curly hair that the broccoli cut was made for. Defined curls that spring back when stretched.

3A: Loose, bouncy curls about the diameter of a piece of sidewalk chalk. Great volume, defined shape. 3B: Tighter curls, roughly marker-sized in diameter. Excellent spring and height. 3C: Tight corkscrews, pencil-sized diameter. Maximum volume potential.

Type 4: Coily

Tightly coiled or kinky hair with a Z-pattern or very tight curl pattern.

4A: Defined S-pattern coils. Creates an ultra-voluminous broccoli look. 4B: Less defined Z-pattern. Requires more moisture but can achieve great volume. 4C: Tightest coil pattern. Maximum texture and volume; may need extra styling attention.

Any curl type can work for the broccoli cut. The result just looks slightly different depending on your pattern. Tighter curls create a more dramatic, rounded floret shape. Looser curls give a softer, wavier interpretation.

Getting the Cut: What to Ask Your Barber

The haircut itself is straightforward. But communication with your barber matters. For a complete guide on barber communication, see our how to ask your barber guide.

Key Specifications

Length on top: Ask for 3-5 inches on top, enough for your curls to spring up and create volume. Curly hair shrinks when dry, so your barber should account for this. The hair will look shorter once it dries and curls up.

Fade type: Specify low, mid, or high fade on the sides. All work with the broccoli cut. Lower fades are more subtle; higher fades create more contrast with the curly top.

Blend zone: Ask for a gradual blend where the curly top meets the faded sides. A harsh line looks unnatural. The transition should flow smoothly.

Curl consideration: Make sure your barber cuts your hair DRY or understands how much shrinkage to expect. Cutting curly hair wet without accounting for shrinkage is a common mistake that leaves the top too short.

Reference Photos Help

Bring 2-3 photos of broccoli cuts on people with similar curl patterns to yours. Generic references might not translate to your specific hair type.

Tell your barber:

• "I want the curls to have this much volume"
• "I want the fade to start here"
• "My hair shrinks about this much when it dries"

Good barbers ask questions. If yours doesn't, volunteer the information.

Styling Your Natural Broccoli Cut

With curly hair, daily styling is about defining and controlling what you already have, not creating texture from scratch.

The Basic Routine

1. Start with damp hair. After showering, towel-dry gently by scrunching, not rubbing. Rubbing creates frizz.

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner. This adds moisture and helps curls clump together. Apply evenly, focusing on the top section where the curls are.

3. Add curl cream or gel. Depending on your hold preference, apply a curl-defining product. Cream gives a softer, more natural look. Gel provides more definition and hold.

4. Scrunch upward. Scrunch your curls toward your scalp to encourage them to spring up and create volume.

5. Diffuse or air dry. A diffuser on low heat adds volume without disrupting curl pattern. Air drying takes longer but works if you're not in a rush.

6. Scrunch out any crunch. If you used gel and it dried crunchy, scrunch gently to break the cast and reveal soft, defined curls.

Total time: 10-15 minutes depending on your hair length and whether you diffuse.

Product Recommendations by Curl Type

Type 2 (Wavy):

• Lightweight mousse for volume
• Sea salt spray for texture
• Light-hold gel if needed

Type 3 (Curly):

• Curl cream for definition
• Medium-hold gel for lasting shape
• Leave-in conditioner for moisture

Type 4 (Coily):

• Rich curl cream or butter
• Edge control for the perimeter
• Oil or serum for shine and moisture

Common Styling Mistakes

Using too much product. Heavy products weigh down curls and reduce volume. The broccoli cut needs height. Start with less than you think you need.

Not scrunching. Scrunching encourages curls to spring upward. Just smoothing product through creates a flatter result.

Touching it too much as it dries. The more you touch wet curls, the more frizz you create. Apply products, style, then leave it alone until it's dry.

Using heat without protection. If you diffuse, use a heat protectant. Fried curls don't hold their shape as well.

Maintaining the Shape

Curly broccoli cuts need regular maintenance to stay fresh. For a complete breakdown of daily, weekly, and monthly care, see our full maintenance guide.

Haircut Schedule

• Fade maintenance: Every 2-3 weeks. The sides grow out quickly and lose their clean shape.
• Top shaping: Every 4-6 weeks. Your barber can trim any uneven ends and reshape the silhouette.
• Deep trim: Every 2-3 months to remove damaged ends and reset the shape.

Some guys separate these appointments. Others get everything done at once every 3-4 weeks. Find the rhythm that works for your hair growth rate.

Between Cuts

Keep your curls healthy and defined between barbershop visits:

Weekly deep conditioning. Use a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week. Curly hair tends toward dryness, and moisture is essential for defined curls.

Regular trims for split ends. If you notice split ends developing, don't wait for your next full appointment. Quick trims prevent damage from traveling up the hair shaft.

Refresh styling as needed. On day 2 or 3, you can refresh curls by wetting them slightly and reapplying a small amount of product. You don't need to start from scratch every day.

Dealing with Common Curly Hair Challenges

Curly hair comes with its own set of issues. Here's how to handle them while maintaining your broccoli cut:

Frizz

Frizz happens when hair lacks moisture or gets disrupted. Combat it by:

• Using a microfiber towel or t-shirt instead of a regular towel
• Applying products to very wet hair, not just damp
• Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase
• Not touching your hair as it dries
• Using anti-humidity products in humid weather

Uneven Curls

Some sections curl tighter than others. This is normal. To even things out:

• Apply extra product to looser sections
• Use finger coiling on stubborn areas
• Ask your barber to cut different lengths in different sections to account for varying shrinkage

Flat Roots

If your curls spring up everywhere except at the roots, you lose height. Fix flat roots by:

• Clipping hair up at the roots while drying to create lift
• Diffusing upside down to add root volume
• Using a volumizing mousse before other products

The Dreaded Triangle Head

If your curly hair is cut wrong, it can puff out at the sides while staying flat on top, creating a triangle shape. This is the opposite of what you want for the broccoli cut.

The fix is in the cut itself. Ask your barber to remove weight from the sides and create more volume at the crown. Layers help curls stack vertically rather than spreading horizontally.

Wet Look vs. Defined Curls

You have styling options depending on the vibe you want.

The Wet Look

Some guys prefer a slightly wet, more slicked appearance. To achieve this:

• Use a high-shine gel
• Don't scrunch out the crunch
• Apply an oil or serum for extra shine

The wet look is more polished and deliberate. It works for events or when you want a cleaner appearance.

Natural Defined Curls

The more common broccoli cut look. To achieve this:

• Use matte or low-shine products
• Scrunch out any gel cast after drying
• Let curls dry naturally for maximum volume

This looks more effortless and casual. It's the everyday TikTok broccoli aesthetic.

Second-Day Hair

Curly hair often looks different on day two. Some guys actually prefer it. The curls relax slightly, volume adjusts, and the look becomes more lived-in.

If you like fresher curls, refresh each morning. If you like the relaxed look, embrace it.

Curly Broccoli Cut Variations

Not every curly broccoli cut looks identical. You have options:

The Classic Floret

Maximum volume, tight curls, high contrast with the fade. This is the standard broccoli cut that everyone pictures.

The Longer Broccoli

Let the top grow longer (5+ inches). The curls cascade more rather than standing straight up. Still has the broccoli silhouette but with more movement.

The Soft Broccoli

Looser curls, lower fade, less dramatic contrast. For guys with type 2 waves or those who want a subtler interpretation.

The Textured Broccoli

Add a design shaved into the fade for extra personality. The curly top contrasts with geometric patterns on the sides.

Discuss these options with your barber to find the variation that matches your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the broccoli haircut easier for curly hair?

How often should I get my curly broccoli cut trimmed?

What products are best for a curly broccoli cut?

How do I add more volume to my curly broccoli cut?

Will my curly broccoli cut look the same every day?

How do I prevent frizz in my broccoli cut?

Can I straighten my hair sometimes and still have a broccoli cut?

The Curly Advantage

Look, you lucked out. While straight-haired guys are researching perms and budgeting for chemical treatments, you already have what they're paying for.

The broccoli haircut was essentially created for hair like yours. The viral TikTok version, the gym bro aesthetic, the K-pop influence—it all starts with natural curl texture.

Your path to the broccoli cut is simpler:

1. Find a barber who understands curly hair
2. Get the cut
3. Learn your curl routine
4. Enjoy the look

No perm appointments. No chemical damage. No 3-6 month maintenance perms.

If you're still unsure whether the broccoli cut will suit your specific face and curl pattern, try our AI tool first. Upload a selfie and see yourself with the style in seconds. But honestly? If you've got curly hair and you want the broccoli look, you're probably going to love it.

Your curls are already doing the hard work. Time to let them shine.