Broccoli Haircut vs Edgar Cut: What's the Difference?
Confused about the broccoli haircut and Edgar cut? We break down the key differences between these two popular Gen Z hairstyles, including which one suits your hair type and face shape.
Two haircuts dominate the conversation when it comes to Gen Z men's hairstyles: the broccoli cut and the Edgar. They're both trendy. They both involve faded sides. And they're both heavily memed on social media.
But they're not the same thing. Not even close.
If you've ever wondered which one to get, or just want to understand what makes them different, this guide breaks it all down.
The Quick Answer
The broccoli haircut features voluminous, curly or permed hair on top with faded sides. It looks like a broccoli floret.
The Edgar cut features a straight, blunt fringe across the forehead with tapered or faded sides. It creates an angular, almost helmet-like silhouette.
One is curly and rounded. The other is straight and blocky. That's the fundamental difference.
Broccoli Haircut: The Basics
The broccoli cut gets its name from the obvious visual comparison. Tight curls piled on top of a faded undercut create a silhouette that resembles the vegetable.
Key characteristics:
- Voluminous curls or waves on top
- Low, mid, or high fade on the sides
- 2-4 inches of length on top
- Rounded, fluffy appearance
- Often requires a perm for straight-haired guys
The style spread through TikTok and has been associated with K-pop aesthetics, gym culture, and the general "TikTok boy" look. GQ called it "the definitive zoomer hairstyle."
Other names for this cut include the zoomer perm, bird's nest haircut, and wet mop cut.
Edgar Cut: The Basics
The Edgar is a different animal entirely. According to Wikipedia, it's "a hairstyle often associated with Latino culture" that became popular in US border states like Texas, Arizona, and California.
Key characteristics:
- Straight, blunt fringe across the forehead
- Sharp line where the fringe meets the fade
- High taper or skin fade on the sides
- Angular, geometric appearance
- Works with straight, wavy, or curly hair
The Edgar is sometimes called a variation of the French crop or Caesar cut, but with a more dramatic, clipper-heavy approach to the sides. It creates a bold, clean-cut look that's become a signature style in Latino communities.
The name reportedly comes from a barber who popularized the style, though the exact origin story varies depending on who you ask.
Visual Comparison
| Feature | Broccoli Cut | Edgar Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Top texture | Curly, voluminous | Straight, flat |
| Fringe style | No defined fringe | Blunt, straight fringe |
| Overall shape | Rounded, fluffy | Angular, blocky |
| Silhouette | Like a broccoli floret | Like a helmet or bowl |
| Sides | Faded | Faded or tapered |
Cultural Origins
These haircuts come from different cultural contexts.
The broccoli cut emerged from TikTok and social media, influenced by K-pop styling and the general trend toward textured, voluminous men's hair. It became popular around 2020-2021 and spread globally through influencer culture. It doesn't have strong ties to any particular ethnic or regional community.
The Edgar cut has deeper roots in Latino culture, particularly in Mexican-American communities in the Southwest United States. The Los Angeles Times wrote an appreciation piece calling it "L.A.'s essential haircut." The style carries cultural significance beyond just being trendy.
This cultural context matters. The Edgar is more than a hairstyle for many who wear it. It's a form of identity expression connected to heritage and community.
Hair Type Requirements
This is where the practical differences really show up.
For the Broccoli Cut
You need curly or wavy hair. If you don't have it naturally, you'll need a perm.
Straight-haired guys can absolutely get this look, but it requires chemical treatment. The perm adds volume and creates the signature floret shape. Without curls, you can't achieve the broccoli silhouette no matter how skilled your barber is.
For the Edgar Cut
Any hair type works. Straight, wavy, or curly hair can all be styled into an Edgar.
The defining feature is the straight fringe line, not the texture of the hair itself. Your barber cuts the fringe blunt across your forehead, and as long as your hair can lie flat enough to form that line, you're good.
This makes the Edgar more accessible if you don't want to commit to a perm.
Face Shape Considerations
Different face shapes pair better with each style. For a detailed breakdown, see our face shape guide.
Broccoli Cut Face Shapes
The rounded volume on top works well with:
- Oval faces: Balanced proportions handle the added height
- Square faces: Curly texture softens angular features
- Heart-shaped faces: Volume at the crown balances a narrower chin
Be cautious with:
- Round faces: The round top can emphasize roundness
- Oblong faces: Added height might elongate the face further
Edgar Cut Face Shapes
The angular fringe suits:
- Oval faces: Works with almost anything
- Square faces: Complements strong, geometric features
- Oblong faces: The horizontal fringe can visually shorten the face
Be cautious with:
- Round faces: Can make the face look wider
- Heart-shaped faces: The straight line might not complement the proportions
Maintenance Comparison
Both haircuts require regular upkeep, but in different ways.
Broccoli Cut Maintenance
- Haircuts every 3-4 weeks to keep the fade fresh
- Perm touch-ups every 3-6 months (if you permed)
- Daily styling with curl cream or mousse
- Diffusing or air-drying to maintain curl definition
- Products to fight frizz and add definition
The curly top needs attention. Without proper products and technique, it can look messy in a bad way rather than messy in a stylish way. See our maintenance guide for the full routine.
Edgar Cut Maintenance
- Haircuts every 2-3 weeks to maintain the sharp fringe line
- Daily styling to keep the fringe flat and in place
- Pomade, wax, or gel to control the front
- Less product overall than the broccoli cut
The Edgar requires more frequent barber visits because the fringe line grows out quickly. Any unevenness becomes immediately visible. But the daily styling is often simpler.
Cost Comparison
Broccoli cut costs:
- Haircut: $20-50
- Perm (if needed): $80-150 initially, then every 3-6 months
- Monthly styling products: $15-30
Edgar cut costs:
- Haircut: $20-50
- More frequent cuts needed (every 2-3 weeks vs. 3-4 weeks)
- Monthly styling products: $10-20
If you have naturally curly hair, the broccoli cut is cheaper long-term. If you need a perm, the Edgar might work out more economically despite needing more frequent cuts.
The Meme Factor
Both haircuts get memed constantly.
The broccoli cut gets compared to the vegetable, joked about as "gym bro hair," and associated with a certain type of TikTok content creator. The memes tend to be playful rather than mean-spirited.
The Edgar has faced more controversial attention. Some associate it with "gangster culture" stereotypes, and a high school in El Paso actually tried to ban it in 2021, claiming it caused "distraction." This sparked backlash about cultural discrimination.
Both haircuts attract jokes about conformity. "They all have the same hair" is a common observation for both styles among their respective communities.
Which One Should You Choose?
Consider these questions:
Get the broccoli cut if:
- You have naturally curly or wavy hair
- You're willing to get a perm if your hair is straight
- You want a softer, more textured look
- You're into the TikTok/K-pop aesthetic
- You don't mind higher maintenance styling
Get the Edgar cut if:
- You want a bold, clean-cut look
- You prefer straight lines and angular styling
- You have any hair texture
- You want simpler daily styling (but more frequent barber visits)
- The cultural connection resonates with you
Or try both with AI first. Upload a selfie to our tool and see yourself with a broccoli cut in seconds. It's the easiest way to preview the look before sitting in a barber's chair.
Can You Combine Elements?
Some guys blend aspects of both styles. A "fluffy Edgar" adds more volume and texture to the traditional flat Edgar fringe. A shorter broccoli cut reduces some of the extreme roundness.
Talk to your barber about what you're going for. Show reference photos. A skilled barber can customize either style to work better for your specific features.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
The broccoli cut and Edgar cut share faded sides and Gen Z popularity. That's about where the similarities end.
One is curly, rounded, and TikTok-famous. The other is straight, angular, and rooted in Latino culture.
Both look good when done well. Both require commitment to maintenance. And both will probably get you some comments from older relatives who don't understand "kids these days."
The right choice depends on your hair type, face shape, personal style, and which aesthetic speaks to you. There's no objectively better option.
Just pick the one that makes you feel good when you look in the mirror. That's what a good haircut is supposed to do.