I first noticed the look on teenage boys around the neighborhood. Oversize white T-shirt, gym shorts, shower shoes (ideally worn with slouchy athletic socks) and a hairstyle that is cut close around the base of the head before sprouting wild, curly tendrils on top, generally spilling down one’s forehead and over one’s sleepy, Fortnite-addled eyes. It all felt a little wild and irreverent, a little Justin Bieber getting into the backseat of a cop car. But I only just learned there’s a name for this ‘do…and it’s coming for my 9-year-old son as well as the teenagers.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the alpaca haircut. Also known as the broccoli cut. Also known as the “Zoomer perm.” As you might imagine from these colorful descriptions, the idea is that you keep it tight and buzzed everywhere except the top where…the poofier the better. (Kind of like an alpaca—you can see it, right?)
The look seems to have been popularized by GenZ TikTok and YouTube stars like Noah Beck and Jack Doherty. But, as with all things middle and high school, it sort of took on a life of its Skibidi own within the zeitgeist, and suddenly, hairstylists are seeing young boys requesting it in droves. Celebrity barber Sofie Pok has clocked the cut’s rise. “This style has been trending for a while, especially among Gen Z since the pandemic,” she says. “It’s definitely a popular trend for the younger crowd. Like most trends, it may come and go, but I believe it has staying power in this age group because it’s low-maintenance and works well for those with flatter hair types.” STMNT Grooming ambassador and barber Jovan Figueroa agrees, saying it's really just a slightly evolved version of a look that’s been in style for years. “I think this is perfect for those with curly hair,” he maintains. “And if [boys] have straighter hair, I’m happy that they are exploring and doing perms to achieve this look.”
As a millennial, I agree with the pros; this look isn’t really anything new—back in my day we called it the mushroom. But as a mom, I have to wonder if it’s at best dopey (perms? really?), and at worst, part of an overall toxic trend towards male primping and insecurity. Indeed, if you search TikTok, you’ll see scores of tutorials for how to get the look, how to talk to your stylist about the look and how to maintain the cut once it’s on your little alpaca head. On the one hand, I’m all for democratizing the beauty space with conversations and tutorials directed at tween boys as well as girls. On the other…I really hope my own son doesn’t spend quite so much time thinking about his hair. With the recent social media rise of things like looksmaxxing and “mewing,” it’s clear boys are more insecure than ever about their appearances, and I’d hate for any prepubescent person to feel badly because his locks aren’t thick or curly enough to achieve a true broccoli crown.
