Buzz
Explore styling ideas and different takes on this throwback bowl cut
Back in the 80s and 90s, the mushroom haircut was the go-to style for big-name celebrities like Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. Though it faded from popularity, it's now making waves again with Gen Z in the 2020s. Join us as we unpack the reasons behind its return and how you can rock this retro-inspired style your way.
Quick Look: The Mushroom Haircut
The mushroom haircut—also called a bowl cut—is a curved, layered hairstyle. It features shorter or buzzed hair underneath with longer, stacked layers on top. While it was trendy in the 80s and 90s, it’s been revived in the 2020s, thanks to its resurgence on social media.
How to Get the Style
What's the Mushroom Haircut?
The mushroom haircut is a rounded bowl cut that mirrors the shape of a mushroom cap. Hair on top is trimmed into thick, uniform layers circling the head, while the bottom layers are either closely cropped or buzzed to resemble the mushroom’s stem.
Different Ways to Style the Mushroom Haircut
Go bold with smooth curves and a seamless fringe. In 2005, Lauryn Hill rocked a mushroom cut with longer layers at the back blending into a front fringe that framed her face. Amplify this style by curling the ends for extra volume and flair.
Opt for a sleek, fitted bowl cut with a defined top. Rihanna’s 2010 take on the mushroom cut featured a sharp fringe at brow level and a clean, connected line around the top layer. Recreate her look by keeping the lower layers short or shaved to make the rounded top pop.
- Maintain a short or shaved back for contrast and a more pronounced mushroom silhouette.
Jump into the Latino-fueled Edgar cut trend everyone's talking about. Popular among Latino men and boys, the Edgar haircut is a modern twist on the mushroom style. To get the look, go for a bold, blunt fringe with thick, cropped layers on top and a low fade at the back.
Level up your volume with the textured Broccoli cut. The Broccoli cut features a dense crown of curls that mimics a mushroom top, contrasted by shaved sides and back. It’s an ideal way to embrace and show off your natural curls with flair.
Getting the Perfect Mushroom Haircut
Tell your barber to fade the bottom and keep the top blunt and even. Choose a #2 guard for a closer shave or a #3 to leave about 3⁄8 in (0.95 cm) of length on the lower layers. Then, ask for short, stacked layers on top for volume or a single-length cut for a bold cap effect. Add a fringe or have the sides tapered longer at the front or back if desired.
- Bring a reference photo or video of your favorite mushroom cut—whether it’s from a TikTok star or celebrity—and send it to your stylist ahead of time to ensure you're both on the same page.
- Customize the look to suit your vibe. Want long sides? Ask for tapered layers that stop at your cheeks or jawline. Prefer something bold? Go for a clean cap with or without fringe—it’s your call.
- Request tweaks for a flawless finish. Don’t hesitate to point out any uneven areas or shape issues to your stylist for adjustment.
Blow-dry your mushroom cut for a smooth, classic finish. Use a heat protectant on damp hair, comb through to detangle, then blow-dry on low heat, aiming the nozzle downward. Use your fingers to lift and tousle for a relaxed style.
- This easy styling method brings back nostalgic vibes from 90s icons like John Stamos in Full House and Rider Strong in Boy Meets World.
Straighten the top for a polished mushroom effect. Set your flat iron to medium-high, apply heat protectant to dry hair, and glide the iron through small sections.
- Curve the iron inward at the ends for a soft bend or pull straight for a sharp, blunt finish.
Add texturizing product for a relaxed, tousled mushroom vibe. A texturizing gel gives your layers movement and character while keeping your natural look intact. The finish is messy—but purposefully cool.
Boost your curls for a fuller, curly mushroom shape. Apply mousse to damp hair using your fingers to define and volumize. Dry with a diffuser attachment to protect the curl pattern, then finish with hairspray to hold the style in place.
What’s Driving the Mushroom Haircut’s Comeback?
The mushroom haircut helps Gen Z express individuality. Gen Z craves distinction from Millennial and Gen X aesthetics, and their hair choices—like this nostalgic cut—are a bold way to set themselves apart.
The mushroom haircut appeals to Gen Z’s love for gender-inclusive fashion. Its adaptable style makes it a go-to for men, women, and non-binary individuals who want a look they can customize to fit their personal identity.
The mushroom cut rides the wave of retro revival in today’s fashion. Once dismissed as old-school by Millennials and Gen Xers, bowl cuts, faux fur coats, and crop tops are back in vogue and hotter than ever in the 2020s.
