Teen boys are embracing perms, a hairstyle reminiscent of the fluffy styles from the 1980s. The modern perm adds texture and volume to straight hair, creating what has been dubbed the 'broccoli haircut.' While this look was once achieved using curling irons and styling powders, salons are now experiencing a surge in young male clients seeking this trending style.

Despite initial scepticism, with alpaca memes flooding the internet and TikToks of moms complaining about their sons' hairstyles, the 'broccoli haircut' has gained widespread acceptance among Gen Zers and is now a common sight in schools and social gatherings. As nearly two-thirds of parents say their children are insecure about some aspect of their appearance and one in five say their teens avoid being in photos because they're too self-conscious, fleeting trends are one way teens are attempting to rethink their approach to appearance and personal style.

This trend reflects the latest shift in masculinity norms, making it more acceptable for boys to experiment with their appearance as a form of self-expression — whether through new hairstyles, elaborate beauty routines, or finding their signature scent. The broccoli cut phenomenon can be partly attributed to the rising popularity of K-pop in recent years. While bro perms may be a recent trend in the US, men in East Asian countries have been experimenting with soft curls for decades. And while support for equality spans all age groups, it is young people's flexible, exploratory approach to identity that sets the tone for the ongoing shake-up in traditional masculinity.