What precisely is meant by "Gen Z style"? It's difficult to define, mostly because the aesthetic preferences of this generation are heavily influenced by eclecticism and individualism, as well as K-pop, TikTok, language that millennials might never grasp (is "cheugy" still a thing?), and a general rejection of the gender binary. That's probably truer when it comes to beauty than it is when it comes to fashion.
Consider the absurd, whimsical, and even downright strangely named viral haircuts and fads that are becoming popular among young people: The most popular Gen Z haircuts according to a recent Google trend analysis were the "wet mop haircut" and the "broccoli haircut." Even though Gen Z is determined to create their own distinct style and aesthetic, they also take a lot of cues from "vintage" (yes, I winced when I said that) '90s and early 2000s trends. This has led to a comeback of millennial-invented throwback looks like butterfly clips, baby braids, claw clips, and so on.
This is a primer for those who, like myself, still don't truly grasp "cheugy" and mostly associate the term with "the Rachel" when asked to name an ultra-trendy hairdo that best represents an age. I gave hairstylist Clayon Hawkins, whose clientele includes a number of Gen Z celebrities including Olivia Rodrigo, Iris Apatow, and Maddie Ziegler, the assignment of dissecting nine distinct hairstyles that the younger age is currently into.
The Wolf Cut
"The wolf cut is a cross between a shag and a mullet, and has probably been most popularized by Miley Cyrus, although the look also harkens back to '60s Jane Fonda," Hawkins explains. "This fierce, entirely unisex cut looks amazing on people of all textures. The secret to making this cut work is using a decent volumizing spray and matte wax. Additionally, it's the anti-blowout cut; the secret is to let your hair air dry."
'Broccoli' Or 'Wet Mop' Cut
As Hawkins puts it, the "wet mop" and the "broccoli" haircut are essentially the same, calling them "the go-to cuts for all the young heartthrobs on TikTok." The long top and closely cropped or faded sides of the design are actually a silhouette that has been popular for decades, though it has changed over time.
"In the 2000s, you had buzzed sides and a mohawk or faux-hawk on top; in the 2010s, we went longer and had a man bun on top," Hawkins explains. "As with the wet mop, we're witnessing a shaggier bang these days, or a curlier bang like the broccoli cut. With a K-pop twist, these styles pay homage to the 1990s while being incredibly playful."
Texture Of Nature
"Gen Z is all about embracing and enhancing their natural beauty," Hawkins adds. "You're going to flaunt what your parents gave you and rock those curls if your hair is naturally curly. Everything feels effortless and organic."
Y2K Nostalgia
Gen Z can still feel nostalgic about Y2K even though they aren't old enough to remember it. "Every generation yearns for the 'simple time' before they were born, and Gen Z is no different," Hawkins states. "They just happen to yearn for the campy Y2K looks of the past."
He identifies current Gen Z trends as barrettes and accessories like claw clips that are reminiscent of the year 2000, but he also believes that pigtails and pigtail braids will be quite popular this summer: "It's fun, fresh, and also a great style for hotter seasons."
Center Parts
You are surely aware of this one: Gen Z is not fond of a supporting role.
According to Hawkins, "middle parts are huge with the younger generation." "Gen Z stars and pop stars are almost never seen with side parts, and even the males are adopting the 'butt cut,' which was taboo for twenty years. These two outfits are all about having an ambivalence towards loudness and feeling effortless. These styles should remain popular for a few more years."
Braids For Babies
"People are undoubtedly having more fun with their hair, but effortless hair will always be in." The younger trends have a whimsical quality, according to Hawkins. One such style is the baby braid, which is a thin braid that frames the face and is frequently used to dress up or down hair that has been braided (as shown above).
"I love baby braids," Hawkins declares. In addition, they are useful and particularly beneficial for people wanting to remove short layers from the front of their faces or growing out bangs.
Hair Accessories
"When you can stock up on barrettes, why cinch away your bangs with a simple Bobby pin? "My clients and I both have an obsession with accessories," says Hawkins, who also happens to be an ambassador for the hair accessory company Goody. "I believe that rather than merely seeing hair accessories as a useful item, this age sees them more as a statement and a means of expression. These days, there are so many various colors and patterns available for even something as basic and useful as a claw clip. It has never been simpler to express yourself while keeping your hair out of your face."
Sharp Hair
"Short haircuts, especially on feminine-presenting folks, are all about power and showing off the face," Hawkins states. "It's a way of saying, 'I'm still feminine and gorgeous and don't need to be attached to long hair.'"