If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or even walked past your local high school lately, you’ve probably seen a wave of new hairstyles on teens and young adults. There’s something bold, expressive, and a little rebellious about the way Gen Z wears their hair. But what are these viral Gen Z haircuts called? And what makes them so popular?
This guide breaks down the biggest names like the Edgar cut, Wet Mop, Fluffy Hair, TikTok Boy Cut, Curtain Fringe, and more, so you’ll always know what’s trending, why it matters, and how these looks came to define a generation.
What Is a Gen Z Haircut?
A “Gen Z haircut” isn’t just one style. It’s a movement of expressive, experimental, and often social media-driven cuts that combine confidence with a do-it-your-way mentality.
Gen Z haircuts are:
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Often viral found first on TikTok, then everywhere else.
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Flexible, great for all hair types and textures.
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Gender-fluid and playful.
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Designed for easy self-styling and creativity at home.
While Millennials made the undercut and fade their signatures, Gen Z mixes, layers, and personalizes their hair with fresh names and unique textures.
What Is a Zoomer Haircut Called?
“Zoomer” is just another word for Gen Z. Here are the most common Gen Z, or Zoomer, haircuts you’ll see:
1. The Edgar Cut
This is the king of Gen Z cuts for guys, especially in Latino communities. The Edgar cut features a straight, forward chop across the forehead (fringe) with very short or faded sides. It’s bold, geometric, and meant to stand out.
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Why it’s viral: It became a TikTok challenge, with millions sharing their transformations.
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Unique insight: Some barbers call it the “Takuache cut.”
2. The Wet Mop (Broccoli) Cut
Long and tousled on top, shorter on the sides, it looks like a shaggy, curly mop or a head of broccoli, hence the slang name. Think TikTok e-boys and indie pop stars.
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Why Gen Z loves it: It’s low-maintenance and celebrates natural texture.
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My anecdote: A friend’s son asked for the “broccoli cut” so he could match his favorite streamer.
3. Fluffy Hair / TikTok Boy Cut
Big, soft, volume-heavy hair often with a blunt fringe and sides that taper. Inspired by K-pop idols and glam YouTubers, this “fluffy Edgar” look is about creating max body without much effort.
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How they do it: Lots of blow-drying and finger-styling, not much product.
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Feels fun: It’s perfect for hair flips and selfie culture!
4. Curtain Fringe / Curtain Bangs
Long, soft bangs parted in the center, “curtaining” the face. This look exploded in the COVID-19 era and still rules in 2025.
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Not just for women: It’s popular among all genders, especially art and fashion kids.
5. The Wolf Cut
A cross between a shag haircut and a mullet, the wolf cut is edgy but easy to style. Choppy layers create volume everywhere.
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Rockstar Energy: Miley Cyrus and K-pop idols boosted its reach.
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DIY bonus: You can even cut a version of it at home with confidence.
6. The Shag
Mid-length or long, heavily layered, and tousled all about that bedhead, effortless flair.
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Retro revival: Inspired by ‘70s and ‘90s icons. It’s the “anti-blowout” look.
7. Jellyfish, Butterfly & Mullets
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Jellyfish Cut: Short, round top layer with long, floaty bottom. Looks a bit like a jellyfish’s shape, and it’s pure Gen Z quirky.
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Butterfly Cut: Inspired by butterfly wings, a long, layered style adding face-framing lift and bounce.
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Modern Mullet: Long in the back, short up front, but always with a sharp fade or chic color splash.
Y2K & TikTok Hair Terms
The Y2K revival (late 90s–early 2000s trend resurgence) means loads of Gen Z styles are inspired by Britney, boy bands, and RomCom heroines:
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Blunt bobs, flipped ends, and face-framing highlights: All big in 2025.
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Pixie cuts: Super short and neat, lots of Gen Z choose this for style and ease.
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90s Blowout: Big, round-brush waves “old money” TikTok loves this.
What Is the Slang Term for a Haircut?
Gen Z slang for a bold new cut might include:
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Chop: Big haircut, major change (“I got the chop!”)
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Flow: Wavy, longer hair with bounce (“That boy’s got some serious flow.”)
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Edgar/Takuache: Short on sides, bold fringe, see above.
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Wet Mop/Broccoli Cut: Shaggy, unstyled, or intentionally messy.
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Wolf Cut: Choppy mullet-shag hybrid.
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Butterfly layers: Light, face-framing waves.
Often, Gen Z will just call a haircut by the viral name “I want the Wolf Cut” in the salon.
FAQs for Gen Z Hair Trends
What Is a Gen Z Haircut?
A style that’s gone viral with teens and young adults is usually layered, textured, or bold. It can have a playful or retro edge and often rejects strict old-school grooming.
What Is a Zoomer Haircut Called?
Zoomer haircuts are the same as Gen Z haircuts: Edgar Cut, Wolf Cut, Wet Mop, TikTok Boy Haircut, Fluffy Hair, Mullet, etc.
What Is a Y2K Hairstyle?
Anything channeling late ‘90s and early 2000s fashion: bobs with turned-out ends, baby braids, hair clips, butterfly clips, and visible roots.
What Is the Slang Term for a Haircut?
“Chop” (big change), “Flow” (long, loose, and wavy), “Mullet,” “Wolf Cut,” “Edgar,” or “Broccoli cut.” Gen Z often chooses the name of the trend itself as slang.
Personal Anecdote
A close friend’s little brother walked into a family dinner with a freshly done wolf cut he said, “TikTok told me to!” Everyone was surprised by how good it looked, and it kicked off a conversation about how fashion and identity work hand-in-hand. I met kids who use their haircuts to connect with online communities and express their mood. For Gen Z, hair isn’t just about style it’s about individuality and being seen on their terms.
Unique Insights on Gen Z Hair Trends
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Uniqueness is king: Gen Z refuses to be boxed in by one “acceptable” look.
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DIY & accessibility: Many Gen Z haircuts can be maintained or refreshed at home (thanks to tutorials everywhere).
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Gender: Not a barrier: It’s common to see “boys’ cuts” on girls, and vice versa.
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Community: Haircuts spread by peer circles and social media, not just by celebrities.
Conclusion
The most viral Gen Z haircuts don’t just have one name; they represent a wave of self-expression, digital influence, and fearless style. From the Edgar to the Wolf Cut, Wet Mop to Butterfly layers, every cut is a chance for teens and young adults to experiment, belong, and showcase their identity. Next time you spot a wild new hairstyle, you’ll know: it’s all about creativity, not conformity a true sign of Gen Z.
