The Alpaca Haircut: Why Young Men Love This Trendy Style

The alpaca haircut stands out as the most popular style for teenage boys and young men in 2024. This cut features short, buzzed sides with full, fluffy curls on top that flow forward onto the forehead. The name comes from its clear visual match to the tuft of hair on an alpaca's head. Many people also call it the "broccoli cut" or "llama haircut" due to its distinctive shape.

Boys and young men across the country now ask barbers for this specific style. The cut gained major attention after sports stars and social media figures began sporting the look. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, wears a version of this style that many teens want to copy. Bad Bunny and Jake Paul also show off similar cuts in their public appearances.

The Rise of the Alpaca Style

Social media platforms pushed this haircut into mainstream popularity. TikTok videos showing the style have received millions of views since 2022. Young men post tutorials about how to maintain and style the puffy top section. Some videos even demonstrate how straight-haired boys can get perms to achieve the necessary curl pattern.

The style works well for many face shapes and hair types. Boys with naturally curly hair find it easy to maintain. Those with straight hair often visit salons for perms to create the signature puff on top. This flexibility helps explain why so many different young men have adopted the look across schools and neighborhoods.

Why Young Men Choose This Cut

First, it offers a bold look that stands out from traditional shortcuts. The contrast between the tight sides and full top creates visual interest that many find appealing. The style also allows for some personalization in how the top curls fall.

Many young men believe the cut makes them look like their favorite celebrities or athletes. The association with sports stars like Patrick Mahomes gives the style added appeal. Boys often bring pictures of these figures to their barbers as examples of what they want.

How Barbers Create the Alpaca Cut

Barbers use specific techniques to achieve this distinctive style. The process starts with electric clippers to create the short sides and back. Most professionals use a #1 or #2 guard for this section, creating a clean fade effect around the bottom half of the head.

The top section receives a completely different treatment. Barbers leave these hairs much longer, typically 3-4 inches in length. They use scissors to shape the top section, maintaining enough length for the hair to curl forward over the forehead. The final result shows a clear contrast between the short sides and the full top.

Natural Curls vs. Perms

Boys with naturally curly hair have an advantage with this style. Their hair naturally creates a puffy texture on top without much styling. These young men simply need to apply some light styling product to maintain the shape throughout the day.

Straight-haired boys face a different situation. Many visit salons for perms to create the artificial curl pattern needed for the alpaca look. This process uses chemicals to restructure the hair follicles, creating permanent waves or curls. The process takes about two hours and requires occasional maintenance appointments.

Maintaining the Alpaca Haircut

Daily maintenance of the alpaca cut requires some attention. Boys need to wash and condition their hair regularly to keep the curls healthy and defined. Most barbers recommend washing every other day to prevent drying out the curly top section.

Styling products help maintain the signature shape. Light mousses and curl creams work best for this cut. These products enhance the natural curl pattern without making the hair stiff or crunchy. Boys apply these after showering while the hair remains slightly damp.

The Cultural Impact of the Style

This haircut represents more than just a fashion choice. It signals membership in the current youth culture. Boys who wear this style show they follow trends and care about their appearance. The cut has become a visual shorthand for the Gen Z aesthetic.

Schools across the country now see classrooms filled with these distinctive hairstyles. Teachers and parents have noticed the dramatic increase in young men sporting the alpaca look. Some schools even report that the majority of male students now wear some version of this cut.

Parent Reactions to the Trend

Parents show mixed feelings about their sons' interest in the alpaca style. Some support their children's fashion choices and help them find barbers who can create the look properly. These parents see the haircut as a harmless way for teens to express themselves.

Other parents worry about the time and money invested in maintaining the style. Regular haircuts and potential perm appointments can become expensive. Some also express concern about the focus on appearance and the possible connection to social media pressure.

The Alpaca Cut vs. Previous Teen Trends

Haircut trends for young men have cycled through many phases. The 1990s featured the "curtain cut" with middle-parted hair falling to both sides of the face. The early 2000s brought spiky styles with heavy gel application. The 2010s saw the rise of the undercut with long tops swept back.

The alpaca cut differs from these previous trends in its emphasis on natural texture. Rather than fighting natural curls, this style celebrates them. It also requires less daily styling than many previous popular cuts, making it more practical for active young men.

How to Ask Your Barber for the Cut

Young men should bring pictures when requesting this cut. Photos help barbers understand exactly what version of the style matches the client's vision. Images of celebrities like Patrick Mahomes or social media stars provide clear examples of the desired result.

Specific terminology helps communicate with hair professionals. Asking for a "textured crop" or "curly fringe" with short sides describes the basic structure. Mentioning the "alpaca cut" or "broccoli cut" by name also works, as these terms have become standard in the industry.

The Cost of the Alpaca Style

Price ranges for this cut vary based on location and barber experience. Basic versions cost between $20 and $ 30 at standard barbershops. Higher-end salons may charge $50-75 for the same style with more precise detailing and styling.

The potential addition of a perm adds significant cost. Chemical treatments to create curls typically run $75-150, depending on hair length and salon pricing. This additional expense explains why some parents hesitate to support their straight-haired sons' desire for the style.

Celebrities Who Popularized the Look

Patrick Mahomes stands as the most frequently cited celebrity example of the cut. His naturally curly hair forms the perfect alpaca shape without requiring chemical treatment. Young men often bring photos to the barbershop as a reference.

Bad Bunny sports a version with slightly longer curls on top. His influence reaches particularly into Latin American communities, where the style has gained strong popularity. Jake Paul shows a more controlled version with tighter curls and a cleaner line along the forehead.

How Long Will the Trend Last?

Fashion experts predict continued popularity for this style through 2024 and likely into 2025. The cut's practicality and adaptability to different hair types contribute to its staying power. The look also allows for gradual evolution rather than requiring complete replacement.

Barbers report steady increases in requests for the style with no signs of slowing. Young men who adopted early versions now experiment with variations like longer tops or higher fades on the sides. These modifications help keep the basic concept fresh while allowing for personal expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Alpaca haircut work for all hair types?

The style works best for curly or wavy hair. Straight-haired boys often need perms to achieve the full effect, though some versions use product styling instead.

How often does an alpaca cut need trimming?

Most barbers recommend maintenance cuts every 3-4 weeks to keep the shape sharp. The sides grow out quickly and need regular trimming to maintain the contrast.

Can older men wear the alpaca style?

Yes, though the style remains most popular with teens and men under 25. Some older men have adopted modified versions with slightly less height on top.

Is a special shampoo needed for this haircut?

Curl-enhancing or moisturizing shampoos work best. These products help maintain the curl pattern and prevent frizz in the top section.

How much daily styling does the cut require?

Minimal styling needs make this cut popular. Most boys apply a small amount of curl cream or mousse after showering and let the hair air dry.

Conclusion

The alpaca haircut continues to dominate as the preferred style for young men in 2024. Its distinctive shape captures attention while remaining practical for daily wear. The cut allows for personal expression while connecting wearers to current trends.

Parents and barbers alike recognize the cultural importance of this style among teenagers. The haircut represents more than fashion—it signals participation in youth culture. As with all trends, this one will eventually fade, but for now, the alpaca cut remains firmly established as the defining look for young men across the country.