What is the Ice Cream Haircut?

July 2, 2024

The internet is a treasure trove of hair trends, from the effortlessly chic to the downright perplexing. We’ve all seen those “once-seen-can’t-be-unseen” styles that leave us wondering what the stylist was thinking. Lately, a new contender for the “most talked-about” hairstyle has emerged: the Ice Cream Haircut. It’s been exploding on social media, but not everyone’s convinced it’s a sweet treat for the eyes. So, what exactly is this head-turning style, and why is it leaving people divided? This blog will break down the Ice Cream Haircut, explaining its defining features and exploring the reasons behind its controversial fame.

What is the Ice Cream Haircut?

Ice cream hair is a distinct hairstyle characterized by bangs that curl outward. This particular style is fluffy, voluminous, and somewhat exaggerated, resembling a scoop of ice cream. Its name derives from the resemblance to this frozen treat, where the top of the hair appears smooth and rounded while the edges curl up and outwards. Ice cream hair has gained popularity, particularly among young Caucasian boys. However, despite its popularity, many TikTok users view it unfavorably, turning it into a viral meme since late 2022.

Some TikTokers liken ice cream hair to the “Shaggy” haircut seen in the game Roblox. Achieving this hairstyle involves either blow-drying the hair with a round brush or wearing a baseball cap while blow-drying the ends upward.

The hashtag #icecreamhair has garnered over 46 million views on TikTok. Among the content associated with this hashtag is a popular video featuring two boys sporting dramatically flipped-out hair. Additionally, stock photos depicting scoops of ice cream and waffle cones atop individuals’ heads contribute to the trend’s visibility.

How To Prepare for Getting an Ice Cream Haircut?

Preparing for the perfect ice cream haircut involves a bit of planning to ensure you and your stylist are on the same page. Here’s what to do:

Gather Inspiration: Browse social media platforms for “ice cream haircut” variations and save pictures that resonate with you. Having multiple visuals will give your stylist a clear idea of what you’re envisioning.

2. Assess Your Hair: This style works best with thicker, straighter hair. Consider your texture and if your current length is suitable. Your stylist can advise on optimal hair length.

3. Choose Your Stylist Wisely: Not all barbers have experience with this trend. Look for a stylist comfortable with modern and playful cuts, and ask to view their previous work.

4. Communicate Clearly: Show them your inspiration photos and openly discuss your expectations. They can assess if your hair is suitable and provide any necessary adjustments to suit your face shape.

5. Styling Talk: Ask about the products and daily routines needed to maintain the ice cream haircut’s shape. Be prepared for potentially more frequent styling and trims compared to some other haircuts.

Creating the Ice Cream Hairstyle

Step 1: Let Your Hair Grow and Add Layers

Begin by growing your hair out to a length of at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) on the top and sides, or until it reaches the bottom of your eyes. This length is crucial for achieving the desired look as your hair will appear shorter when styled upwards for the ice cream hairstyle.

When visiting the barber, ask for layered bangs to remove excess weight from the front of your hair, allowing for easier styling. Layering adds flexibility and lightness to your hair, helping it maintain its shape.

Step 2: Wash and Towel-Dry Your Hair

Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo, followed by a moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair healthy and hydrated, especially since heat styling is involved. After washing, gently towel-dry your hair to remove excess water while ensuring it remains slightly damp.

Step 3: Blow-Dry Your Hair with a Round Brush

Attach a diffuser to your hair dryer and set it to medium heat. Working in small sections, use a round brush to comb through your hair from the roots to the middle, while directing the airflow from underneath the brush.

As you reach the middle of each section, flick your wrist upward and outward to create a bend in your hair, mimicking the flipped end effect of the ice cream hairstyle. Repeat this process 2-3 times on each section until you achieve the desired shape. Before blow-drying, apply a heat protectant spray to minimize frizz and protect your hair from heat damage.

If you’re unable to achieve the desired bend, you can try wearing a baseball cap while blow-drying the ends of your hair that stick out from the cap.

Step 4: Set Your Hairstyle with Hairspray

Once you’ve achieved the desired shape, set your ice cream hairstyle in place with a light mist of volumizing hairspray, holding the can at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) away from your hair. Spray from underneath to prevent weighing down your hair strands. With your hairstyle in place, you’re ready to flaunt your new look with confidence all day long!

What Are Some Haircuts That Are Similar to the Ice Cream Haircut

While the ice cream haircut is pretty unique, here are a few styles that share some similar elements:

Bowl Cut

The classic bowl cut shares the rounded top portion of the ice cream haircut, though it lacks the flipped-out edges. Think of it as the more demure cousin of the ice cream cut.

Shaggy Haircut

Many TikTokers claim that Ice Cream Hair looks like the “Shaggy” haircut in Roblox. The Shaggy haircut typically features a messy, layered look with longer bangs and a textured top, similar to the voluminous and slightly cartoonish style of Ice Cream Hair.

Fluffy Hair

Ice Cream Hair is described as fluffy and voluminous, with a rounded top and edges that flip up and outward. Hairstyles that focus on creating volume and texture, like fluffy or tousled haircuts, can bear resemblance to the playful and whimsical nature of the Ice Cream Haircut.

Swirled Hair

The term “Ice Cream Hair” is also associated with a hairstyle worn by some African American women, where their hair is swirled into the shape of a Dairy Queen ice cream cone.

This swirled hairstyle, resembling a soft-serve ice cream cone, shares a creative and unique aesthetic with the Ice Cream Haircut trend.

These haircuts share elements of volume, texture, and playful styling that align with the characteristics of the Ice Cream Haircut.

Is the Ice Cream Haircut Your Perfect Match?

Ice Cream Haircut is more than just a haircut – it’s become a pop culture phenomenon. With its smooth, rounded top, signature flipped-out edges, and retro charm, it’s a style that’s impossible to ignore. While its origins are a bit hazy, its rise to fame on TikTok catapulted it into the spotlight, sparking debates and a whole host of memes. Love it or hate it, the Ice Cream Haircut challenges conventional notions of style, leading some to dismiss it as unflattering and others to celebrate its bold individuality.

Ultimately, whether or not the Ice Cream Haircut is right for you comes down to personal preference. So, the question is: Are you ready to scoop up this unconventional and playful style? If a bold new look is what you crave, why not give it a whirl? Visit Primos Barbershop and book an appointment – let their skilled stylists help you decide if the Ice Cream Haircut is the perfect treat for your style!

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