The “ice cream” haircut got its name on social media because of its shape: tight back and sides, like the cone, and a rounded, fluffy top with ends that flip outwards, like a scoop. This gallery shows ten takes on it. You’ll find a messy taper cut, a taper fade with the top flicked up, a mid-length flowing style shaped with a curling iron, a curly tapered crop, a textured wings cut, a blowout taper, a bowl cut with brushy ends, a fluffy taper, a flared textured crop and a wavy fringe.
The cut works best on medium to thick hair, which has enough body to hold the flipped ends. Straight hair can do it too, but it usually needs a round brush and blow-dryer each morning to bend the tips upwards. Curls and waves give a natural version with less effort.
Since the top is left fairly long, it suits oval and longer faces well. If you have a broad forehead, a fringe version helps cover it and draws attention to the eyes.
1. Disheveled Taper Cut
Short back and sides cut just above the ears blend into a longer, messy top here. Mixing lengths adds texture and volume while keeping the outline clean. Work some mousse through the top, scrunch it with your hands and fluff it up for extra movement.
Inspiration: @cmcuts
2. Taper Fade with Flipped Top
Thick hair suits this tapered cut, which removes weight from the sides and keeps the back neat. Layers through the top create a smooth change in length, with longer pieces at the crown and front. Brush those sections up and set them with hairspray.
Inspiration: @castelbarbershop
3. Mid-Length Flowy Style
A medium-length crop is curled at the ends with an iron to create a soft flip, then brushed gently to relax the curl. A light hairspray finishes the look. It shows how online trends can inspire men of any age.
Inspiration: @guyhamelhair
4. Curly Tapered Style
Curly hair shaped with a taper looks neat and polished. The sides and top are blended so the curls sit evenly around the head. Use curl-defining products and the right tools to keep the ringlets soft, shiny and well formed.
Inspiration: @angel._blendz
5. Textured Wings Cut
If your hair lacks movement, ask for a tousled finish on the top layers using scissors or clippers. Blow-dry with a round brush, lifting the ends upward like wings. Shaved sides add an edgy touch and draw attention to the crown.
Inspiration: @taylorjade_your_barber
6. Blowout Taper Fade
A blowout taper fade with flipped ends adds a soft, wispy feel. Leave the top longer than usual so you can style it with a round brush. Curving the tips upward also lifts the roots for extra height.
Inspiration: @kalsncrewbarbers_maidenhead
7. Bowl Cut with Brushy Ends
Straight hair suits this bowl cut, which holds its shape well until the next trim. Curling the ends upward around the crown gives it a signature flick. Drying the hair under a cap helps the edges flip out evenly.
Inspiration: @taylorjade_your_barber
8. Fluffy Taper
Messy, fluffy layers on top give this taper a relaxed, laid-back feel. The back is tapered from crown to nape, and the sides are shaved for a clean finish. It is a fun change for anyone who wants a softer look.
Inspiration: @mcflys_gentlemen_shop
9. Flared Out Textured Crop
A low taper flared out at the sides with a textured top suits thick hair well. It removes bulk while keeping the texture on top. A styling powder or pomade gives a firm hold and defines the pieces.
Inspiration: @denimandsmith.cochrane
10. Wavy Fringe Haircut
A wavy fringe makes the front section as long and textured as the back. It helps hide a broad forehead and draws attention to the eyes. Flipped ends create the look of a single-length cut with lots of movement.
Inspiration: @ak_cuts3
Getting the flipped scoop shape each morning
- Towel-dry hair, then apply a light mousse or volumising spray at the roots.
- Blow-dry the top using a round brush, rolling the ends upwards and outwards as you dry.
- For straight hair, a few passes with a small curling iron or flat iron help bend the tips. Brush them out gently afterwards to soften the curl.
- Finish with texture powder for a messy look or a light hairspray for a smoother, longer-lasting flick.
What to say at the barber
Ask for a low or mid taper at the back and sides, with the top left long enough to curve over at least a couple of centimetres. Request layering through the top so the ends can move and flip, rather than a heavy blunt line. If you have thick hair, ask the barber to remove some bulk from the sides so the shape doesn’t look boxy. A tidy-up every four to six weeks keeps the taper sharp while the top stays full.