Trash, there are lot's of "novelty" DOT approved half helmets with flames and stuff. Most cruiser riders (at least around here) don't think ANY helmet is cool. Most of the guys I ride with wear no helmet. It's very uncommon that I ever ride with another person on a cruiser with a helmet. There is no helmet law in MN, unless you are under 18 or only have a permit. It's rare to see anybody in MN on a cruiser with a helmet on.
I am the exception. I have 3 helmts that I use for different things, but one of them is always on, and they are ALL DOT helmets. I would say it's about 80% half helmet, 19% 3/4 helmet with face shield, and about 1% full helmet. Most of my riding is during the day when it's nice out, and that's almost always the 1/2. If it's cold, evening (bugs), or lots of traffic (sand & rocks) it's the 3/4. I would probably only ever wear my full helmet if I knew it was going to rain. But then I probably wouldn't ride anyway. The 3/4 helmet is a new acquisition, and it's replaced about 99% of the use of the full.
I don't like the full because I have to actually move my head around more to look at things due to some blind spots. I have to move my head down to see my tach or speedo well, and it takes my eyes off the road longer than I like, especially in traffic. With the 3/4 and the half I can just move my eyes down for a quick glance.
