Beauty is only skin deep. We all know the saying that character is more important than physical beauty, but does that apply to hair? According to TikTok’s hair theory, the answer is no. The basic idea of the trending hair theory focuses on styling. It states that certain hairstyles can directly affect how others perceive you and even your self-esteem.
You may remember when Hair Theory first debuted on the platform in fall 2023. At the time, similar concepts like Red Nail Theory and Red Lip Theory were particularly trending, so Hair Theory took a back seat. But the discussion is picking up steam, and videos are popping up on everyone’s FYP again. With over 135.5 million views, it’s clear that Hair Theory isn’t going away from TikTok anytime soon. So we spoke to two industry experts to find out all about it.
Selected experts
What is the hair theory?
Hair theory states that the appearance of your hair has a huge impact on how others perceive you. It depends on several elements, including color, length, and the overall style you wear your hair in. Authors have sparked numerous discussions around the theory. Some use comparison videos pitting two celebrities (usually women) of the same age against each other to show how different styles can be perceived. Others, meanwhile, imagine themselves as models to showcase different hairstyles and explain how each look makes them feel.
According to Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, psychologist, hairstylist, and founder/CEO of Psychohairapy, the idea isn’t new. “This kind of research has been around for decades, and social scientists have found that everything from the color of your hair to the way it’s styled can send subtle signals to the people around you,” she says. The age-old joke about the goofy blonde is an obvious example, and just the beginning of how closely linked hair and mental health can be. “The TikTok version of hair theory is a bit like taking these academic findings and running them through a filter of 10-second dance clips and jaunty soundbites,” says Dr. Mbilishaka.
Is the hair theory correct?
You can probably attest to how unfortunate a bad hair day can be, but how does it affect others? “Humans are hardwired to make snap judgements based on visual cues. Hair is one of the most noticeable features and can significantly affect first impressions,” says Dr. Mbilishaka. Your hair is one of the most noticeable features and is often the first thing people see. Even subtle changes can create a wave effect. “A fringe, for example, can give you a completely different look and evoke different perceptions depending on the type you choose,” says celebrity hairstylist Jill Buck.
Why is the hair theory trend so popular?
The Red Nail Theory still has a good number of views, with over 122.7 million posts. However, the Hair Theory continues to be more popular on TikTok. One reason for this is its visual appeal. “The videos are ideal for showcasing before and after transformations, tutorials and hairstyle inspiration, making the content engaging and shareable,” says Dr. Mbilishaka.
More importantly, experts agree that hair theory is very relatable. We all know the ups and downs of a new hairstyle. The feeling of leaving the salon with a bouncy blow-dry or fresh braids can instantly lift your mood and confidence. In the same way, a bad color or clumsy haircut can have the opposite effect. “Overall, hair theory is a fascinating reminder that our appearance can be a form of self-expression and even social experimentation,” says Dr. Mbilishaka.
