Beauty is only skin deep. We’ve all heard the popular saying that character is more important than physical beauty, but does the same sentiment 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 people’s perceptions of you and even how you may feel about yourself.
You may recall when the hair theory first debuted on the platform in the fall of 2023. Around that time, similar notions like the red nail and red lip theory were particularly buzzy, leaving the hair theory to fade into the background. But the conversation is picking up steam, and videos are cropping up on everyone’s FYP again. With over 135.5 million views, it’s clear that TikTok’s hair theory isn’t going away anytime soon. So, we chatted with two industry experts to learn all about it.
Featured experts
- Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka is a psychologist, hairstylist and the founder/CEO of Psychohairapy
- Jill Buck is a celebrity hairstylist
What is the hair theory?
The hair theory claims that the appearance of your hair plays a major factor in how others perceive you. It relates to a few elements, including the the color, length and overall style in which you wear your hair. Creators have ignited a variety of 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. While others use themselves as models to display 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-age. “This kind of research has been around for decades, and social scientists have discovered that everything from the shade of your hair to the way it’s styled can send subtle signals to the people around you,” she says. The long-running ditzy blonde joke is an obvious example and is just the beginning of how deeply connected 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 snappy sound bites,” says Dr. Mbilishaka.
Is the hair theory real?
You can likely attest to the misery a bad hair day can bring, but how does that translate to others? “Human beings are wired to make quick judgments based on visual cues. Hair is one of the most noticeable features and can influence first impressions significantly,” says Dr. Mbilishaka. Your hair is one of the most noticeable features and is often the first thing people see. Even subtle changes can cause a ripple effect. “Bangs, for example, can give you a completely different look and have 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 rakes in a good number of views, with over 122.7 million posts. Still, the hair theory continues to be more popular on TikTok. One reason is because of the visual appeal. “The videos are ideal for showcasing before-and-after transformations, tutorials and hairstyle inspirations, making the content engaging and shareable,” says Dr. Mbilishaka.
More importantly, the experts share that the hair theory is highly relatable. We can all relate to the highs and lows of getting a new hairstyle. The feeling of leaving the salon with a bouncy blowout or fresh braids can instantly boost your mood and confidence. In the same way, a bad dye job or an awkward haircut can have the opposite effect. “Overall, the hair theory is a fascinating reminder that our appearances can be a form of self-expression and even social experimentation,” says Dr. Mbilishaka.
