Have you ever noticed the profound impact a good or bad hair day can have on your mood, confidence, or even how others perceive you? TikTok is currently abuzz with a concept known as “hair theory,” where people believe that the way you style your hair, including its length, color, and overall style, can influence both your appearance and the way you’re judged. With over 500 million views under the hashtag #hairtheory, it’s a viral trend that’s hard to ignore. If you’re curious but don’t know where to start, we’ve gathered insights from professional hairstylists who shed light on what hair theory is all about and whether it truly makes a difference.
What Exactly Is TikTok’s Hair Theory?
According to Clayton Hawkins, a celebrity hairstylist, “hair theory” on TikTok proposes that your choice of hairstyle can not only change the way you look but also how others perceive you. He emphasizes, “Ask anyone who’s ever changed their hair color or donned a wig, and they’ll tell you: people absolutely treat you differently depending on how your hair looks.”
It’s not just about external perceptions; it’s about how you feel about yourself as well. Have you ever experienced the slump of a bad hair day or the boost of confidence that a good hair day provides? A simple switch in your hair part can yield compliments galore during a night out with friends.
So, what elements contribute most to this hair theory? Hair color is a key factor, as well as haircuts and styles tailored to accentuate specific facial features. Andrew Fitzsimons, a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of his eponymous hair-care brand, explains, “There are absolutely certain haircuts that complement different face shapes. For someone with a rounder face, a short, blunt cut can really help elongate the face and create soft angles. I’d recommend long layers for someone with an oval-shaped face to create lots of movement, paired with bangs if you’d like to conceal more.”
The overall style of your hair is significant too. In a TikTok video, user Nicole Smith presents a side-by-side photo of Jennifer Lopez and “Golden Girls” actor Estelle Getty, both at age 50. Smith asks, “Do you think if she had a different hairstyle she’d be perceived as looking younger? The answer is yes.” Smith’s comparison of “Golden Girls” actors with different hairstyles convincingly demonstrates how updated hairstyles can make a difference.
Fitzsimons suggests that long, loose waves can give you an effortless, youthful appearance, while Hawkins adds that full, voluminous hair will always enhance your beauty and make you look younger, regardless of your hair texture. On the flip side, for a more mature look, Fitzsimons recommends a sleek ponytail or bun to add a sophisticated touch, drawing attention to your facial features.
While hair theory might be new to many of us, it’s a topic hairstylists continually contemplate. Chris Jones, Virtue ambassador and co-owner and stylist at Salon Bugatti, appreciates TikTok’s take on hair theory as it offers an insider’s view of what hairstylists do daily. He says, “It’s a breakdown of what we discuss during every consultation with clients. If I can marry hairstyle with lifestyle, then I know I’ve done my job as a stylist.” Hair theory, it seems, is a concept that not only impacts our appearance but offers a fresh perspective on the artistry of hairstyling.
