What is hair theory, or TikTok’s hair theory: the hairstyle reveals your personality

TikTok it is considered the last paradise of trends, more or less credible, some problematic ones such as the Bold Glamor filter. And what’s the last one? There hair theory, or hair theory.

Videos using the hashtag #hairtheory have clocked up a whopping 54.4 million views, as users – usually young women – flock to the app to experience the theory firsthand.

The videos show users wearing their hair in different hairstyles, as the theory tries to prove that the way you wear your hair can change how you look and feel about yourself. Nothing proven, except on the basis of a trivial, easy and captivating psychology, which conquers for the usual reason: it offers quick solutions and explanations on how one is perceived by oneself and by others. It is nothing but a new interpretation of the classic concept of good hair day and bad hair day, or when hair can affect one’s mood. Surprise?

“Hairstyles can reflect your personality, your style and your confidence, and all of these factors can influence how people see you,” she says. Caroline Brooks, founder of The Glasshouse Salon and Spa, passionate about skin care and hair care and protagonist of the reality show The Real Housewives of Dubai.

“For example, amore adventurous and colorful hairstyle can indicate a more daring and experimental personalitywhile a more elegant and classic cut can suggest a more sophisticated and professional person».

The countless videos that can be found with the hashtag #hairtherory want to demonstrate that hair really has the power to transform the whole look (or «hair is everything», to put it in a dissociative feminism style Fleabagthe TV series starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

“Hair length, colour, style and texture can all have an impact on how others perceive you and even how you feel about yourself,” explains Caroline.

«A freshly done blow-dry can make you feel more confident and a new color can make you feel fresher, but the classic bad hair day can cause embarrassment. Hairstyles can also be a way to express ourselves and talk about our personality and style.”

One of the reasons hair theory is trending is that the users of TikTok believe that the way they wear their hair can tell a lot about the person. For this reason we asked Caroline to express her opinion on five hairstyles and what, according to her and according to the collective imagination, each of them says about the wearer.

• Loose and natural: «Although it is often one of the easiest hairstyles to create, loose and natural hair indicates a relaxed approach to beauty», explains Caroline, «it is an effortless look and suggests that the wearer is comfortable in their own skin ».
• Half up, half down: “This hairstyle is a mix of relaxed and chic. It’s a versatile look, as it can go from casual to formal events. It suggests a balance between practicality and style».
• With an elegant chignon: “This hairstyle is elegant and gives a sophisticated air. It indicates that the wearer is goal-oriented and strives to have a well-groomed appearance», explains Caroline Brooks, «and can also be practical for those who want to keep their hair out of the face».
• Ponytail: “This hairstyle is functional and practical. It suggests that the wearer is efficient and busy, but still likes to keep a look simple and elegant.”
• Secured with a claw clasp: “This hairstyle is casual but chic at the same time. It suggests that the wearer is creative and enjoys playing with different looks, while maintaining the approach to practicality”.

Caroline adds that “one of the many” reasons #hairtheory is trending is because of “simple, easy-to-make tips and tricks that anyone can try at home.” Scrolling through the videos quickly, you feel inspired: who would have guessed that there are so many ways to wear your hair?