Testing the Viral TikTok Hair Theory on Type 4 Natural Hair
What's your hair story?
If you’re like us and a beauty lover on TikTok, chances are that you’ve seen the Hair Theory trend taking over. This hair theory consists of creators switching through multiple hairstyles in one video to show how one can transform how we look and perceive ourselves and others. For example, a more tied-up hairstyle represents a professional appearance, while less common hairstyles signify confidence and boldness. Have you been wondering what the Hair Theory on Natural hair looks like? We partnered with Stacy from Natural Hair Guide on TikTok to experiment with this #hairtheory trend.
TikTok’s Hair Theory on Type 4 Natural Hair
Textured natural hair is often excluded from mainstream iterations of social media hair trends; we work to combat that at All Things Hair. See below for Stacy’s take on Hair Theory, and read below for each hairstyle explained.
Hair Theory Style 1: Hair Theory on Natural Hair
The first hairstyle demonstrated in the video is Stacy’s natural hair state. “Straight out of my bonnet. I wanted to include this look in the video because it is part of my reality. Waking up, taking off my bonnet, and not knowing exactly what style I would like to do that day,” says Stacy when talking about her look. “As much as we want to showcase our hair in different styles, it is important to love your hair’s natural state first. Stacy’s hair was 3 days post-wash in this clip. She used the Dove Hair Therapy Hydration Spa Hydrating Shampoo.
Hair Theory Style 2: Space Buns on Natural Hair
“The two space buns represent a youthful glow; I enjoyed this a lot because I don’t typically see my hair like this, and I felt like a new me was unlocked. I loved how defined my curls looked in this hairstyle and even laid my edges and curled up two of my pieces in the front to add definition to the outcome,” explained Stacy from Natural Hair Guide. This hairstyle highlights different dimensions of natural hair and is the perfect way to switch up your standard afro puff. Also, it is a cute style for anyone wanting to embrace their inner child!
Hair Theory Style 3: The Full-Dimensional Afro
For this hairstyle, Stacy took the hair from her natural state in the first clip and added dimension to it. When explaining her thought process behind this look, Stacy says, “I wonder how differently people perceive the same hairstyle manipulated differently? Will they see more or less of an expression? Will they view me as more or less professional?” Stacy took a hair pick to stretch out her shrinkage to achieve her afro, creating more volume and shape.
Hair Theory Styles 4-5: Top Buns
These two hairstyles show Stacy creating a solo bun in one clip and releasing the other half of her hair in the next clip for a half-up, half-down look. Stacy explains, “I love how the bun kept the hair out of my face, but also love how much more depth the hair in the back added to my face and overall look.”
Hair Theory Styles 6-8: The Pineapple
“My go-to hairstyle,” Stacy states. This hairstyle shows the different ways you can change up one hairstyle. How do the different ways Stacy wears her afro make her feel or make others perceive her differently? The slicked-up afro may be viewed as the typical hairstyle of most natural-hair girls, but how it is manipulated can reveal much about one person’s sense of personal style. Some people may enjoy wearing their natural hair with edges; some may not. Some people may want to curl up a few pieces, and others may keep that scarf because it’s cute, protective, and involves low manipulation.
Hair Theory Styles 9-10: Slick Back Bun
For this hairstyle, Stacy used TRESemmé One Step Styler Sleek Cream to slick back her hair and then used Emerge Style Goals Gel to style her edges.“I wonder if people think this hairstyle is more sophisticated. Although I prefer my afro, I love how this hairstyle compliments my facial features and head shape,” Stacy states. She puts the scarf on the bun to add personality and comfort to the security of her hairstyle.
Natural Hair Guide’s Thoughts on Hair Theory
“It was super important for me to take part in this trend,” says Stacy when talking to All Things Hair after wrapping up this video. “It really adds perspective to see how much hair can be changed and manipulated and how it can change your whole appearance.“ Seeing all the hairstyles I did back to back was very liberating and a fun challenge to take on! I love how the TikTok hair theory highlights how one can show versatile hair expression in many ways. In a way, I feel this trend helps fight against societal biases about beauty and hair. It shows that behind any look is simply a beautiful human in their own dynamic ways.”
Will you be trying the Tik Tok hair theory on natural hair? Share your look with us by tagging us @AllThingsHairUS. Also, for more natural hair inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter below.
