(Image source: Midjourney) If your “For You” page looks anything like mine, it’s a mini hair salon of inspiration, served with a side of chaos. TikTok, affectionately dubbed Hair Tok by the style-obsessed, has made us all believe that glossy locks and perfect braids are just a quick tutorial away. And honestly? It’s delivering. From retro-inspired throwbacks to effortlessly cool modern trends, this app has us itching to recreate those dreamy, swipe-worthy styles.
Whether you’re looking to shake up your everyday look or just need an excuse to order yet another claw clip, we’re breaking down the viral hairstyles TikTok can’t stop raving about. These styles are as fun to try as they are to show off in your next video. Warning: you will want to recreate all of these immediately.
1. Curtain Bangs - A Throwback That’s Here to Stay
First up, curtain bangs. If you hopped onto TikTok in the last few years, you couldn’t scroll three videos without someone confidently cutting their own fringe (with mixed results). This ’70s-inspired hair trend is the definition of retro meets modern chic. It’s flattering, low-maintenance, and looks effortlessly cool whether air-dried or styled.
Why They’re Trending
Curtain bangs give major face-framing vibes. They’re like contouring for your hair, enhancing cheekbones and adding movement to hairstyles. Think Brigitte Bardot meets Alexa Chung.
Plus, stylists on TikTok have us believing they’re the gateway bang; perfect if you’re scared to commit to full fringe. Bonus? They’re way easier to grow out when that inevitable phase of “Do I miss my forehead?” happens.
How to Get the Look
- Ask your stylist for long, face-framing bangs that part in the middle (and for the love of every strand, don’t DIY unless you trust your scissors skills).
- Style them with a round brush, curling them slightly outward for bounce. TikTok creators love pairing this look with a touch of dry shampoo or texturizing spray to nail that chic, lived-in finish.
Pro Tip: Got wavy or curly hair? Don’t be afraid to rock curtain bangs on natural texture. These bangs are universally flattering!
2. Bubble Braids - Cute, Quirky, and Totally Doable
TikTok has declared bubble braids the playful hairstyle of the year, and honestly, we’re not mad about it. This trend takes the elegance of traditional braids and puts a funky twist on it by sectioning off hair into puffy, spaced-out "bubbles."
Why They’re Trending
Bubble braids are perfect for when you want the look of putting in effort without, like, actually trying that hard. They’re also TikTok gold because they work on every hair texture. From sleek and straight to beautifully kinky-curly, bubble braids are inclusive and absurdly easy to recreate.
How to Get the Look
You’ll need a pack of small elastic bands and some patience (but not much). Here’s how to slay:
- Gather sections of your hair into ponytails.
- Secure elastics down the length of each pony, spacing them out evenly.
- Gently tug at the hair between elastics to “puff” it out, creating that bubble effect.
If you’re extra (and hey, aren’t we all?), decorate the elastics with beads or glitter for a festival-ready twist.
Pro Tip: Bubble braids are also genius for keeping medium-to-long hair off your face while still looking Insta-friendly. Gym hair, upgraded!
3. Claw Clip Updos - The Lazy-Girl Chic Revival
Nothing screams “effortlessly chic” like a good claw clip. Gen Z has resurrected this ’90s hair accessory with a vengeance, and TikTok has us all scrambling to dig them out of retirement. Forget messy buns; claw clips are the cool-girl way to throw your hair up with minimal effort and maximum flair.
Why They’re Trending
Claw clips are the MVP of accessories for busy weekdays and lazy weekends. They keep things simple, elegant, and heat-free. Plus, they add a touch of that throwback nostalgia we all secretly love.
How to Get the Look
There are endless ways to style claw clips, but the most popular? The twisted updo.
- Gather your hair into a ponytail.
- Twist it upward until the ends point to the ceiling.
- Secure it with your claw clip and fan out the ends for a flirty, casual look.
TikTok creators also swear by color-coordinated clips or jumbo claw clips for extra flair. This style is perfect for long or medium-length hair, and it’s adaptable enough for running errands or date night vibes.
Pro Tip: If you have short or fine hair, look for mini claw clips for half-up looks. Trust TikTok to make even tiny clips trendy.
4. Heatless Curls - TikTok’s Magic Wand
Put down that curling iron because TikTok has spoken, and the future of curls is heat-free! From bathrobe belts to sock techniques, the internet is full of innovative ways to wake up with bouncy, damage-free waves. Heatless curls are the gift that keeps on giving—for both your hair health and your sleep schedule.
Why They’re Trending
For one, who doesn’t love a trend that lets you set it and forget it? Plus, heatless curls are a huge win for anyone trying to repair damaged strands or grow out healthy hair. They’re simple, effective, and proof that sometimes, old-school tricks (looking at you, sock curls) really do work.
How to Get the Look
The bathrobe method is arguably TikTok's favorite:
- Drape the tie of your bathrobe over your head like a headband.
- Wrap sections of damp hair around the tie, securing the ends with scrunchies.
- Sleep on it and wake up to salon-worthy waves.
For extra hold, add a few spritzes of light mousse or curl-setting spray before wrapping. The results? Magic.
Pro Tip: Adjust the tightness of the wrap based on your desired curl pattern. Looser sections create soft waves, while tighter wraps serve up defined curls.
5. Mermaid Waves with a Crimper Twist
The ’00s crimper is making a highly dramatic comeback, and TikTok collectively can’t get enough of mermaid waves. Perfect for those who dream of effortless beachy hair, this style adds volume, texture, and guaranteed double-take energy.
Why They’re Trending
Some trends just hit the nostalgia sweet spot, and mermaid waves are riding high on that. With their mix of playful texture and glam vibes, they’re perfect for day parties, selfies, or tricking people into thinking you spent a week on a tropical island.
How to Get the Look
Grab a three-barrel waver iron, section your hair, and crimp away for those iconic deep waves. For an extra touch of TikTok glam, finish with a spritz of texture spray to enhance volume.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo the crimper close to your roots; the goal is beachy-chic, not triangle-head vibes.
