"Everybody has a yearbook photo they’ll never live down. Flashback to 2007, when my much-too-short haircut stole the show in all the worst ways. Perhaps the problem was that I was way ahead of my time, asking for a Hailey Bieber-style bob at the age of 11, but if I’m honest, the real issue was that a bob is not my look. I learned my lesson then: I should never cut my hair shorter than my shoulders.
I’ll admit that I’ve been tempted a time or two to try the cut again in my adult age, but after stumbling upon the haircut theory on TikTok, my textured bob dreams are being put to rest. This theory finally explains why certain haircuts look banging on some people and like a mid-life crisis on the next (harsh, but true). Ahead, we’re getting into the details of the haircut theory so that the next time you get a haircut, you’ll nail it.
What is the haircut theory?
According to a TikTok video posted by Liv Frankel, the haircut theory explains that we all have one haircut that perfectly fits our aura and face shape. While some people have it figured out, others are still experimenting to find their perfect cut. For example, Frankel explains that Hailey Bieber’s bob embodies her persona so well, it looks like she’s had it her entire life—that’s haircut theory. Many people in the comments agree, saying things like, “As far as I’m concerned, Zooey Deschanel, Dakota Johnson, and Taylor Swift were born with bangs.”
Frankel explains that many people stick to hairstyles “that might not be serving them as much as another hairstyle could.” With that in mind, the haircut theory is meant to encourage people to experiment with styles so they can finally “get it right,” says Frankel.
How to find your signature hairstyle
I know what you’re thinking: That’s great in theory, but how do I figure out what my signature style is? In a few steps, you can get an idea of which haircut, color, and style would work best for you. Frankel explains the steps to figuring out your signature hairstyle in a separate video, which breaks it down into a science.
Determine your face shape
Your first order of business is to determine your face shape, whether it’s oval, round, square, diamond, rectangle, or heart-shaped. According to Frankel, this will “help you determine what length and cut is going to work best to enhance your features on your face.” If you’re unsure about your face shape, you can look to a celebrity who shares your features, consult your hairstylist, or trace the outline of your face on a mirror with an expo marker, focusing on your hairline and jawline, to reveal your shape. From there, do some research on the best haircuts for your face shape.
Do a color analysis
After finding the right haircut for your face shape, a color analysis will help you choose the best hair color. “You need to figure out what tones your hair should be in according to your skin undertones,” says Frankel. To do this, she recommends looking at the underside of your arm or palm of your hand. If it appears mostly pink, you have cool undertones, and colors like champagne blonde or ash brown would suit you; if it appears mostly yellow, you have warm undertones, and colors like honey blonde or chocolate copper would be more flattering. Unsure? Don’t worry. We put TikTok’s color analysis filter to the test, and it totally works.
Define your essence
“Your essence helps determine how you want to style your hair and how you want to present to the world,” says Frankel. Think long and hard about what makes you uniquely “you” and consider how your daily routine and lifestyle impact your hair. For example, if your personality leans toward being edgy and you’re often on the go, a short, tousled style could be your ideal match. This low-maintenance style complements your energetic persona and eliminates the need for time-consuming styling, like using a hot tool on bangs daily.
Alternatively, if you’re more polished and refined, but often find yourself needing to put your hair up, opting for long hair without excessive layers might be the perfect solution. This allows for a sophisticated look while minimizing flyaways that can detract from a put-together appearance.
Experiment
I’ll admit that the thought of experimenting with your hair is intimidating, but let’s remember that it’s not that serious. “It’s just hair, it’ll grow back,” is the not-so-helpful advice my mom likes to give me when I consider a chop, but she’s right. You might not nail it on the first try (or the second), but the haircut theory assures us that there is a right haircut out there for everyone—we just have to follow the steps to find it. Remember, finding a hairstyle that truly resonates with you goes beyond simply following trends. You can achieve a look that exudes confidence by considering your lifestyle and enhancing your natural features.
Hailey Bouche, Associate Editor
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey Bouche oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.