How to Do Your Hair According to These Five Viral “Core” Aesthetics

10/24/2022

It seems as though each week a new viral aesthetic takes over TikTok. The aesthetics, often ending in “core”, can feel impossible to keep up with. However, the abundance of niche trends guarantees there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the most recent aesthetics dominating the internet right now, and how you can use your hair to emulate them! 

Barbiecore

Circulating images of Margot Robbie in the upcoming live action Barbie movie incited one of 2022’s biggest aesthetic phenomenon: Barbiecore. Characterized by an over the top amount of hot pink, many celebrities and designers have chosen to emulate this trend in an all-out fashion. Today’s version of the Barbie aesthetic strips gender from pink, proving it can serve as a color for both masculine and feminine looks. 

@alexia.palhano Barbie core 💖 algumas inspirações pra aderir à tendência! #fashiontiktok #barbiecore #barbie ♬ Hung Up (SDP Extended Vocal) [Edit] – Madonna

Since this trend encourages as much pink as possible, there’s no reason not to extend the shade to your hair as well. If you want to go all out on the Barbie-core trend but are weary of damage or commitment, try a color-depositing conditioner. Overtone has a wide selection of pink shades, including a pink that works on brown hair.  

Cottagecore 

Emerging as one of the biggest core aesthetics during the peak of quarantine, cottage core has certainly built a cult following. What began as a sort of whimsical architecture and home design style has morphed into an entire way of living and dressing. In terms of fashion, the trend is heavily characterized by prairie silhouettes and soft, neutral tones. 

@_lilymoon_ Dajcie znać, który Wam się najbardziej podoba ☺️🍄🌿💌 #cottagecore #cottagecoreaesthetic #cottagecoreoutfits ♬ Sixty Second Commercial 1 by Michael Reynolds – malcolm

Styling your hair to fit the cottage core aesthetic can go in many different directions. A key component would be embracing the natural, in terms of hair color and texture. Beyond that, you could play around with loose braids or half up half down styles. You could also experiment with hair accessories, such as ribbons, hair scarfs, or flower clips. 

Plazacore 

Stemming from the Eloise at the Plaza saga, Plazacore is the ultimate preppy trend for this fall. The aesthetic heavily pulls inspiration from Blair Waldorf, while adding a 2022 twist. Mary janes, cardigans, and lots of tweed are encouraged if you want to embody these fancy fictional icons. 

@gab_nyc meet your new fall/winter aesthetic 🎀 #plazaprincess #gossipgirl #nyc #blairwaldorf #eloiseattheplaza #aesthetic #eloisetok #preppy #coastalgrandmother #coastalgranddaughter ♬ original sound – gab

As for hair, Plazacore looks tend to be on the neater side. Try starting with some large curls, and pick out a headband that matches some component of your outfit. You could also try a low ponytail with a bow. 

Weird Girl Aesthetic 

If you have ever felt like influencers are constantly competing for who can concoct the most out there and unexpected outfit, you have likely witnessed the phenomenon of the weird girl aesthetic. One of the leaders of this movement, Clara Perlmutter (@tinyjewishgirl) has built a cult following purely based on her sort of wonky and whimsical aesthetic. 

@sillyyerba I have been WAITING to do this hair ribbon but didn’t have the tools for it. Lance got me the ones I needed to weave my hair through the elastics from my amazon wishlist so i finally have access to so many new looks🥹 AH thank you so much again Lance I am beyond stoked Hair tools are available on my amazon storefront. I earn a small commission as an amazon affiliate. If you want the same colors as me, I used @lunartideshair for the orange I mixed neon tangerine and neon guava equal parts, neon lime, and nightshade!! (Gifted) Use my code SILLYYERBA15 for 15% off!💖 my elastics are from @theponypick and use their hair elastic remover to take them out at the end of the day ❤️(gifted) Use code: MARI20 for 20% off 💖🙇🏻‍♀️ (linked in linktree too) #sorryitsmari #jellyfishhaircut #hairribbon #hairtools #amazonfinds #hairtok #hairart ♬ Them Changes (Sped Up) – Thundercat

This aesthetic is all about celebrating and embracing quirks, and treating weirdness as a form of self expression. Naturally, this has great potential for looks in the hair realm. If you want to go all out and embody the quirky look, try the Jellyfish cut, a style that consists of a blunt, bob length hair in the front and longer layers in the back. You could also experiment with fun and out there colors, such as a bright orange or green. Or, you could follow the queen of the aesthetic herself, and rock a buzzcut. 

Royalcore

With the popularity of period dramas such as Bridgerton came the rise of Royalcore. Also known as Princesscore, Royalcore emphasizes putting a regal spin on modern fashion and interior design. Regal patterns, corsets, and ornate details are all popular aspects of this trend. As for hair, to truly radiate Royalcore, you could attempt to recreate a dramatic Marie Antoinette inspired updo. Pin your hair up in a high volume bun, and allow your framing pieces to be loose. 

@avintagelark I get asked about my wardrobe and how to dress in my style all the time, so I’m finally starting a new series on making princesscore more accessible for every day! 🎀✨ Share with someone you think would love this series! #princesscore #princesscorefashion #royalcore #princessaesthetic ♬ Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift

Which core aesthetic is your favorite? Let us know!

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Manon Bushong

Manon Bushong is currently an Editorial Intern at The Tease. Manon adores liquid eyeshadows, thrifting, and spontaneously changing her hair color. Manon loves experimenting with semi-permanent hair color, and her favorite brands for them are Overtone and Loreal Colorista.

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