The Influence of K-Pop on How Black Girls Style Their Hair in 2022

Korean Pop, more widely known as K-pop, is a genre of music originating from South Korea. It literally means Korean popular music but it encompasses rock, ballads, electronic and alternative music all under one umbrella. It’s dominated by group acts who usually have set positions such as vocals, rappers, dancers and visuals to make up a dream team.

Because of the nature of the industry, with emphasis on fan service, intense or just really fun dance routines and regular live performances, it’s no surprise why the genre has so many fans.

Groups like BTS, Blackpink and Straykids are so popular and respected that their style and fashion trends are often mimicked and replicated by their fans worldwide.

From F(X) Krystal’s tennis skirt to EXO Kai’s super cropped tops, K-pop idols have made fashion statements lasting over the years. Today, these trends are adopted by TikTok stars and Pinterest aesthetic boards alike.

Outfits aside, it’s the hair trends that really seem to stand out. And although Black girls are often kept out of the loop with pop culture trends catering to other races, they haven’t allowed themselves to be left out of these K-pop style trends.

But how do they manage to replicate styles made on silky straight hair with kinky curls, tough braids and unruly dreads? You could say it’s the ‘black girl magic’😭 and TikTok tutorials.

One iconic fashion statement was Blackpink Jennie’s two toned hair that had everyone and their mom wishing they could replicate it.

So they did.

And for those who couldn't commit to the colour change or have family or societal restrictions, they did what Black girls are known for—innovating with braids.

Another more recent K-pop-inspired hair trend is the bright hair dye . People would usually lean towards conventional and natural colours such as black, brown, blonde and red when opting for dying their hair. 

But learning from the efforts of K-pop legend G-Dragon, notorious for changing his hair colour as often as his clothes, many K-pop idols opt for dyeing their hair to suit the concept of a promotion they’re part of or their latest music release. This means, no colour of the rainbow is off-limits.

NCT Taeyong is another idol inspiring fans to experiment with hair dye.

One of Taeyong’s fans, Shanice Gilchrist even used hair wax to temporarily dye her hair replicating one of his iconic looks.

Bangs are another K-pop fad that has Black girls participating with their box braids in the most unique ways.

There are so many black K-pop fans across the world. And with every fan base, Black girls are on the train to adopt iconic looks from their faves.

Whether it’s unconventional colours or risky cuts, Black girls are going to find a way to make it work.