What is TikTok’s Hair Color Filter?
The hair color filter is a popular augmented reality effect on TikTok that allows users to temporarily change their hair color in videos. The filter uses AR technology to detect the user’s hair and face, then applies a customized overlay to alter the hair color in real-time.
This effect gives TikTok users the ability to experiment with different hair colors and styles without actually dyeing their hair. There are filters available to try various shades of blonde, brunette, red, pink, blue, purple, and more. The temporary hair transformations have become a trending creativity outlet and source of fun on the platform.
The filter effect convincingly changes the user’s hair color while allowing their natural hair texture and style to show through. It works on different hair types and lengths to realistically apply the new pigment. The hair color shifts as the user moves their head, maintaining the illusion in a dynamic way.
TikTok users can access the effect in the app by selecting from a range of hair color options within the Effect Gallery. The filter has become a popular way for users to express themselves through frequently changing up their style temporarily. It allows creativity and self-expression through imaginative hair colors without long-term commitment or damage to hair.
How the Filter Works
The hair color filter on TikTok uses augmented reality (AR) technology to detect hair and change its color in real-time video. It is powered by artificial intelligence that can identify hair and apply different colors and styles. As soon as the filter is enabled, it starts tracking hair and transforms it while retaining natural movement and texture.
According to an article on PerfectCorp, the filter tracks hair pixel-by-pixel to overlay the new hair color in a realistic way. The algorithm separates hair from the background cleanly so that color is only applied to hair and not skin or clothes. This creates a convincing effect of actually dyeing hair.
The filter isolates hair based on tone and texture. Once it detects and segments hair, it applies the selected color while preserving strands, volume, and original condition. The AI accounts for hair thickness, waves, and lighting to show the new hue in a natural, multi-dimensional manner.
History of the Filter
The hair color filter on TikTok first gained popularity in mid-2020. It allows users to virtually try on different hair colors and styles without actually dyeing their hair. According to Buzzfeed, the filter labeled “Hazel Tint” was one of the first hair color filters that went viral on the platform.
Soon after, TikTok introduced more official hair coloring effects in collaboration with popular hair dye brands like Manic Panic and Arctic Fox. This allowed users to preview hair colors before purchasing the actual dyes. The filters have continued to evolve with more realistic rendering and a wider range of shades.
As cited on tiktok.com, hair color filters remain one of the most popular effects on TikTok today, with billions of views for related hashtags. Users regularly share transformation videos showing before and after shots using their favorite hair filters.
Popular Hair Colors
The hair color filter allows users to try out a wide range of hair colors without actually dyeing their hair. Some of the most popular hair colors used with the TikTok filter include:
Blonde – From platinum blonde to golden blonde, lighter blonde shades are a huge hit on TikTok. Blonde hair is often seen as glamorous and eye-catching.
Unnatural Colors – Vibrant shades like blue, pink, purple, and green are popular. These fantasy hair colors allow creativity and self-expression. (1)
Brunette – Rich, chocolatey brunette and caramel brown hues look gorgeous with the filter. Deeper browns offer a polished yet soft look.
Red – Fiery reds and bold auburns stand out on camera. Red hair makes a dramatic statement.
Ombre – Two-toned ombre styles like blonde to brown remain on trend. Ombre allows you to try subtle or stark color fades.
The TikTok hair color filter has made it easy to test drive any hair color you can dream up and see how it looks before committing to actually dyeing your hair that color.
Using the Filter
The hair color filter on TikTok is very simple to use. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the TikTok app on your phone.
- Tap on the + icon to open the camera.
- Select “Effects” at the bottom of the screen.
- Search for “hair color” in the search bar.
- Tap on the hair color filter you want to try.
- Aim your camera at your hair to apply the filter.
- Adjust or change the filter as needed.
- Record your video with the filter applied.
The hair color filter will remain on as you record your TikTok video. You can switch between different shades and colors while recording. The filter works best when aimed directly at your hair rather than your face. Have fun trying out different hair colors!
Best Practices
There are some tips and tricks for getting the best results when using TikTok’s hair color filter.
- Make sure you have good lighting. Natural sunlight works best, as the filter can have trouble detecting hair color in dim lighting. Face a window or go outside.
- Brush your hair beforehand so it’s smooth and untangled. The filter will work better on hair that is neat and flat.
- Have your hair pulled back away from your face. Putting hair in a slick bun or ponytail helps the filter recognize the regions to change.
- Hold the camera steady. Quick movements make it harder for the filter to process and alter the hair color.
- Adjust your hair part to be in the center. Centered parts give the filter the most coverage area to work with.
- Try different angles, like holding the camera above you pointing down. Looking straight on versus from above can change the effect.
Following these best practices allows the TikTok hair color filter to identify hair regions more accurately. Taking the time to set up proper positioning and lighting leads to the most realistic and flattering filtered hair colors.
Creative Uses
The hair color filter on TikTok has enabled users to get creative with trying out different hair colors in a virtual setting. Some unique ways people have used the filter include:
Creating outlandish hair colors like rainbow, galaxy, and unicorn hues that would be difficult or impossible to achieve in real life (Example). The filter allows for vibrant colors and patterns that go beyond normal hair dye options.
Trying on multiple hair colors in quick succession to compare different looks side-by-side. The ease of switching between colors makes experimenting fun and simple.
Coordinating hair colors with makeup, outfits, or accessories for a cohesive look. The filter provides a preview of how a hair color pairs with someone’s complexion and style.
Collaborating with others by filming TikToks together while using the filter to sport matching or complementary hair colors.
Overall, the hair color filter empowers creativity, self-expression, and exploration with users embracing the fun it brings to change up their appearance.
Impact on Culture
The hair color filter on TikTok has had a significant impact on beauty trends. Many people are being inspired by the filters to actually dye their hair the colors they see themselves with virtually. After using the filter and seeing themselves with a fun, vivid hair color, some users are taking the plunge and coloring their real hair to match.
The filter is making people more daring and experimental with their beauty choices. Since the hair colors are only temporary with the filter, users feel emboldened to try unconventional shades like blues, greens, and purples. According to one Buzzfeed article, hair dye brands have seen surges in sales for vivid colors since the filter debuted in 2020.
Additionally, people are showing off their new real-life hair colors on TikTok after being inspired by the filter. The hashtag #haircolormyhair has over 90 million views, with users revealing their post-filter dye jobs. The viral nature of the videos is further fueling the popularity of bold hair colors.
Overall, the TikTok hair color filter is making a bold impact on real-world beauty and fashion trends. The filter empowers users to try on looks virtually before committing in real life. For many, seeing themselves with an unexpected hair color for the first time on the filter is what convinced them to actually dye it that shade.
Controversies
The Bold Glamour filter on TikTok has generated some controversies and criticisms since its release. Many have argued that the filter promotes unrealistic beauty standards, especially for young and impressionable users.
The filter smooths skin, enlarges eyes, slims face shape, and enhances color in a way that some find concerning. According to E! News, “It gives an almost cartoonish effect, with brighter, wider eyes, smoothed skin and rosy cheeks.” There are worries this kind of idealized, inhuman look could negatively impact beauty norms.
Others have criticized the filter’s slimming effect, saying it encourages thinness. Per Slate, “Some videos show people using the filter to achieve a smaller nose or thinner face shape.” Promoting such narrow beauty standards has raised ethical concerns.
There are also fears the filter could be used to mislead viewers or promote harmful content. Some warn it will increase catfishing and make judging reality difficult. Overall, while popular, the filter has sparked heated debate about social media’s promotion of unrealistic and problematic beauty ideals.
Future of the Filter
The hair color filter on TikTok has become incredibly popular, with millions trying out the feature. As with any new technology, there are likely to be improvements and developments to the filter in the future.
One potential advancement is even more realistic hair coloring. As AI and machine learning progress, the filter may be able to apply hair colors that look indistinguishable from real dyed hair. This could allow users to visualize hair colors on themselves in a hyper-realistic way before committing to actually dyeing their hair.
The filter may also expand to include more hair color options beyond the standard palette offered now. There could be more natural hair colors added, as well as creative options like ombre, balayage, and vivid rainbow hues. More personalized color recommendations could also be integrated based on a user’s complexion and current hair color.
Some speculate that in the future, AR and VR technologies could allow the TikTok hair color filter to work in real-time on users through their cameras, rather than only on static photos. This could provide an even more seamless preview and get one step closer to virtual hair dyeing.
While the viral filter is already wildly popular, advancements in AI and computer vision will likely only make it more lifelike, expansive, and integrated into augmented reality experiences. The TikTok hair color filter shows the beginning stages of innovative beauty tech that could fundamentally change how people preview potential looks.
