Understanding TikTok’s Strawberry Fade Haircut Meme

PDF download Download Article
Learn why the label is being applied to bizarre viral haircuts
PDF download Download Article

TikTok has had its share of unusual hair trends, but none have been quite as confusing as the strawberry fade. On a variety of videos showing close shaves, actual fades, or AI-generated fruit hair, users comment to ask which is the true strawberry fade haircut. The reality is that the strawberry fade is a meme referring to several viral haircuts. Read on to learn more about the cryptic strawberry fade trend, including the most popular examples.

What is a strawberry fade?

The strawberry fade (or trypophobia fade) is a TikTok meme about a close shave that leaves the scalp pink or bleeding, with remaining hair resembling strawberry seeds. The hair follicles on the shaved scalp trigger viewers’ trypophobia. The meme has several spin-offs, such as a viral AI-generated strawberry haircut.

Section 1 of 4:

Strawberry Fade Explained

PDF download Download Article
  1. The term took off on TikTok after cosmetic and hair transplant surgeon Dr. Rob Berberian created videos showing scalps that were pink or red with blood, with tiny holes where the hair follicles had been buzzed. Rather than an appealing haircut trend, the strawberry fade is a meme about a gross look created in preparation for a hair transplant. No one is actually getting this haircut. [1]
    • After user @drrobberberian1’s videos went viral, the look became known as the trypophobia fade. Trypophobia refers to an unofficial disorder in which looking at images or things with small holes, bumps, or patterns causes a strong sense of unease and anxiety. [2]
    • Over time, other creators have made their own viral strawberry fade videos. Most show a close shave, but some put unique spins on the trend.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Strawberry Fade Meme Examples

PDF download Download Article
  1. Text overlaid in the video or the caption of the TikTok indicates in a joking tone that it’s the strawberry fade. For example, Dr. Berberian’s TikToks will joke that the patient only asked for a slight trim, but got a strawberry fade instead (when they’re actually receiving a hair transplant.) In another viral video , user @cole_durbin gave someone a close shave down the center of his head, calling it the strawberry fade.
    • Another look that commenters claim is the strawberry fade is the R9 haircut, a look Brazilian footballer Ronaldo Nazario wore at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The look features a head completely shaved except for a small tuft of hair at the front.
  2. 2
    In one viral TikTok, a man uses strawberries to dye a fade haircut. User @officialmartyblendz, a barber and content creator, created this variation on the strawberry fade. In the video , he pours a strawberry smoothie on his model’s hair to dye it pink before shaving it into a fade style . It’s unclear if the strawberry mixture dyed the model’s hair, or if actual hair dye was used behind the scenes.
  3. 3
    An AI-generated strawberry fade haircut went viral. The TikTok , posted by user @txrek_, shows a man with an AI-generated fade haircut that resembles the tip of a strawberry. Users debate in the comments about signs this strawberry fade was created using AI, such as its unnatural glossiness and the warping of the barber’s hands at the start of the TikTok.
    • The creator who uploaded this video is known for his disruptive AI-generated content.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Other TikTok Hair Trends

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Ice Cream Hair Ice cream hair is a TikTok hair trend that went viral as a meme in 2022. The look features fluffy, voluminous hair that rounds down on top but flips out at the bangs and edges. It resembles a scoop of ice cream.
  2. 2
    Wolf Cut The wolf cut is an edgy hairstyle that combines the mullet and the shag. It’s a popular style for any gender due to its length and versatility. A classic wolf cut features layers that start short at the crown of your head, but become longer toward the back.
  3. 3
    Scandinavian Hairline In the summer of 2023, the Scandi hairline went viral on TikTok. The trend refers to bleaching or lightening the hairline and baby hairs that frame the face, helping dyed blondes to appear more natural and sunkissed. The Scandinavian hairline can work on any hair color, not just blondes!
  4. 4
    Warrior Cut The warrior cut took off in August 2024, but the look is inspired by ‘90s idols like Leonardo DiCaprio. A warrior cut features a low taper fade and a textured top that has medium length, while the back is shorter.
  5. 5
    Broccoli Cut The broccoli haircut is one of the most unusual cuts to go viral on TikTok and other social media platforms. What started as a meme became a mega-popular look for Zoomer boys everywhere. The haircut’s veggie name refers to how its shaved sides and volumized top resemble a broccoli floret.
  6. 6
    Jellyfish Haircut Inspired by K-pop artists, the jellyfish haircut went viral online in 2023 and stayed on trend in 2024. The look combines a bob with long layers, resembling the body of a jellyfish. The multi-layered haircut can be customized to any length or preference.
    7. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Keeping Dyed Strawberry Blonde Hair From Fading

PDF download Download Article
  1. These products coat your hair cuticles in pigment, helping to enhance your natural color. While not dyes, they can have the same strong effects. Try your best to find the right color before using the product, and test on a small strand that’s underneath most of your hair before applying all over. [3]
  2. Studies have found that exposure to UV light contributes to fading of artificial hair color. [4] Even if you have natural, undyed hair, you’ll want to protect it from sun damage by covering it with a parasol, hood, hat, or bandana. Add UV-protectant products to your hair care routine to help prevent fading. [5]
    3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      The Warrior Cut: How to Get & Style TikTok’s Latest Hair Trend
      How to
      Do a Layered Haircut
      9 Ways to Cut Your Long Hair At Home
      How to
      Cut Your Own Hair (Men)
      How to
      Decide if You Should Get Bangs or Not
      Hairstylist-Approved Guide to Cutting Men’s Hair at Home
      Everything You Need to Know about the Low Burst Fade Hairstyle
      How to
      Ask for a French Crop Haircut, Plus How to Style It
      Tips for Trimming Long Hair Evenly (Your Own or Someone Else’s)
      How to
      Give a "Fade" Haircut to Males
      How to
      Do a Layered Curly Cut at Home
      How to
      Cut the Back of Your Hair
      What Is a Broccoli Cut and Why Do Younger Guys Like It?
      How to
      Pull Off a Pixie Cut
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://drrobberberian.com/trypophobia-fade/
      2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21834-trypophobia
      3. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/article/my-natural-red-hair-is-getting-duller-what-can-i-do.html
      4. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16538296/
      5. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/article/my-natural-red-hair-is-getting-duller-what-can-i-do.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 90 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement