“Depression Hair,” Explained: The Messy 'Do Makes a Comeback

The controversial hairstyle has been seen on high-fashion runways.

Published on Jun 25, 2025

Trigger Warning:

This article discusses themes of depression. Reader discretion is advised.

Editor’s Note:
Depression is a serious mental health condition that should never be taken lightly. Our intent is not to trivialize the experience, but to report on certain cultural narratives and internet behaviors intersecting with beauty and fashion discourse. We recognize the importance of treading this topic with sensitivity and respect. This article is not meant to diagnose, mock, or diminish the reality of mental illness.

One of the most common beauty rituals for lifting your mood is changing up your hair—whether it’s a fresh cut or a bold new color. As the saying goes, “New hair, new me!” A trip to the salon can be a moment of self-care, offering a sense of renewal and control, even if temporary. Walking out with styled hair often brings not just a polished appearance, but a subtle boost in confidence.

But in a surprising shift, the glossy, well-kept look typically associated with feeling your best is momentarily being edged out by its messier counterpart. The internet has dubbed it “depression hair”—a controversial trend emerging on runways and social feeds alike, where disheveled, undone styles are reframed as a deliberate aesthetic choice.

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Photo courtesy of Prada.

What Is "Depression Hair"?

Depression can manifest in many ways—physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. For some, daily routines like washing or styling their hair can feel overwhelming, often taking a backseat to more pressing mental health challenges. Elevated stress hormones, such as cortisol, have also been linked to disruptions in the hair growth cycle, which may contribute to noticeable changes in hair health over time.

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What’s now being referred to as “depression hair” describes a look that’s intentionally disheveled—think slept-in waves, loosely tied ponytails, visible flyaways, and a general sense of undone imperfection. The aesthetic mimics hair that’s been left unstyled or unattended, often drawing from visuals typically associated with physical or emotional exhaustion.

Unsurprisingly, the trend has sparked discomfort for some, as it mirrors—intentionally or not—the visible effects of a serious mental health condition. For critics, it's a reminder of how internet culture can blur the lines between genuine struggle and aestheticized storytelling, especially in the beauty space.

"Depression Hair" as Seen on Runways

A recent sighting of the hair trend happened on the catwalks of Prada. At the Fall/Winter 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week, Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented a collection titled Raw Glamour. True to their inclination toward intentional imperfection, the collection featured sack dresses, paper bag waists, and exaggerated silhouettes.

Celebrated hairstylist Guido Palau interpreted the theme through what’s now being referred to as “depression hair,” styling models with awkwardly tucked tresses, tousled bedhead textures, and a look that balanced visible disarray with deliberate finesse—despair, with a touch of flair.

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Photos courtesy of Prada

For the fashion house, the presentation posed questions such as “What does femininity mean today?” and “How can it be defined?” It explored which ideas hold meaning in a time when personal style is resurging—and when more people are questioning the influence of algorithms on how we dress and present ourselves.

If undone or imperfect hair resonates with you, it’s less about imitating distress and more about reclaiming ease and authenticity. Embracing what feels natural—whether polished or not—can be a quiet rebellion against the pressure to always look curated, or to conform to beauty standards dictated by social media trends.

Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.