Maybe Don’t Call it the “Favela” Haircut (But if You Want it, Here’s How to Get it)
Tik Tok’s favourite hairstyle is pretty achievable. We asked the nation’s best barbers for tips, including two from Brazil
By Joseph Furness Published: 15th May 2025
Right now, everything is looking an awful lot like the mid-2000s. In tech, over-ear headphones and wired earphones are more favourable than wireless buds.
In fashion, Hedi Slimane-era Dior is experiencing a renaissance on auction sites; Chloe is spearheading the return of boho chic, Brunello Cucinelli is pushing for the return of evening blazers with denim, and a clutch of Nike Total 90 trainers have been reissued.
And finally, in men’s grooming, blonde streaks à la Noughties Beckham and Ronaldo are making a notable comeback.
That’s especially true in the favelas of Brazil, where a bleaching revival has taken root. In these hillside neighbourhoods, a new style - wavy or curly hair scattered with blond highlights - has become a symbol of self-expression. On Tik Tok, where the haircut has exploded in popularity, it has since acquired the moniker “Favela hairstyle”.
London-based Brazilian barber Washington Neves of Madock Barber explains that while there’s “always been a culture of experimenting with hair in the favela’s, playing with colour and style,” this particular version has truly taken hold. He says it’s known locally as the “Luzes” - or the “Reflexo Alinhado” if it’s a short cut with bleached spots - and believes that the rising popularity of the style has much to do with Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos who plays for São Paulo football team, Palmeiras.
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The Brazil-based star has been bleaching his locks since 2024, updating the look with a modern low-taper mullet cut. “He’s bringing the early 2000s vibe back into the spotlight. Football has huge influence, and fans want the full look.”
Brixton-based Brazilian barber shop Black Belt adds that Brazilian funk artists are also responsible for the grooming trend, suggesting that the “Brazilian Funk Haircut” is a name interchangeable with “Footie Streaks”. Either is preferred over the “Favela haircut” as they say the terms are “more celebratory of its cultural roots without reducing it to a place of poverty”. “Favela haircut can carry classist or stereotypical undertones if used carelessly.”
As Tik Tok’s favourite Barber, Manchester-based Geordie Sam Rascals (Samuel Bentham) points out, the hairstyle shines on curly and wavy hair, but it can still be achieved on textured straight hair. Either way, he says, “You want to get a taper on the sides. I personally think it looks better if you go lower on the taper, but you can go high”.
For the full effect, barber to the stars Joe Mills recommends a mini mullet. He urges that both the cut and the bleaching is left to a professional. “This look isn’t just about adding highlights,” he stresses, “it's about the way those highlights are applied, which makes all the difference in achieving that signature sun-kissed look”.
Kam Zare, co-founder of Treatwell barber shop Groom Room, agrees that it’s best to leave it to the pros. “There are plenty of ways it can go wrong, especially when bleach is involved. A barber knows how to achieve the right tone without patchiness.
“Plus, professional cut makes all the difference - a clean fade and proper shaping are essential for pulling off this trend.”
Conversely, Supply 91 co-founder Maxwell Oakley says that since the trend is “all about bold blonde streaks with attitude” as opposed to “neat highlights or balayage” - basically, “you want to look like you’ve spent all summer in Rio, or just come off the football pitch” - effective results can come from a DIY approach. But he advises you not to do it solo as you then run the risk of “patchy or brassy results”.
“If you are going to do this at some,” says Rascals/Bentham, “you will need a bleaching cap, a pick to pull the hair through, and some cling film to cover up the bleach.”
As for the peroxide, his best advice is to opt for 6% if you have light hair and 9% if you have dark hair.
Once you’ve got the look, it’s important to nourish and moisturise your semi-bleached barnet. Mills recommends KEVIN MURPHY HYDRATE.ME Wash and Rinse duo as it “maintains the integrity of the colour.”
To style it, Zare suggests “a quality pomade or clay to add texture and shape to the hair”.
He continues: “Styling is crucial to pulling off this look. So, if you’re not up for daily styling, this might not be the right choice for you.”
Our thoughts? It’s a small price to pay for a big nostalgic pay off.