If you’ve spent any time exploring Chinese social media or walking through youth culture hubs like Shanghai’s TX Huaihai, you might have noticed a rather peculiar hairstyle detail: a single, defiant strand or tuft of hair sticking straight up from the crown of the head. Known as 呆毛 (“daimao”), or “dopey hair,” this quirky look isn’t a case of bedhead—it’s a highly intentional, anime-inspired aesthetic taking over China’s Gen Z.

Originating from Japanese anime and manga (where it’s called “ahoge”), the “dopey hair” trope has long been used to signal a character who is carefree, innocent, or slightly naive. Now, China’s youth are bringing this “erciyuan” (2D/ACG) culture off the screen and onto the streets. It’s a playful rebellion against hyper-curated, flawless beauty standards.

By deliberately styling a flyaway strand with gel or hairspray, young people are embracing a look that is unapologetically cute, self-deprecating, and authentically themselves.

The trend is gaining massive traction on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, where creators share tutorials on how to achieve the perfect gravity-defying flick. As seen in viral clips, getting the “daimao” just right requires a delicate balance—too flat, and it disappears; too stiff, and it loses its whimsical charm.

For China’s youth, the “dopey hair” trend is more than just a fleeting fashion statement. It’s a wearable piece of pop culture, a subtle signal to fellow anime lovers, and a refreshing reminder not to take life—or your hair—too seriously.

Cover image via Hk01.