Viral TikToker Challenges Male Beauty Standards

AJ Wansack, a 20-year-old content creator from Cleveland, Ohio, has achieved viral fame for sharing his detailed curly haircare routine. A video posted on January 10th, outlining each step, has accumulated over 7.5 million views and continues to grow.

Wansack's passion for hair care began in childhood, inspired by characters with long hair. While he experimented with longer styles in high school, he only began developing his specific curly routine in the past year. This hair journey has paralleled his personal growth, including embracing his identity as a gay man.

His routine involves applying products while hair is soaking wet, using specific techniques like scrunching to maintain curl clumps, and a multi-step process that includes leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and gel. A key step involves allowing the hair to dry to a "crunchy" state before scrunching out the crunch with argan oil, followed by a diffuser and volumizing foam.

Wansack sees his dedication to haircare as a way to challenge toxic masculinity and the cultural pressure that discourages men from focusing on their appearance. He aims to promote self-confidence and wellness for everyone, asserting that feeling good in one's own skin is a universal experience, regardless of gender. He has faced criticism from some men who equate his interest in grooming with a lack of masculinity.