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Short-form video culture evolves at a rapid speed, with TikTok continuing to be a trailblazer in pushing and creating new trends almost every week. Instead of a broad trend that spans a whole season or even a year, trends now have a shorter lifespan, with new trends popping up every week or so. This is where microtrends were born, which are small but powerful trends that are fleeting but can help you find your personal and individual tastes. When you get to try out so many styles, it’s easier to find what exactly works for you, whether that be a silhouette or a lip colour, which you can take with you into the rest of the year or even your personal style forever. With trends moving so quickly, it’s hard to know what will be trending next season, as it will be miles different from the previous year, leaving you wondering what you should wear.
This spring is looking to be one of the most exciting yet, filled with hyper-specific, aesthetic-driven looks rooted in 90s and 2000s nostalgia, feeling more authentic and creative than ever.
So, without further ado, here are 4 TikTok microtrends that are shaping spring 2026, how they’re spreading, why creators and viewers can’t get enough and how you can use these microtrends to inspire your own personal style.
1. Ballet-slipper lips: Y2K beauty revival
A clear example of nostalgia meeting creativity is the reassurance of the nude lip in the form of the ballet slipper lip. This trend has blown up on a particular beauty TikTok where creators are all trying different versions of this satin lip, trying different products and brands to formulate the perfect ballet slipper lip.
What it is: A frosted pale pink lip is inspired by early 2000s icons such as Pamela Anderson. Its look is glossy, soft and feminine with the aim to mimic the stain of a ballet slipper, which has also been a trend recently with the reassurance of ballet core.
Why is it trending?: TikTok users are starting to reject the minimalistic clean girl look that thrived towards the start of the 2020s in favour of bolder, textured looks that have personality and colour. Just like the early 2000s, more out-there looks, spring 2026 aims to inject some life into the year with authenticity and personal style being at the forefront of trends, saying goodbye to clear girl and hello to more grungey looks.
How do creators participate?: Videos often include product swatches, step-by-step application and outfit makeup pairings to show how the look fits into springs playful style. This trend aims to add to the overall look, with hair and outfit playing a big part in mimicking the early 2000s unapologetically expressive, fun look.
2. Vintage pastel: colour aesthetics rule the feed
Colour plates are often a dictator of aesthetics on TikTok, with trends such as the clean girl chosung moore neutral colours, such as muted brown and silver titanium jewelry, while other aesthetics, such as the downtown girl, favouring burgandies, deep browns and dark greens. This spring, pastels are back, however, not in the way they have been in the past few years. The modern twist on this aesthetic is what will make it mainstream this spring, adding more personality and pops of colour for this refreshing season.
Trend overview: Sofy shades like baby blue, mint green, millennials pink and buttery yellow will be everywhere, not just in fashion but in hair colours and nails. This trend stems from the Tumblr resurgence that has hit TikTok, starting with indie sleee and then moving towards 2015, where these colours dominated all aspects of fashion and beauty.
Creator use: Outfit clips, makeup transformations and hair reveals use pastel tones to signal calmness, youth and playful creativity reminiscent of teenage years in the 2010s, further creating a counter culture to the clean girl aesthetic that dominated TikTok fashion and beauty last year.
Why does it matter?: This trend reflects a shift from neutral aesthetics towards visually soothing content that still feels fresh and spring-ready. This rejection of neutrality shows the shift from conformity to expression and individuality.
3. Cloud curls: aesthetics go dreamy
Beauty trends on TikTok often start with aesthetic moments, and the ‘cloud curls’ movement is a perfect example. After the dreamy TikTok makeup trend that featured iridescent, pastel eyeshadow with white accents for an ethereal overall effect, it has shifted to the hair world. This overall aesthetic displays the further shift to more playful and experimental styles.
What it is: This trend features soft, airy curls with diffused, almost ethereal textures that feel effortless. This trend stems from the increase in hair care and natural hair curling methods, which have blown up on TikTok in recent years. These methods not only can protect hair through utilising less heat, but also make hair quick and easy for everyone.
Why it resonates: Unlike tightly defined ringlets, cloud curls embrace natural movement, which is fitting for spring’s fresh and romantic vibe.
Content style: Clips often show progression from straight to blown out hair to cloud curls, DIY styling tips and tutorials and product recommendations such as mousses or oils that can help your hair to look good and stay in all day.
4. ‘Garden girl’ glam: Cottage core 2.0
This spring, TikTok is embracing a softer, ultra-feminine aesthetic by the name of ” graden girl. This trend entails flowing fabrics, dewy skin and skin kissed make up that feels like you’ve just stepped out of a countryside daydream.
What is it?: A new take on the cottage core trend from a few years ago, but lighter, more wearable and more suitable for the everyday person. Instead of full prairie dresses, dramatic silhouettes, and over-the-top accessories, this trend focuses on lace trims, straw bags and glowy makeup with peachy blush.
Why is it trending?: After seasons of minimalism and clear-girl aesthetics, this trend offers an outdoorsy and personal feel, which reflects expression and the yearning for the outdoors. Spring naturally inspires outdoor visuals, picnics, flowers and golden hour walks that are reflected in this style.
Why does it matter?: Garden Girl reflects the love and need for escapism from younger TikTok users. It romanticises everyday life whilst remaining wearable and achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About TikTok Micro-Trends This Spring
1. What exactly is a TikTok micro-trend?
A TikTok micro-trend is a niche, short-lived content style or cultural behavior that gains rapid traction on the platform, typically within a specific community or demographic. Unlike macro-trends, micro-trends are more targeted, intimate, and community-driven. They often emerge organically and can evolve or fade within weeks, making them exciting but time-sensitive opportunities for creators and brands alike.
2. How long do TikTok micro-trends last in spring 2025?
Most TikTok micro-trends in spring 2025 last anywhere from two to eight weeks at peak virality, though some — especially those tied to broader cultural values like sustainability or wellness — can sustain for months. The key is to enter the trend early, ideally within the first two weeks of its emergence, to gain the greatest organic reach before it becomes oversaturated with content.
3. Are TikTok micro-trends relevant for small businesses?
Absolutely. TikTok micro-trends are particularly valuable for small businesses because they offer low-cost, high-impact marketing opportunities. A small bakery could use the Cottagecore Cooking trend to showcase artisan products authentically, while a wellness brand could tap into the Soft Life Aesthetic for organic reach. The key advantage is that micro-trends reward creativity and authenticity over budget, which levels the playing field beautifully.
4. How do I find emerging TikTok micro-trends before they peak?
To find emerging TikTok micro-trends early, explore TikTok’s Discover page regularly, follow culture-forward creators in your niche, monitor Reddit communities dedicated to TikTok, and use tools like TikTok Creative Center and Google Trends. Spending time in comment sections also helps, as conversations often reveal what audiences want to see next before creators have even made that content yet.
5. Which TikTok spring micro-trend has the best ROI for brands?
Based on current engagement data, De-Influencing 2.0 offers strong ROI for brands that prioritize transparency and authenticity in their marketing. It builds deep consumer trust, drives word-of-mouth recommendations, and tends to produce long-lasting brand loyalty rather than one-time conversions. However, the best trend for your brand depends entirely on your audience, product type, and content capabilities — a strategic fit matters most.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of TikTok Micro-Trends This Spring
The 4 micro-trends taking over TikTok this spring — Soft Life Aesthetic, De-Influencing 2.0, Cottagecore Cooking, and Digital Detox Diaries — each reflect deeper cultural shifts happening in society right now. They are not just fleeting fads. They are windows into what people genuinely value: peace, authenticity, nourishment, and balance.
Whether you are a solo creator trying to grow your following or a brand aiming to stay culturally relevant, these TikTok spring trends 2025 offer incredible opportunities when approached with genuine creativity and intention. The best content does not just follow trends — it adds something meaningful to them.
Stay curious, stay authentic, and let these TikTok micro-trends inspire your most engaging spring content yet. The algorithm rewards those who show up with heart — and so does your audience.
