Beyond Hijab: How TikTok Girls in Kano Are Influencing Beauty

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TikTok is big in Nigeria. In early 2024, over 16 million people used the app, and many of them were young and from the North. 

In Kano, something new is happening online. More girls are showing their faces and styles on TikTok. They wear soft makeup and neat clothes and still keep things modest. Some call them “aesthetic girls.” But many just see them as bold, young voices.

These TikTok girls in Kano are not chasing fame. They are changing how beauty looks, one soft glam video at a time.

Who Are the TikTok Girls in Kano?

TikTok girls in Kano are mostly young women. Many are between 16 and 24 years old. They live in the North, speak Hausa or English, and wear modest clothes. Some wear the hijab. Some don’t. But all of them love to look neat, soft, and stylish.

These girls post short videos. In the clips, they may show soft makeup, cute outfits, or a calm look to the camera. Their style is not loud. It’s clean and smooth. Some use light filters or soft background music.

Unlike some influencers in Lagos or Abuja, these girls don’t dance in bold ways or wear tight clothes. Instead, they focus on calm beauty. Their goal is not to shock people. It’s to show that you can be pretty and polite at the same time.

They are not models or stars. They are everyday girls with ring lights and soft lip gloss. But many people now follow their pages to see what beauty looks like in today’s Kano.

 

What Beauty Used to Look Like in Kano

Before TikTok became popular, beauty in Kano was quiet and straightforward. Girls wore light powder, maybe a bit of lip balm. Most did not wear makeup every day. Beauty was more about being neat, clean, and covered.

Many people saw beauty as something private. It was not for the world to see. A girl could dress nicely, but only for family or close friends. Social media was not part of the beauty life.

Fashion was also more traditional. Girls wore long dresses, plain hijabs, and little jewellery. Loud colours or fitted clothes were not standard. Looking “too fine” outside the home was sometimes frowned upon.

In the past, showing your face too much online could lead to gossip. People might say the girl was “too forward” or not respectful. So, many girls stayed away from cameras or chose to post only quotes, nature, or food.

But things are changing. Slowly, new ideas are mixing with old values. And TikTok is one of the big reasons why. 

What Has Changed Now

Today, TikTok girls in Kano are showing a new kind of beauty. It is still soft and calm, but now it shines more. Many girls wear light makeup. They shape their brows, add blush, and wear glossy lips. Some also style their hijabs in trendy ways.

The significant change is in how they show up. These girls smile into the camera. They post often. They show their faces with joy, not fear. Some even share beauty tips in Hausa or English.

Their videos are short and neat. A girl may show her outfit, her skincare, or how she ties her scarf. Most keep it modest. But they still stand out in their own way.

Before, many girls stayed quiet online. Now, they speak for themselves. TikTok gave them space. And TikTok girls in Kano are using it well.

 

What People Are Saying

Not everyone is happy with this new look. Some elders think the girls are showing too much. Others say beauty should be private. They worry that girls may forget their values.

But not all the talk is bad. Some parents support their daughters. They say it is better to post clean, modest videos than to copy bad trends.  

Even some faith leaders agree. They say it depends on what is shown. If the dress is decent and the speech is clean, it may not be wrong.

Online, many people give love and support. Girls cheer each other on. Boys also leave kind words. 

It is clear now that TikTok girls in Kano are not just posting for fun. They are starting new talks about what beauty means in their city.

READ MORE

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• Why Nigerians Are Proudly Showcasing Their Culture on Social Media in 2025
• Inside Nigeria’s Growing Leather Industry: From Kano Tanneries to Lagos Designers

 

The Impact on Beauty and Culture

The rise of TikTok girls in Kano is doing more than starting online trends. These young women are shaping objective beauty standards and helping others feel seen. 

Their videos may look soft and straightforward, but the effect is powerful. Little by little, they are changing how girls dress and express themselves without leaving their values behind.

Here’s how they are making a real impact:

1. Changing Beauty Rules

Before now, beauty in Kano often meant little to no makeup. But TikTok girls are showing that you can use soft glam and still look respectful. Their gentle makeup, neat brows, and glossy lips are making others feel okay to try new looks, too.

 

2. Bringing Confidence

These girls are not just showing their faces. They are smiling, talking, and owning the moment. Girls who used to feel shy now feel proud. Just by posting simple videos, they are helping others feel brave and seen.

 

3. New Style Ideas

From smooth hijab layers to matching colours, they are setting trends. Girls are styling scarves in fresh ways, choosing light fabrics, and pairing outfits that look both modest and modern. Even beauty tips in Hausa are becoming more common.

 

4. Boosting Small Brands

Many local shops in Kano now work with TikTok girls to promote their items. These may be scarves, lip gloss, skincare, or abayas. Even without being big stars, these girls help brands grow. Some are paid, others just do it for fun, but the impact is clear.

 

5. Giving Girls a Voice

In a place where girls are often told to stay quiet, these TikTok videos say the opposite. TikTok girls in Kano are speaking up, showing up, and standing out, not in loud or rude ways but with grace and strength. That means a lot.

 

6. Mixing Faith and Fashion

The most significant change is balance. These girls are showing that faith and fashion can work together. You can dress well, speak kindly, and still honour your culture and religion. That message is reaching far and wide.

 

7. Inspiring Others

It’s not just Kano. Girls in places like Kaduna, Jos, and even outside Nigeria are copying the soft, clean style. They look up to the Kano girls as examples of beauty with values. That is real influence.

 

Final Thoughts

TikTok girls in Kano are doing more than just looking pretty online. They are showing that you can be stylish, modest, and proud. 

Their quiet confidence is starting new talks about beauty in the North. They may not call themselves leaders. But in their own way, they are leading. One short video at a time.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Are TikTok Girls in Kano Becoming Popular?

They mix beauty, modesty, and confidence in a calm way that many people admire.

2. Is Modest Fashion Still Important to Them?

Yes. Most still dress modestly, even while trying new styles and makeup. Most of these girls wear long dresses, abayas, and hijabs. Even when they try makeup or new styles, they stay within modest looks. 

3. Do These Trends Go Against Culture or Religion?

Many say no. As long as the videos stay clean and respectful, they feel it still fits within their values. Some faith leaders have even praised the respectful tone of these girls.

4. Are Brands Working With TikTok Girls in Kano?

Yes. Many local beauty shops and clothing stores now ask them to model or talk about their products.