O IMPACTO PSICOLÓGICO DO MEGA HAIR: AUTOESTIMA, CONSTRUÇÃO DA IDENTIDADE E EMPODERAMENTO FEMININO

This study analyzes the psychological impact of hair extensions on self-esteem, identity building, and female empowerment, highlighting the importance of technical innovation in the beauty sector. A qualitative approach was adopted, combining a literature review and documentary analysis of national and international sources published between 2010 and 2024, including academic literature, technical manuals, and patent records. Among the evaluated hair extension techniques, the Slim Plan, created by Karina Simões de Souza Vieira, stands out for its ultra-thin base, high flexibility, long-term comfort, and low visibility of the attachment points. The results show that hair extensions can serve as a tool for boosting self-esteem, providing aesthetic rehabilitation in cases of hair loss, offering visual versatility, and acting as an instrument of personal empowerment, with particular relevance for social inclusion, especially among trans and non-binary individuals. The comparative analysis revealed that the Slim Plan offers technical and ergonomic advantages over traditional methods, representing a competitive advantage in the market. It is concluded that hair aesthetics, when applied ethically and personalized to the client, goes beyond cosmetic purposes, playing a transformative role in clients’ lives and offering opportunities for professional recognition and specialization.