However, whilst it is positive to see an increasing interest in healthy hair, Laura Elliot, head of education at Salon Promotions, warns there is a large amount of misinformation circulating the social media platform that could potentially be causing damage to people’s hair.
Here, Laura uncovers some of the ‘false’ TikTok hair growth hacks and explains how you can educate clients on knowing the right from the wrong:
Laura states, “Whilst regular brushing helps distribute natural scalp sebum (which is good for nourishing the hair and reducing split ends), brushing too frequently can actually irritate the scalp, weakening the hair follicles and leading to breakage.”
On TikTok, some influencers are promoting repeated brushing of their hair, but Laura says it is important to educate your clients on how this may affect their particular hair type.
“The frequency in which your clients will need to brush their hair will change depending on if they have oily, dry, thick or fine hair, but overly brushing through product or tangles could break even the strongest of hair.”
There has also been advice shared on the app stating that daily oiling is the key to hair growth – with rosemary oil, castor oil and jojoba oil all recommended.
“Whilst regular oiling will strengthen and nourish roots, stimulate blood circulation and encourage hair growth, daily oiling is too much. Once or twice a week is enough before washing your hair. It is crucial to confirm your client’s hair type when discussing an oiling routine, as those with finer, straight hair will need to oil less than those with thicker, curly hair,” explains Laura.
According to Laura, there are many claims that scalp massagers can be used on both wet and dry hair, but it is dry hair that is actually preferable for hair growth.
“Gentle massaging in the shower can be ok, but wet hair is prone to breakage, so it is suggested you encourage clients to massage whilst the hair is dry. This can be done pre-shower to help work in a pre-shower oiling treatment, or in between shower days. It is also vital to stress the importance of delicacy when using a scalp massager, as too much pressure will lead to friction and potential breakage.”
Whilst daily scalp massaging is key to a healthy scalp and is proven to promote hair growth, some influencers have suggested that 20 minutes is the optimum amount of time.
Laura admits this is a “complete myth”, instead advising that five minutes is enough to promote blood flow, break down product build up and encourage steady hair growth. She concludes, “As with overbrushing, over massaging could also lead to breakage.”
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