Hair growth and scalp health have been the new trends to go viral on TikTok this summer, with the hashtags #HairGrowthTips and #ScalpHealth boasting over 3.7 billion views combined.
Whilst it is positive to see so many taking an interest in healthy hair, Laura Elliot, Head of Education at Salon Promotions, warns there is an increasing amount of misinformation circulating the social media platform that could potentially cause damage to your client’s hair.
Here, Laura reveals some of the ‘false’ TikTok hair growth hacks and explains how to educate clients on the right from the wrong.
Over Brushing Hair
Laura states: “Regular brushing helps distribute natural scalp sebum, which is good for nourishing the hair and reducing split ends. But over brushing can irritate the scalp, weaken the hair follicle and lead to breakage.”
Some influencers are promoting repeated brushing of the hair on their TikTok videos, but Laura says it is important to educate your client depending on their hair type.
“The frequency in which they need to brush their hair will change depending on if they have oily, dry, thick, or fine hair, but over brushing through product or tangles could break even the strongest of hair.”
Over Oiling Hair
There has been advice shared on the app stating that daily oiling or oiling multiple times a week is the key to hair growth, with rosemary oil, castor oil, and jojoba oil recommended.
“Regular oiling will strengthen and nourish roots, stimulate blood circulation, and therefore encourage hair growth, but 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.
Scalp Massaging Wet Hair
There are so many claims that scalp massagers can be used on both wet and dry hair, but dry is preferable for hair growth.
“Gentle massaging in the shower can be okay, but wet hair is prone to breakage, so it is suggested to encourage clients to massage while the hair is dry,” Laura says. “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.”
20 Minute Scalp Massage
While daily scalp massaging is key to a healthy scalp and is proven to promote hair growth, some influencers have suggested 20 minutes is the optimum amount of time for growth.
Laura highlights that this a ‘complete myth’ and adds that hairdressers should tell clients that five minutes is enough to promote blood flow, break down product build up, and encourage steady hair growth.
