Velaterapia: stylists have their say on burning issue

Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Fialho has revealed that she keeps her hair in shape with velaterapia – burning split ends off with a candle. The comment quickly made headlines and created diverse debate in the industry; tried-and-tested traditional technique, or outdated and dangerous? Ian Carmichael, personal hairdresser to the Queen and a senior top stylist at Trevor Sorbie, says: "The concept was first created in old barber shops, to seal the ends of the hair and is still done to this day by professionals. But today’s techniques to seal and protect the ends of the hair have moved drastically forward with the help of treatments, serums and products, while modern day cutting techniques such as twisting the ends and removing the split ends with freehand cutting are more reliable." Former London Hairdresser of the Year and Organic Colour Expert, Karine Jackson agrees, adding: “It’s an incredibly old fashioned technique dating back to the 16th century – they believed that hair was a living thing that bled and needed sealing, which is why they did it! In fact, I believe it’s a tradition best left with the leeches… Burning off the split ends could singe the healthy ends of the hair and will dull the colour. Hair should be treated like a fabric. Once it starts to fray you have to cut it to keep it in optimum condition or the damage will spread." Three times winner of Wales and South West Hairdresser of the Year and ghd Ambassador Ken Picton adds further fuel to the fire, commenting: "While there are benefits to trying to seal hair to retain its moisture and condition, there are products out there today that do these things better and are less risky. As a professional hairdresser, I'd say when putting an open flame anywhere near anything flammable there's a high level of risk involved. To be honest, if it worked that well it'd still be used widely but it's not something you see in the industry. It won't take off in the UK where we can make better use of heat and products." Our Facebook fans also had plenty to say on the subject. See what they thought and leave your comments on velaterapia here!