Healthy Life

Are you obsessed? Whether you love or hate Tik Tok, its’ hard to deny the impact it has made over the last year, the dance moves, the cute dogs, the recipes and of course the sometimes crazy beauty hacks.  Over the last year 100’s of hair trends have gone viral on the platform including hair hacks to aid hair growth using everyday ingredients, but are they worth the hype?

Rice Water:

Why it’s popular…

People have been praising Rice Water for generations, women in Southeast Asia have used rice water as a hair treatment for centuries and with nearly 150 million views using the hashtag #ricewater  and it’s becoming more and more popular.  Bursting with hair-loving ingredients including natural proteins, vitamins, and minerals that help to detangle, strengthen, and hydrate your hair.

Does it work?

There isn’t concrete scientific evidence that rice water can help with hair loss but using this treatment as a hair rinse can help strengthen your hair, reduce breakage, frizz, and tangles.  It’s packed full of protein which is good in the right dosage too much and it can build-up on the scalp and make hair dry and brittle.  If you are going to do this, try it once a week and keep an eye on the feel of your hair. If it feels drier and coarser, stop.

Vapour Rub to make hair grow:

Why its popular

Known as a go-to for coughs, colds and aiding joint and muscle pain,  this topical gel is the latest DIY product to be lauded in hair growth.  And there are a few ingredients in the ointment including camphor, lavender, menthol  and eucalyptus that can be linked to hair growth.

Does it work?

It can cause allergic reaction and irritate the scalp plus it contains petroleum which can actually really damage hair, by creating a thick layer on the hair shaft preventing water getting in and out.   If you want to stimulate your scalp and improve blood flow it’s much better to massage your scalp for 10 minutes every night. Using gentle circular gestures with your Manta Healthy Hairbrush to really move the scalp without force. It will relax the scalp and relieve tension but also stimulate the follicle.

Aloe Vera for Hair Growth:

Why its popular

Hailed for its natural healing properties, Aloe vera is said to promote hair growth, prevent itching and reduce dandruff.  It’s packed with antioxidants including beta-carotene and Vitamin C and E, that can strengthen your hair over time, with over 95% water contents, Aloe vera is a great natural hydrator that keeps hair shiny and soft.

Does it work?

The latest TikTok tips suggest creating a hair mask by mixing a spoonful of castor oil with the inside of an aloe vera leaf.  But this isn’t great if you suffer with dandruff as an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp can contribute to dandruff and yeast feeds off excess oil. However the juice from the inside of an aloe vera plant is a gentle natural conditioner and can soothe an itchy scalp but there is no evidence it can aid hair growth.

Hanging your head upside down for hair growth:

Why its popular

This method involves massaging a warm natural oil into your scalp and then hanging your head upside down for 4 minutes every day.  And massaging your scalp will definitely help increase blood flow to the hair follicles while removing build-up for fuller, healthier hair.

Does it work?

While in theory it might work, it’s simpler and  more effective to simply massage your scalp using your fingers or the Manta Healthy hairbrush to boost circulation, without feeling uncomfortable.  You can do this in the shower as well if you are time poor – while hanging upside down could take some prep.

With over  1.2 billion views on #hairgrowth on Tik Tok, it’s easy to see how these tips have become a huge hair trend, but its best to approach these hacks with a healthy dose of inquiry and always talk to a professional for true expert advice.