Hairstylists warn against ‘clean hair’ TikTok trend that promises to banish split ends

Hair powder is one of the latest hair care trends that is gaining huge popularity on TikTok and promises shiny hair, without unsightly split ends, to those who can master it.

The technique, which has accumulated more than 24 million views on the platform, consists of removing dead ends from the hair in sections with hairdressing scissors, but without cutting anything lengthwise.

Hairstylists on TikTok have joined the trend. London-based stylist, @yourbestcabellosaid of the technique: “Hair dusting is a hair cutting technique that involves removing as little hair as possible to eliminate split ends without cutting the length of the hair.”

Meanwhile, Dubai-based salon The Hideaway shared some stunning images of shiny hair after dusting, claiming the treatment “prevents future split ends.”

‘Have you tried hair powder before?’ the salon asked in its video. ‘We eliminate split ends and keep your hair length long and healthy… Get rid of your split ends without sacrificing a single centimeter.’

tiktok creator @moniquemrapier She credits the hair powder (along with scalp massage, hair lubrication, and increasing protein in her diet) for her hair transformation.

Sharing tips on how to get thick, shiny hair, in a TikTok video, she said: ‘Once a week (maximum twice), set a timer for 10 minutes and trim any split ends you find. Trim just above where the strand of hair was parted.

‘You do NOT need to cut higher and you do NOT need to cut all your hair at once. Simply find the damaged hair strands and trim them where the splitting begins.

‘Don’t cut off all your split ends at once. Do this for 10 minutes once a week.

There is a lot of hype around this hair trend, but is it really worth trying?

FEMAIL spoke to London’s top hairdressers to quiz them on the hair dusting trend and it turns out that, while it has some benefits, we definitely shouldn’t try it at home.

“Hair dusting is a term used to get rid of split ends, and occurs when the scissors skim along the hair shaft removing only the protruding split ends, and not the length itself, which is a trim,” explained Katie Allan . , celebrity hairstylist and founder of MAYFIVE Hair.

Allen continued: “Please don’t try this at home; it could end badly with the scissors slipping and causing a chunk to come off.”

“The goal of hair dusting is to keep hair healthy and remove damaged hair that is beyond the point of repair.”

Siobhan Jones, creative director at Blush & Blow London, agreed, saying: “I wouldn’t try to do this at home as there is a danger of too much hair being taken away and leaving my hair looking thin.”

However, Allen noted, the trend is worth trying when done by a professional.

“Split ends cause breakage and are impossible to completely repair,” she said.

‘Instead, it needs to be cut by a professional to ensure it doesn’t break or further damage the health of the hair.

“If you apply a lot of heat or bleach to your hair and experience dry, brittle ends, it’s worth visiting a hairdresser to have the powder removed, as this won’t change the cut or length of your hairstyle.”

And what can we do to avoid split ends in the future?

“Get regular trims, limit the use of heat styling tools and always use a heat protectant spray,” said Sarah McKenna, founder of The London Hair Lab.

‘Keep your hair hydrated and use moisturizing shampoos that nourish and strengthen it.

“Use protective products, such as leave-in conditioners and hair oils, on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.”

McKenna also emphasized the importance of being gentle with your hair when it’s wet. She said: “Be sure to detangle with a wide-tooth comb or detangler.”

Of course, lifestyle also plays an important role in ensuring your hair is in optimal condition.

According to McKenna: “Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water also plays a vital role in hair health.”