TIKTOK HAIR HACKS
The trendsetting power of Tiktok is unrivalled, particularly in the haircare arena. Here, we cherry pick some of the best viral haircare rituals to date.
HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
A skincare ingredient stalwart able to hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture, hyaluronic acid is now being used by Tiktokers to transform their hair – and the results are impressive. ‘Hyaluronic acid can help to seal in essential fats and lipids, slowing down the sort of moisture loss that can accelerate breakage,’ says Martha Mackintosh, stylist at Larry King Hair.
try the trend: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Hair Treatment [15], £9.99, mixes large hyaluronic acid molecules with smaller ones to nourish hair both on the surface and deep within each strand.
RICE WATER
The hashtag #ricewater has over 450 million views on Tiktok, all because of a viral DIY treatment that involves rinsing hair regularly with a mix of rice and water to strengthen and promote growth. It’s a ritual that dates back to ancient China – and there could be some substance to it. ‘Rice water contains inositol, a sugar that improves the structure of human cells, which can penetrate hair strands and strengthen and repair it from the inside out,’ explains Martha.
try the trend: Mix one cup of rice with one cup of water in a sealed container. After 24 hours, strain the rice, reserving the water. Apply the water after shampoo and leave in for at least 20 minutes. For a quick fix, try the Kitsch Rice Water Protein Shampoo Bar [16], £11.
BOWL CURLS
According to Tiktok user Zia (@curlyzia.xo, below), dunking wet, product-soaked hair into a bowl of warm water is the secret to a head full of nourished, defined curls. ‘Applying curl creams to soaking wet hair is a great way to achieve defined curls, and the bowl method aids the formation of more defined curl sections,’ agrees Martha.
try the trend: Comb Virtue’s silicone-free Curl Leave-in Butter [17], £42, through your hair, then dip your head into a bowl of warm water. Scrunch the water back into the bowl before dropping your hair back in. Repeat at least four times until smooth sections of curls start to form. Step away and let your curls dry.