Warning over ‘dangerous’ new hair trend which promises ‘long, luscious locks’
WHO doesn’t want thick, luscious locks?
With TikTok users touting treatments like rosemary oil as the answer to this, getting gorgeous hair seems very much within reach.
But hair health experts have warned against soaking your hair in the stuff, as it could result in undesired side effects – particularly in warmer weather.
Temperatures have gotten tentatively warmer in certain parts of the UK this week. But if you’re on holiday in a hot, sunny spot and planning on giving your hair some TLC, it’s worth paying particular attention to their advice.
In the past year or so, more and more TikTok users have flooded to the app to wax lyrical about using rosemary oil for hair growth.
Many have documented how the treatment has added inches to their locks, reduced hair loss, as well as scalp irritation and dandruff.
But not everyone’s journey with rosemary oil has been so smooth, with one user showing how the ‘hair hero’ caused her strands to come out in clumps.
Now experts at SpaSeekers.com have warned beauty enthusiasts to be wary when trying the hair growth hack, especially in the sun.
According to the treatment booking platform, those wanting to reap the natural benefits of the herb-based oil should apply diluted rosemary oil directly to the roots, or patches of thin hair, and massage into the scalp – massaging the oil into the scalp will increase the oxygenation of hair follicles, thereby boosting the effectiveness of the oil.
They should then leave the oil to penetrate into the scalp for at least 30 minutes.
In order to give their tresses an extra boost, many opt to go about their normal days with a rosemary oil slicked back bun or ponytail.
However, the haircare experts at SpaSeekers.com are warning against applying rosemary oil to hair and wearing ‘rosemary oil buns’ out in the sun without sufficient protection.
Jason Goldberg, director at SpaSeekers.com said: “Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which is known to heal nerve and tissue damage by improving blood circulation and encouraging nerve growth.
“This property helps the hair follicles to grow the hair and heal any irritations that people may be experiencing on their scalp.
However, as the hot temperatures and sunny days return to the UK, it’s important to be aware that applying any oil to the skin will attract harmful UV rays to your scalp and increase the chance of experiencing sun damage – meaning your rosemary oil bun could be doing more damage than good if you’re sat out in the sun.”
You might not realise it, but your scalp is a particularly sensitive part of your body, Jason said.
Burning it can leave it flaking, peeling, red and sore.
But there’s no need to give up your hair treatments altogether, the expert said.
“To prevent sun damage, avoid wearing rosemary oil in your hair while outside in the sun, and be sure to apply sun cream for hair in order to provide extra protection.
“It’s recommended to choose one with a minimum SPF 15 and to apply every few hours – and apply extra cream to areas of thinness and/or baldness, as these areas will have less natural protection from the sun’s rays.”
If you want to step out in the sun after dousing your hair in rosemary oil, Jason recommended you don a hat or head scarf to protect your delicate scalp.
“this could leave your favourite headwear smelling strongly of rosemary though so keep that in mind,” he added.