Social media users are being urged to avoid following a popular trend sweeping the Internet.
On various platforms, like TikTok, people are posting videos of themselves adding craft glitter to clear shampoos.
The trend creates a shimmery effect in your hair after washing, which can look very pretty – especially on camera. But, it could spell disaster for your locks.
Hair expert Nicole Petty, of Milk + Blush, has shared why this hack should be avoided. She has also listed alternative and safer ways to get glittery hair.
She said: Social media can be a fountain of knowledge for clever hair hacks and tips, but we also know that it can offer bad advice that could leave your hair in a mess.
“The latest trend sees people adding glitter to a clear shampoo and mixing it to create a sparkly concoction that will theoretically leave your hair looking shimmery.
“However, this could spell disaster for your locks and should be avoided for several reasons. Firstly, most users attempting the hack are opting for craft glitter, which is a microplastic, and when washed out will contaminate water.
“Leaving glitter in your hair while it’s wet and applying heat can also damage your hair, as this will melt or decompose into your hair which could leave your locks infused with plastic and fried”
She added: “This is especially damaging for those with hair extensions, which can require more care than natural hair, as already delicate strands can be wrecked by heat styling glittery hair.
“While this is a fun style for an occasion or party, this is not a subtle everyday look, and washing this out of your hair could prove a nightmare, especially if you’ve applied heat. You’ll likely leave a glittery mess behind you, which could damage your clothes and even your drains.”
“Plenty of users have also not seen success with the hack, showing that the glitter did not stay in their hair upon washing it out, so this can be a messy and anti-climactic hack too.”
However, there are hundreds of alternative products available that can recreate the effect without damage and are specifically formulated to work on hair, like glittery hairsprays, gels, and hair tinsel.
Or, if you’re just after a bit of extra sparkle to glam up your look, try reusable accessories like hair gems and pearls that won’t hurt your hair health.
Nicole concludes: “Not only will these products make your hair look fabulous without the damage, but they also won’t destroy the environment like craft glitter will. Save your hair and save the planet by opting for alternative sustainable products to get a shimmery look in your locks.”
