Skin doctor warns against viral trend that'll give you stinky hair & scalp flare-ups – try the ‘sandwich method' instead

The Sun

4 days ago

A NEW beauty craze sweeping TikTok is being slammed by experts – and it could be leaving you with greasy, smelly hair and an itchy scalp.
The 'hair training' trend, which has racked up over 245 million views on the platform, encourages people to gradually extend the time between washes.
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Creators like Tink, @cherries_87 with 1.3M followers, have even shared hair training tips, with one video noting she hadn't washed her hair in 33 days, which garnered 5.7Mviews and over 663K likes.
The idea is that by skipping washes, your scalp will 'rebalance' its oil production, meaning your hair will stay cleaner for longer.
But according to global skin doctor and cosmetic formulator Dr Vanita Rattan, this is nothing more than a viral myth.
'Unfortunately, hair training doesn't work,' she told The Sun.
'The scalp can't be 'trained' to produce less oil.
"When people think it's working, it's really just because they've adapted to the build up.
"It's like a dirty carpet, after a while, you stop noticing the stains.'
Not only does going weeks without washing make your locks look lifeless, it can actually cause scalp problems too.
'Skipping washes can lead to irritation, dandruff and flare-ups of conditions like eczema and psoriasis,' Dr Rattan warned.
'Bacteria breaking down sweat and oil will also cause an unpleasant odour.'
Ireland AM star Muireann O'Connell shows off fabulous new hair do
Influencers have been sharing hair-training tips using dry shampoo and texturising sprays to mask the grease, but Dr Rattan says these products can do more harm than good.
'Many dry shampoos and styling sprays are full of sulphates, fragrance and denatured alcohol, which can inflame the scalp and trigger contact dermatitis,' she explained.
'This can weaken hair follicles and lead to shedding over time.'
The doctor, who also runs her own haircare line, says the key to a healthy scalp is regular cleansing and using the right method in the shower.
'I recommend the 'sandwich method', which is to use conditioner, shampoo and then conditioner, to protect the hair's moisture barrier,' she said.
'It's the best way to prevent stripping your scalp and keep your hair shiny and soft.'
She always recommend a 'NAFE SAFE' (no denatured alcohol, fragrance or essential oils) Complete Hair Range to avoid scalp inflammation.
If hair loss is a concern, Dr Vania recommends an Anagen Boost Hair Tonic with soothing ingredients like Niacinamide and Red Clover Extract, which can help support scalp health and increase hair density.
On the strands, use a Strengthening Hair Oil formulated with natural oils to prevent breakage and keep the hair glossy.
How often should you actually wash your hair?
Dr Rattan says it depends on your hair type, but a month without shampooing is far too long.
'Fine hair gets oily faster because there are more oil glands, so washing every other day is best,' she advised.
'Coarse hair can go three to four days between washes, while coiled or very curly hair – which is naturally drier – should be washed every two to three weeks.'
Ultimately, the doctor says you can't 'train' your scalp to do anything.
'Your scalp is skin, just like the rest of your body,' she said.
'It needs to be cleaned regularly to stay healthy. Skipping washes only makes problems worse.'
So if you're tempted to ditch the shampoo for weeks on end, don't.
Try the sandwich method instead, your hair will thank you.
How to make your hair look thicker
Fake thicker hair with these bulk-up tips from Trichologist Simone Thomas.
1. Try dry shampoo
'It doesn't just make your hair look cleaner but thicker too,' says Simone.
'It leaves behind an invisible residue that makes your hair smoother, thicker and easier to style.'
2. Switch your parting
'Flipping it over to the opposite side of where it usually sits will give an instant volume boost,' she says.
3. Go for Balayage
'It adds dimension, resulting in fuller looking hair,' explains Simone.
'Leave the roots dark and the ends lighter and your hair will look thicker at the top.'
Remember to nourish the hair with a weekly hair mask to fight off colour damage.