Hairdressers issue warning against ‘hair dusting’ TikTok trend which promises to banish split ends

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Hair dusting is one of the latest hair care trends gaining major traction on TikTok, promising shiny hair, without unsightly split ends, to those who can master it.

The technique, which has amassed more than 24 million views on the platform, refers to removing dead ends from the hair in sections using hairdressing scissors, but without cutting anything from the length.

Hairdressers on TikTok have jumped on the trend. London-based stylist, @yourbesthair, said of the technique: ‘Hair dusting is a hair-cutting technique that involves removing the smallest possible amount of hair to eliminate split ends without cutting the length of your hair.’

Meanwhile, Dubai-based salon The Hideaway shared some impressive footage of glossy hair after hair dusting, alleging the treatment ‘prevents future split ends’.

‘Have you tried hair dusting before?’, the salon asked in its video. ‘We remove the split ends and keep the length of your hair long and healthy… Get Rid of Your Split Ends without sacrificing a single inch.’

TikTok creator @moniquemrapier credits hair dusting (along with scalp massage, hair oiling, and upping protein in her diet) for her hair transformation.

Sharing advice about how to get thick, shiny hair, in a video on TikTok, she said: ‘Once a week (max twice), set a timer for 10 minutes and trim any split ends you can find. Trim right above where the hair strand split.

‘You do NOT need to cut any higher & you do NOT need to chop all your hair off at once. Just find the damaged pieces of hair and trim where the split starts.

‘Do not trim all your split ends at once. Do this for 10 minutes once a week.’

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

FEMAIL spoke leading London hairdressers to quiz them on the hair-dusting trend – and it turns out that while it has some benefits, we definitely shouldn’t be trying this at home.

‘Hair dusting is a term used for getting rid of split ends, and happens when the scissors skim over the hair shaft taking away the split ends only that are sticking out, and not the length itself, which is a trim,’ explained Katie Allan, Celebrity Hair Stylist and Founder of MAYFIVE Hair.

Allen continued: ‘Please do not try this at home – it could end badly at the slip of the scissor and result in a chunk being taken out.

‘The point of hair dusting is to keep the hair healthy and remove damaged hair that is beyond the point of repair.’

Siobhan Jones, creative director at Blush & Blow London, agreed, saying: ‘I would not attempt this at home, as there is the danger of too much hair being taken off, and leaving the hair looking thin.’

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

‘Split ends lead to breakage and it’s impossible to mend a split end completely,’ she said.

‘Instead, it needs cutting off by a professional to ensure there’s no further breakage or damage to the health of your hair.

‘If you apply a lot of heat or bleach on your hair and experience dry and brittle ends, it’s worth visiting a hairdresser for dusting as this won’t change the cut or length of your hairstyle.’

And what can we do to prevent split ends in future?

‘Have regular trims, limit the use of heat styling tools and always use a heat-protecting spray,’ Sarah McKenna, Founder of The London Hair Lab said.

‘Keep your hair hydrated, and use moisturising shampoos that nourish and strengthen your hair.

‘Use protective products, like leave-in conditioners and hair oils, on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.’

McKenna also emphasised the importance of being gentle with your hair when it’s wet. She said: ‘Make sure to detangle with a wide-tooth comb or tangle teezer.’

Of course, lifestyle also plays a big part in ensuring your locks are in top condition.

According to McKenna: ‘Having a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water also play a vital part in hair health.’