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Mar 26, 2024

We review Hair Syrup: the TikTok viral hair oil treatment

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. So what's the deal behind the millions of TikTok hashtags? If I had to describe my hair in three words, it would have to

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

So what's the deal behind the millions of TikTok hashtags?

If I had to describe my hair in three words, it would have to be dry, damaged and dull. Between teenage health concerns which caused lots of it to fall out and a regretful post-breakup bleaching experiment, I think it’s fair to say my poor ol’ lengths have been through a lot.

As for growth, don’t get me started. It takes a questionable amount of time for even a micrometre to grow, and that’s if I’m lucky. So with a sad hair situation to my name, I’ve always got my peepers peeled for a treatment that can bippity boppity boo me back to stronger lengths.

Hair oiling is the Indian-rooted ritual that has recently dominated my late-night TikTok scrolling sessions right now. (And it seems I’m not alone either: #hairoiling has over 785 million views – and counting).

The treatment involves massaging your scalp with oil to stimulate hair growth, as well as soaking your strands to keep them nourished and sleek. The tradition isn't new, but there’s one beauty brand which has brought it to the forefront of hair conversations today.

Hair Syrup is the independent, British hair care brand to know about now. Founder Lucie Macleod started the brand in a bid to tackle her own hair woes, which revolved around fallout and breakage. After formulating a pre-wash treatment (now the famous Hair Syrup), it wasn’t long till the brand skyrocketed to TikTok fame.

Since sharing a video of her transformation, (which I watched with my literal jaw on the ground), the beauty community clocked onto the benefits of oiling and pre-wash treatments, with hundreds of five-star reviews following suit.

The brand launched with The Original Syrup – a nourishing treatment to restore moisture – but now the collection has eight pre-wash treatments, each bolstered with natural oils to benefit different hair needs, from growth and dryness to shine and dandruff.

Yes, I stockpiled, and I stockpiled hard on the formula designed to stimulate growth. The Rapunzel oil (bravo on the name 👏) is enriched with grapefruit oil, flaxseed and almond extract, alongside a base of 14 other nourishing oils to stimulate growth and promote a healthy scalp.

Firstly, the citrusy smell is a real treat – and something I love to indulge on a Sunday evening while watching Good Girls. But aromatherapy perk aside, this treatment has done wonders for my tragic tresses.

Once a week I section my hair and work the oil through my roots to lengths. I also use a scalp brush to gently massage my head – this not only feels like a mini spa break, but it helps to loosen product buildup and encourage stronger growth. I allow it to soak for an hour (while watching Netflix) before washing it out with my usual shampooing routine.

I also bring a few drops down to my ends which has helped them feel a little more silk-like and less straw-like. With each application, my hair feels more nourished and supple, not to mention the major shine too.

Really, the concept makes perfect sense. For years, I focused my treatments on my brittle ends in a bid to help them hang on a little longer – but I was (quite literally) ignoring the root of the problem. A saying I’ve heard countless times; ‘Your scalp is like the soil for your hair. If the soil isn’t right, you can’t expect to grow a healthy flower’ – or something along those lines. While slightly cringe, it’s very true.

Turning my efforts to scalp health – and incorporating a pre-wash treatment – has made all the difference. Of course, it’s no miracle worker, but slowly my hair is getting its mojo back. My lengths look less scraggly and now bounce with a plump fullness to them.

Of course, I also dabbled in the viral Grows-Mary oil. Unless you’ve been on some serious digital detox, you would have seen that rosemary oil is having a major moment – I mean, it’s so huge, Lewis Capaldi even jumped onto the trend.

Not just a savoury seasoning to put on your potatoes, rosemary is believed to have some major hair benefits – specifically repairing damage and stimulating growth. TikTokers have hyped up its greatness, but in reality, there is little scientific evidence that proves it as a genuine growth ingredient.

You won't find any science-y patented ingredients in Hair Syrups products - as you would with Olaplex or K18. Instead, the appeal comes from traditional oils which many experts suggest contribute to hair maintenance and strength.

While the research might still be fairly limited, I have definitely noticed more baby hairs along my hairline since incorporating Hair Syrup into my routine.

It’s important to remember that hair oiling is much more than a fleeting TikTok trend – in fact, it is a beauty tradition that has been around for over 5,000 years. With Ayurvedic roots, it is one of the most sacred rituals that has gained traction as a modern-day movement.

Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medical system which focuses on holistic and natural methods to heal health problems. It’s believed that your outer beauty is a reflection of your inner health. Hair oiling is one of the most revered Ayurvedic traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation – and for most South Asian women, it was their first foray into the beauty industry.

When your hair is long, thick or textured, oil doesn't always make it from your scalp to the end of each strand, which often results in dryness. Oiling the scalp is done to nourish strands and promote growth, but traditionally, it's also practised as a bonding experience known as 'Champi'.

While treatments like Hair Syrup can certainly help you on your growth journey, you need to ensure that you’re getting all the other factors right too. Learn to take care of your hair by using a silk pillowcase and scrunchie, try to reduce heat damage, and arm yourself with a great leave-in treatment (like Olaplex) to help the process. Following the holistic approach of Ayurveda, a balanced and healthy diet is also crucial for supporting growth.

Alongside my new-found hair oiling obsession, I have tried to implement all these other factors into my hair journey. We’ve still got a long way to go but already I’ve seen a great difference in the health and thickness of my lengths.

Thanks to Hair Syrup, I've made a good start and as the saying goes, it's only onwards and upwards.

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