After rice water in hair care popularized by Kim Kardashian, Cardi B offers us onion water. Last August, the American singer announced on her Instagram account that she was boiling onions to collect the water, which she would then use when rinsing. The key to this mysterious DIY recipe: “shiny hair” and better growth. But these are not the only homemade tips that we see invading the Internet. The latest: the application of linen gel to the hair, for a botox effect.
And because not all trends are necessarily good to follow, 20 minutes asked Joël Beaumont, hairdresser and ambassador for the hair brand Activilong, to take a look at the popular trends on social networks.
Cardi B’s onion water: mixed reviews
Regarding onion water, to be used when rinsing, our expert is perplexed: this method is not widespread and “is not scientifically proven”. But he is not necessarily against it either, because “homemade compositions can be beneficial”, he assures. If, like the American rapper, you see the virtues on your hair, why deprive yourself of it? But he cautions: “It’s important to do your research to make sure the recipes match your hair type and skin.”
Linen gel, onion water, banana mask, cider vinegar… “Do yourself a favor if your hair feels good, but use your mixture quickly, because an oxidized product will no longer have any benefit,” warns Joël Beaumont .
However, if it is Cardi B’s anti-breakage effect that you are looking for, the hairdresser recommends active ingredients like carapate or rosemary.
Egg shampoo: forget about textured hair
“Egg shampoo cannot be used on textured hair,” warns Joël Beaumont. You will have to opt for gentler treatments based on mango or coconut for example. But the expert remains convinced that it is better to “eat correctly” rather than accumulate DIY recipes. “Your hair speaks to you,” he says before continuing: “If you have a problem with breakage, for example, determine the cause and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. Maybe it’s due to a lack of iron? A lack of calcium? “.
The hairdresser recommends turning to tested products whose effectiveness is scientifically proven, in order to be sure of having results. Instead of eggs, for example, prefer aloe vera, which will have the advantage of “activating the curl” on textured hair.
The microfiber towel: a good technique to limit frizz
It’s a “yes” for our hairdresser, this trendy towel deserves its success, because it allows hair to dry gently. “Other materials, like cotton, will tend to irritate and create frizz,” explains Joël Beaumont. In addition, this type of towel helps keep water in the hair, and to penetrate the active ingredients, there is nothing better than doing your routine on damp hair. A tip that the hairdresser validates if you want to have less dull hair.
Be careful, the microfiber towel is not essential either. If you dry your hair completely, you can always moisten it afterwards, using a suitable mist which will cancel out the effects of limescale as a bonus.
The “No-poo”: no, you should not stop washing your hair
Of course, it is better not to wash your hair every day, but you should not stop completely just to avoid damaging it! When we do our hair, we may have to use hairspray, gel, handle our hair with dirty hands… so many reasons to continue washing it from time to time. “Otherwise, lengths overloaded with a pile of products will be greasy, dirty, heavy and will not be able to receive the active ingredients in your routine,” insists the hairdresser.
Conversely, you must keep in mind that the more you wash your hair, the more you activate the sebaceous glands and therefore the production of sebum. As a result, you will have increasingly greasy hair. To avoid falling into this vicious circle, it is better to limit yourself to two washes per week, advises our speaker.
The oil bath: ideal for dry hair
It’s a “yes” for the expert. This method consists of impregnating your hair with oil for a defined period of time to nourish the hair fiber. This technique is therefore recommended on dry, damaged or dull hair, before shampooing. This also prevents washing from further drying out the lengths. Be careful, “an oil bath does not hydrate the hair, it repairs it,” corrects the hairdresser.
Coconut oil, avocado oil… There are no rules, you can even mix them as long as they suit your hair type. Joël Beaumont advises keeping your preparation overnight. “Remember to wash your hair properly the next day,” warns the hairdresser: “if there is too much oil, none of the active ingredients in your routine will penetrate afterwards.”