Scalp popping, also known as hair cracking, is a trend that has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, where participants quickly pull their hair to make a "popping" sound from their scalp
. However, this practice is not medically recognized and can be dangerous, potentially causing tears in the scalp and hair loss in patches
. The "pop" sound is created by the galea aponeurotica, a tough sheet of soft tissue connected to the scalp, popping off the skull
. Some of the risks associated with scalp popping include:
- Scalp irritation: Accumulation and clogged pores on the scalp can lead to redness and/or itchiness
- Flakiness: Excess sebum on the scalp can lead to fungi growth due to the build-up of sebum and dead skin cells
- Bleeding: Scalp popping can cause bleeding or create a sore on the head, potentially tearing the inside of the scalp
Instead of resorting to scalp popping, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or ailments related to scalp health. There are also alternative methods to address scalp issues, such as using gentle cleansing surfactants like sodium cocyl isethionate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, and sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate
