TikTok has brought us everything from dance trends to skincare hacks—but not all of them are safe.

One of the more unsettling trends that has resurfaced is scalp popping, also known as hair cracking. This trend involves pulling sections of hair to produce a popping sound in the scalp, which some believe can relieve tension or headaches.

But is there any truth to this? At Haste Urban Hair Spa in Boston, we’re here to set the record straight. Read on to understand what scalp popping is, why it’s dangerous, and how you can safely treat scalp tension without risking your hair health.

What Is Scalp Popping (Also Known as Hair Cracking)?

Scalp popping, or hair cracking, involves yanking small sections of hair until you hear or feel a “pop.” This sound is thought to be caused by the slight separation of the scalp from a fibrous tissue layer underneath known as the galea aponeurotica.

Some online claims suggest that this pop brings headache relief or helps with tension release, but there’s zero scientific evidence to support these claims.

According to many dermatologists, scalp popping can traumatize the skin and underlying tissues, thereby increasing the risk of inflammation and long-term damage.

The Dangers of Hair Cracking

Scalp popping is not safe. Dermatologists at the Cleveland Clinic and Healthline caution that this technique can result in scalp injury and hair loss. Pulling hair repeatedly can damage blood vessels and nerves, and may even lead to traction alopecia, a condition where hair falls out due to chronic tension on the roots.

Worse still, any temporary relief it might bring could be followed by lasting discomfort, increased inflammation, and irreversible damage to the follicles.

While hair cracking can result in traction alopecia, it can also happen when you tie your hair back very tightly in a bun or ponytail. When you place too much tension on the hair, your follicles become inflamed, damaged, and scarred, leading to permanent hair loss.

Also, if you hope it will relieve your headaches, the opposite can happen as trauma increases inflammation in your scalp and can worsen the problem. So, scalp popping may appear harmless in viral videos, but it’s a ticking time bomb for your scalp’s long-term health.

Safe Alternatives to Relieve Scalp Tension

At Haste Urban Hair Spa, we believe in healthy, holistic solutions for tension and hair health. If you’re feeling discomfort or tightness in your scalp, here are safe, expert-approved alternatives:

• Scalp Massages: Our stylists use targeted pressure techniques to stimulate blood flow and release muscle tension.
• Detox & Hydration Treatments: Clear away buildup and restore your scalp’s natural moisture barrier.
• Salon-Grade Scalp Therapy: We tailor treatments to your unique scalp type for better health and comfort.

At home, you can also:

• Massage your temples, shoulders, and neck to relieve tension
• Reduce sensory stimuli by dimming lights and avoiding screen time
• Apply warm or cold compresses to soothe discomfort

Book an appointment to try our scalp therapy in Boston—and feel the difference without the danger.

Explore Scalp Treatments ➝

To Hair Crack or Not to Hair Crack

Short answer? Don’t do it. Scalp popping isn’t rooted in science, and its risks, from scalp trauma to permanent hair loss, aren’t worth the viral appeal. At Haste Urban Hair Spa, we offer safe, luxurious, and evidence-based treatments that prioritize your hair’s health.

Stop following harmful trends and start caring for your scalp the right way. Visit us in Medford, MA, to discover what real scalp relief feels like.

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