IF YOU thought internet trends couldn’t get any weirder, you’re dead wrong. 

While the popular social media app TikTok was once a place for silly dances, comedic skits, and outfit ideas, other new trends have started to emerge as well, with some of them being rather dangerous. 

One of them is the latest form of stress relief, otherwise known as “scalp popping.”

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According to Pink News, scalp popping is done by taking a small section of your hair and then pulling it upward to separate it from your scalp, which is what causes the popping sound. They add that this trend also made rounds on the internet in the previous years, but only now does it seem like it’s going to stick.

Why are people doing this? 

Because a belief has started to spread around that it helps to get rid of headaches or migraines. Also because it’s apparently a great source for ASMR. 

@alfredo_uno Hair Cracking copilation Part 3 💥👌 Complete Video in our two YouTube Chanels: Alfredo Uno & Cuenca limpia #asmrmassage #massage #cracking #goodvibes #energyhealing #fyp #alfredouno #cuencalimpia #ASMR #Viral #viral #asmr #ecuador @PELUQUERÍANELSY @Rosa Sisalima ♬ sonido original – Alfredouno

Doctors have since started coming onto TikTok to explain that there is no information proving that doing this can reduce headaches; there is a chance, however, that you can give yourself a hematoma if you keep doing it.

The dangers of scalp popping

It can be noted that this trend doesn’t originate from TikTok; many cultures have long been doing this practice before social media.

This doesn’t, however, change the fact that plenty of information has come out saying that it’s dangerous. In fact, when you try to search for “hair cracking,” “hair popping,” or “scalp popping” on TikTok, all you get is a page that says: “Your safety matters.”

Many who often pop their scalp have also come online to warn others not to do so.

One TikToker, in particular, writes in the caption of her video that she’s gotten a bald stop from the practice. Others in her comments shudder at the sound, saying that she’s essentially separating her scalp from her skull.

@addy4977 dont do this. i have a bald spot. #haircracks #scalpcracking #fyp ♬ original sound – addy

Aside from giving yourself a bald spot, according to the website Healthline, other effects scalp popping may have are:

• Hair breakage / damage / loss
• Inflammation / redness of the scalp
• Skin tearing, which may lead to an infection
• Folliculitis

According to Dr. Shah, who on TikTok is known as “DermDoctor”, also adds that doing so may lead to bleeding, sores, and traction alopecia. 

In a video from another TikToker, plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, M.D., explains that it also causes tears to the inside of your skull, which may bleed over time. He likened it to a boxer or MMA fighter with scalp hematoma. 

While it’s fun to join in on the trends you see online, always remember that your safety comes first. 

Before doing something – especially if that something seems rather questionable – do your research first.