To demonstrate the difference in length before and after her treatment, Tossell marks the point on her chest where her curls naturally bounce up when dry. The first stage of this process is a nourishing mask composed of two eggs and four tablespoons of rapeseed oil. She whisks the ingredients together, then pours the concoction onto her hair. Tossell performs this step over a tub so that she can collect any of the mask that ran off of her strands and scoop it back on. She lets her mane marinate for an hour before moving on to the next step.
The second stage of this process is where things get even messier. Tossell melts two spoonfuls of coconut oil, rinses the egg and rapeseed cocktail out of her tresses, then pours the cooled oil onto her scalp (again, over the tub). She allows the oil to drip toward her ends, spreading it evenly throughout. Then, while still leaning forward, she massages her scalp with the oil before securing her locks in a bun and wrapping that bun in cling film to prevent dripping.
Post-treatment, her hair extends past the mark she made, and that change in length is even more apparent when she pulls a few strands taut. Based on the video, it appears that Tossell's claims were founded.
Taken at face value, it makes sense that Tossell's hair is longer in the "after" than in the " before." Chronologically speaking, hair is constantly growing. According to the Hair Foundation, the length of an individual's hair growth cycle is largely based on genetics, which also determines how quickly a follicle generates new hair and pushes it out of the scalp. As such, it seems that hair growth rate is predetermined, and Tossell's might just be naturally fast.
Additionally, the substances she douses her locks in are all well-known for their beneficial properties to hair health. WebMD experts list egg lecithin among the "best natural ingredients" for damaged hair, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's website lauds rapeseed oil as a "nutritional star" for its vitamin E and omega-3 content, and coconut oil is one of the most buzzed-about multitasking cosmetic products on the market.
The controversy lies in the scalp massage. While she does not explicitly use the term or state how long she rubs her scalp, Tossell's massage bears a striking resemblance to a recent hair growth fad called the "inversion method." She may be tilting her head over the tub out of necessity, but her positioning may also be deliberate. The inversion method's origins are unknown, but its claims are simple: if you massage your scalp with oil for four minutes every day for a week while tilting your head upside down, you will see up to an inch in natural hair growth in seven days. Based on widespread lore, the inversion method stimulates follicles and increases blood circulation in the scalp to promote natural hair growth. There have been no scientific studies to proves the legitimacy of this technique, and the only "evidence" of its efficacy is anecdotal.
Further, the inversion method poses some serious risks alongside its promise for longer hair faster. Hair blogger Tasha of Hair Diary tested the inversion method for herself, but prefaced her post with this alarming message:
She supplements that call for caution with additional safety advice, including recommending a "spotter" to be on call in case of lightheadedness, dizziness, or general clumsiness that may lead to injury.
While this fad may be appealing to some, Dr. Kari Williams, Board Certified Trichologist and founder and CEO of Mahogany Hair Revolution Salon and Trichology Clinic, gives her professional opinion on the inversion method in an article for CurlyNikki:
“Everyone is on the hunt for the newest ‘trick’ to grow hair, when the best ‘trick’ is found in the simplicity of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet. Healthy hair is a reflection of a healthy body. Increased blood circulation to the scalp can simply be achieved through scalp massages using deep rotary movements. These movements manipulate the tissues in the scalp, which stimulate blood flow, improve cellular functions and cellular regeneration. So you can stand on your head if you want to, but it's not necessary. You can simply massage your scalp and get the same benefits without the possible risks.”
The takeaway from this experiment is that, though Tossell's hair did grow, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint which specific aspect of her routine (if any) made that growth happen. It's also important to remember that everyone's hair is different, so results may vary from person to person.
Have you tried this treatment before? What are your thoughts on the inversion method? Let us know in the comments section!
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Source: http://hairaddiction.collectivepress.com/grow-long-hair-naturally-with-this-overnight-treatment