TikTok has become a breeding ground for viral beauty and grooming trends, with users constantly pushing the boundaries of what's considered safe or sensible. One of the latest crazes to take the platform by storm is the "full face wax" trend, where people cover their entire faces, including their eyes and nostrils, with hot wax.

While these videos have garnered millions of views, dermatologists and skincare experts are sounding the alarm, warning that this trend is not only nonsensical but also potentially hazardous.

The Origins of the Full Face Wax Craze

This full face wax craze originated from a Dutch barbershop called Kapsalon Freedom, which has amassed over 850,000 followers on TikTok by posting videos of their unique waxing technique. In these videos, barbers can be seen applying a thick layer of hot wax to a client's entire face, including their eyes, nose, and mouth, before peeling it off in one piece.

While the barbershop claims that the process is safe, medical experts vehemently disagree. Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist and spokeswoman for the British Skin Foundation, has described the trend as a "senseless practice," particularly when it comes to waxing the nose area.

"It is clearly not a good idea to cover the whole face with wax," Wedgeworth told Yahoo News. "The nose has fragile skin and blood vessels near the surface, making it particularly vulnerable to damage."

Potential Risks and Dangers

Apart from the risk of burns and skin irritation, experts warn that covering the nose and mouth with wax could lead to suffocation. Alex Echeverri, a salon worker from West Sussex, told the BBC that "there's no control element to smothering the face with wax, and wax hardens, so it could harden in the airways and have to be surgically removed."

Dr. Anjali Mahto of the British Association of Dermatologists also cautioned against the trend, stating that "waxing is a traumatic process for the skin, especially sensitive areas such as those found around the eyes." She warned that the practice could lead to inflammation, irritation, and even folliculitis (pus-filled bumps).

Children and individuals with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable to the potential dangers of full face waxing, as their skin is more delicate and prone to damage.

The Influence of Social Media

While the full face wax trend may seem extreme, it's not the first time TikTok has been criticized for promoting questionable beauty hacks and dangerous challenges.

Conclusion

While the full face wax trend may be attention-grabbing and visually striking, it's crucial to prioritize safety and common sense when it comes to beauty and grooming practices. Covering the entire face, including sensitive areas like the eyes and nose, with hot wax is not only unnecessary but also potentially perilous.

As consumers, it's vital to be discerning and seek advice from qualified professionals before attempting any new beauty trend, especially those that go viral on social media platforms like TikTok. Remember, just because something is popular doesn't mean it's safe or advisable.