Dangerous TikTok trend causing concern amongst medical experts

In the latest instalment of TikTok challenges that are causing a stir in the medical field, the 'Full-Face Hot Wax' trend consists in covering one's entire face, ears and neck with hot wax. But medical experts fear this dangerously popular trend could obstruct breathing and result in lethal suffocation.

The trend originated at the Kapsalon Freedom barbershop in Amsterdam by barber Renaz Ismael who claims that the 'treatment' is widely practiced in the Middle East and is beneficial to the skin.

Viral video could be lethal

After posting videos of himself applying the wax on his clients, the barbershop's official instagram page has garnered over 800,000 new followers who can't seem to get enough of the controversial new beauty trend for men. The first video posted has now amassed over 83 million views but medical experts are concerned the growing popularity might result in catastrophic outcomes.

Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, a consultant dermatologist said:

It seems sensible to have a warning. There is a lot of misinformation and potentially harmful DIY beauty practices on TikTok and other social media channels, and it would be good to see these more tightly regulated.

Risk of suffocation

Alex Echeverri, a beautician working at the John and Ginger salon in West Sussex, explained that:

Our first consideration would be that it could cause suffocation. 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.

But although many experts have raised awareness surrounding the dangers of the new trend, TikTok has come out with a statement saying that the videos in question do not violate any community guidelines on dangerous behaviour.

Instead, TikTok is claiming that the videos are merely showcasing professionals carrying out beauty treatment practices.