I’m a trichologist – there’s a common mistake people think will stop hair loss but does way more harm than good

IT’S still one of the most popular hairstyles around – and often comes in handy between wash days.

But in order to get a properly slicked back bun, product has to be used to smooth the hair down.

Woman brushing her hair into a ponytail.
Trichologist and hair expert Rachel Valentine has explained why you should never use a hair mask to slick back the locks for a tight bun
Woman explaining hair loss.
She said it will just sit on the scalp and cause buildup, and suggested using a gel or hairspray instead

And instead of using something traditional like gel, more and more women are popping masks in their hair.

However, hair expert Rachel has insisted doing so doesn’t make the style any healthier for your locks.

“Using a hair mask that is not designed to sit on your scalp all day is not healthy because it’s going to clog the follicles, it’s going to cause build up,” she explained in a video on her TikTok page.

“If you have scalp issues anyway, like dandruff or psoriasis, this is going to be a recipe for disaster.”

And doing it on wet hair is “even worse”.

Rachel advised using a “gel or a hairspray” instead, as that’s what they’re “designed to be used for”.

“They’re going to work way better, they’re going to keep the hair slicker for longer,” she said.

“And as long as you’re washing them out properly, they are absolutely fine to use.”

Rachel predicted that her revelation was going to “ruffle some feathers” in the video caption.

But people in the comments section were quick to ask her advice on which other products to use instead.

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=” Olivia Attwood shows the exact 15 second trick she uses to get her signature wavy hair – and it’s all about being light handed with your wand” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6368153682112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

“What about an oil?” one asked.

To which Rachel replied: “Oils are great!

“They just don’t have much stick either so will add shine but wont necessarily take flyaways all day.”

“What about a leave in conditioner?” another asked.

“It’s just so much better to use a gel/hairspray, leave in conditioners don’t have any stick to them so pointless!” Rachel insisted.

“I use water and the Alberto Balsam blue gel,” a third revealed.

With someone else sighing: “I love a slick back so much!”

“I know same,” Rachel responded.

“But do we look good or have a thin hairline – we must decide!”

“How often can you wear a slick back bun safely without damaging to the hair?” someone else questioned.

With Rachel admitting that the more you do the style, the more you put tension on the scalp.

“You can’t really put a number on it … the ideal would be never!” she admitted.

Molly-Mae Hague at the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Molly-Mae Hague is a fan of the slicked back look, as she showed at the BAFTA Awards this weekend
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