Sofia Richie, a popular Gen Z style and beauty influencer, gained over 25 million views on her recent TikTok tutorial explaining how to achieve her famous slicked-back bun hairstyle. However, experts in skincare and hair care are warning against attempting this trendy updo at home and offering insights into the potential damage it could cause to hair and scalp.
Richie, aged 25, is known for her sleek middle-part bun, which has become a sought-after look among younger fans. She recently shared a tutorial for fans interested in replicating the style themselves.
In the tutorial, Richie starts with wet hair and emphasizes that viewers don’t need to use the same products she does. She recommends using a detangling spray before brushing and parting the hair. She then applies a hair mask and hair lotion to keep the hair in place while pulling it back into a tight bun and finishes with a hair oil for added shine.
Richie describes the process as “the most satisfying part” and emphasizes how secure the bun feels on her head without being sticky or hard.
Experts, however, caution against attempting this hairstyle on wet hair. Dermatologists specializing in scalp and hair care explain that working with sleek or tight designs on wet hair can potentially damage the hair. Pulling hair back tightly and using products promising long-lasting holds can both contribute to this damage, especially when the hair is wet.
When hair is wet, its protein forms weaker hydrogen bonds, making it more susceptible to damage when brushed, pulled, or twisted, according to dermatologist Lindsey Marie Zubritsky, M.D. She also notes that pulling wet hair into a bun can trap moisture, increasing the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, as fungi thrive in moist environments.
To achieve a similar hairstyle without damaging the hair, experts recommend detangling with a comb or fingers while the hair is wet and then using a blow dryer on the coolest setting to dry the hair. Once the hair is completely dry, it’s safe to gently comb it into the desired style, offering a safer approach to achieving the sleek bun look without risking hair damage or moisture-related issues.
