Woman Wanting Help With Mom's Hair Problem Goes Viral, Flooded With Advice

At times, the internet can be a wonderful place, bringing people together to share thoughts and ideas to bring a positive impact to life beyond the World Wide Web.

Although it has its moments, the beauty space is one of those supportive areas of the internet, with its fans often banding together to trade secret hacks and advice for concerns. The latter is what one woman received after turning to TikTok for hair advice on behalf of her mother.

The beauty community rushed to her aide; over 4.4 million people have watched the clip since April 26, leaving an incredible volume of tips and advice in the form of comments under the TikTok video.

Showing viewers the state of her mom's damaged hair, Nat, known as @nat43721 on TikTok, gained over 465,000 likes of the video.

"My mom's hair won't grown past her shoulders. She's been growing it out for 10+ years and nothing works," Nat said. "Her hair is naturally curly and extremely fine. This is all of it in a ponytail."

Advice for Thinning Hair That Won't Grow

The comments section was full of a multitude of words of wisdom. To save your thumbs hours of scrolling, we took a deeper look at some of the most-repeated recommendations, with celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist Robin Emtage telling Newsweek her thoughts.

Rosemary Oil

Chances are if you've searched for hair-growth tips, you have been met with several recommendations for rosemary oil—but does it actually work?

Emtage confirmed the power of the product, and said: "Rosemary oil is a wonderful natural remedy renowned for its ability to enhance hair growth. It actively stimulates the scalp, leading to a noticeable improvement in hair thickness.

"For those struggling with slow hair growth, thinning hair, or simply seeking stronger hair, rosemary oil comes highly recommended. Its benefits are particularly pronounced for individuals with fine and curly hair, as it helps strengthen the hair follicles and boost growth," Emtage added.

"A practical tip for incorporating rosemary oil into your hair-care routine is to add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your favorite hair oil. Mixing it in this way not only enhances the benefits but also ensures an even distribution throughout your scalp, maximizing the stimulating effects and nourishing properties of rosemary."

Regular Trims

It may seem counterproductive when trying to grow your hair, but Emtage said: "Regular trims are absolutely crucial for maintaining the health of your hair.

"By routinely cutting the ends, you effectively remove split ends and prevent them from causing further damage along the hair shaft—damage that can lead to frizz, breakage, and an unhealthy appearance.

"For those who find their hair just won't grow past a certain length, scheduling trims every six to eight weeks can be a game changer. This frequent trimming encourages healthier hair growth by preventing ends from splitting and breaking," Emtage added.

"This is an excellent tip for all hair types, but it's especially beneficial for those with curly or fine hair, which are more prone to split ends due to their delicate nature."

Biotin

Supplements can be a great place to start for hair growth, as well as improving the skin and nails.

Emtage said: "Biotin is essential for producing keratin, which is crucial for strong and healthy hair, skin, and nails. It's particularly beneficial for those experiencing hair thinning or slow growth, or for anyone not getting enough through their diet.

"While supplementing with biotin can help, it's important to pair this with a well-balanced diet, a quality multivitamin, and sufficient vitamin D intake," Emtage added.

"Incorporating biotin is a good idea, but remember, good hair health depends on more than just biotin; a holistic approach to nutrition is key. You can't just rely on biotin alone—achieving balance is crucial for effective results."

No Heat

It may seem impossible for those attached to their hot tools, but Emtage said that going heat-free is "undoubtedly one of the best decisions you can make for your hair's health."

She added: "Heat styling tools, such as straighteners, curling irons, and blow-dryers, strip essential moisture from your strands, leading to damage and breakage. This is particularly crucial for those with fine, delicate, or natural, kinky hair, as well as any hair type that is inherently weak or damaged.

"By avoiding heat, you can significantly reduce the risk of hair damage and help preserve your hair's natural texture and strength. Embracing your hair's natural state not only contributes to its overall health but also enhances its quality, giving it a chance to thrive and regain its natural vitality. This approach can lead to visibly healthier, more resilient hair that feels as good as it looks," Emtage added.

It is also a good idea to cut down on any dye or bleach you put in your hair, as this can also damage the hair and affect growth.

Castor Oil

Another great oil option for hair growth, Emtage shared that, "Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, making it an excellent choice for combating scalp inflammation, enhancing hair health, and promoting growth and thickness.

"It's a nourishing moisturizing treatment for dry, coarse, or brittle hair and can also add thickness to fine, curly hair. Due to its thick consistency, it's best used sparingly on fine hair—a few drops massaged into the scalp are sufficient, as it can weigh down fine hair types. Interestingly, there are three distinct types of castor oil, each offering unique benefits.

"I suggest trying a blend of Indian, Jamaican, and Haitian castor oils to maximize these benefits," Emtage added.