# A Dermatologist Explains the Hair-Plucking Skincare Trend Taking Over TikTok
A viral skincare practice involving plucking 50 hairs from your scalp and rubbing them on your face has caught dermatologists' attention, and not in a good way.
The trend, which circulates primarily on TikTok, promises clearer skin and a youthful glow. Creators explain that sebum (the natural oil produced by hair follicles) contains beneficial compounds that nourish facial skin. By plucking hairs and transferring this oil to the face, proponents claim you're applying a nutrient-rich serum directly where you need it.
The logic sounds reasonable on the surface. Hair follicles do produce sebum. But dermatologists say this approach creates more problems than it solves.
"Plucking 50 hairs causes inflammation and irritation at the follicles," explains the reasoning behind expert pushback. Each time you pluck, you traumatize the hair follicle, triggering an inflammatory response. Repeat this 50 times, and you've essentially created dozens of micro-injuries on your scalp. That inflammation doesn't translate to healthy skin. It translates to redness, tenderness, and potential infection.
The sebum transfer theory also oversimplifies how skincare works. While sebum does protect skin, the amount of oil on 50 plucked hairs is negligible compared to what your face already produces naturally. Most people with acne or oily skin struggle with excess sebum, not deficiency. Adding more sebum from your scalp to your face can actually clog pores and trigger breakouts, especially if you're transferring bacteria along with the oil.
There's another risk: infection. Hair follicles on your scalp host different bacteria than facial skin does. When you pluck and transfer material, you introduce foreign bacteria to your face, which can cause folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or bacterial acne.
Plucking also causes hair damage over time. Repeated plucking weakens follicles and can lead to thinning hair or permanent hair loss in severely affected areas. If you pluck the same 50 hairs regularly, you risk damaging those specific follicles beyond repair.
Dermatologists recommend safer alternatives for addressing skincare concerns. If you want sebum-derived benefits, use established products containing squalane or plant-based oils that provide similar moisturizing properties without the trauma. For acne, try proven treatments like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. For anti-aging, vitamin C serums, peptides, and sunscreen deliver real results backed by clinical research.
If you've already tried this trend, stop immediately. You can help your scalp recover by avoiding further plucking, using a gentle shampoo, and applying a soothing scalp treatment. If you notice persistent redness, soreness, or hair loss, see a dermatologist.
The appeal of viral skincare trends is understandable. We all want shortcuts to clear, glowing skin. But this particular trend trades long-term hair and skin health for the promise of a quick fix that doesn't work. Your scalp and face will thank you for skipping it.