The Dark Side of DIY Hair Treatments: Why Trends Like Rice Water, Rosemary Oil, and Vinegar Rinses Aren’t for Everyone
TikTok made you do it, didn’t it? Whether it was a glowy-skinned influencer swearing by rosemary oil for hair growth, a wellness guru spooning out fermented rice water like it’s a miracle elixir, or a crunchy naturalista promoting weekly vinegar rinses—you’ve probably considered (or even tried) a DIY hair trend or two.
But here’s the thing: not all that glitters is hair gold.
While natural hair care can sound like a clean, budget-friendly miracle, these DIY treatments often come with baggage. We’re diving deep into the darker side of internet-famous remedies like rice water, rosemary oil, and apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinses to show you why they might be doing more harm than good.
Let’s break it all down—with a healthy dose of science, real-life scenarios, and a few gentle “please stop this” warnings from your favorite salon pros.
🌾 RICE WATER: Ancient Beauty Secret or Breakage Bomb?
The Allure:
Rice water, used for centuries in some Asian cultures, is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and inositol—a carbohydrate thought to help repair damaged hair. The idea is simple: soak or ferment rice, strain the water, and use it as a rinse for shiny, stronger, longer hair.
The Reality Check:
While rice water might sound like a miracle in a mason jar, it’s not for every head of hair.
The Dark Side:
Protein Overload: Rice water is loaded with protein-like compounds. If your hair is already protein-sensitive, this can cause dryness, stiffness, and eventually breakage. Think: brittle strands that snap just from a brush-through.
Scalp Issues: The fermentation process (which is supposed to supercharge results) also creates bacteria and yeast. This can trigger itchiness or flaking, especially for those with sensitive or dry scalps.
Porosity Problems: If your hair is low porosity, rice water might just sit on top of your strands without absorbing, causing build-up, dullness, and more frizz—not less.
Better Option:
For strengthening, opt for professionally formulated protein treatments that are balanced with moisture—like Milbon Repair or Kevin.Murphy's RE.STORE, both tested and safe for regular use without turning your hair into straw.
🌿 ROSEMARY OIL: The Hair Growth Hype
The Allure:
Rosemary oil has gone viral (thanks again, TikTok) as a natural alternative to minoxidil (the main ingredient in Rogaine). It’s said to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourage thicker, fuller hair growth.
The Reality Check:
A few studies suggest that rosemary oil might help with hair growth when used consistently over months. But “natural” doesn’t always mean “harmless.”
The Dark Side:
Skin Sensitivity: Essential oils are super concentrated. Undiluted rosemary oil can cause burning, redness, and inflammation on the scalp. Even diluted, it’s a gamble for anyone with eczema, psoriasis, or skin sensitivity.
Clogged Follicles: Most people mix rosemary oil with a carrier like coconut or castor oil. Slathering oil on your scalp can clog hair follicles, especially if not properly cleansed—potentially doing the exact opposite of promoting growth.
Misdiagnosis: If your hair is thinning due to hormonal changes, stress, or medical issues, no amount of rosemary oil will fix it. In fact, delaying real treatment for the sake of a trendy oil could make the problem worse.
Better Option:
Instead of going full alchemist in your bathroom, consult a stylist or trichologist. Professional scalp serums—like Kevin.Murphy’s SCALP.SPA SERUM for soothing and rebalancing or Milbon’s Advanced Scalp line for targeted detox—are pH-balanced, non-clogging, and backed by actual dermatological research.
Looking to actually boost hair growth? Skip the mystery oils and try Kevin.Murphy’s BODY.MASS. It’s a leave-in plumping treatment that uses eyelash-thickening technology to fortify hair at the root, stimulate the scalp, and encourage fuller, denser growth—without the greasy buildup or irritation of DIY oils. Bonus: it smells amazing and layers seamlessly into your styling routine.
🍎 APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RINSES: Shine Savior or Scalp Saboteur?
The Allure:
ACV is the OG of natural remedies. It’s loved for its ability to clarify buildup, smooth the cuticle, and restore scalp pH. One rinse, and you’re supposed to have glossy, glass-like strands and a squeaky-clean scalp.
The Reality Check:
Yes, ACV can lower pH and help with shine. But it’s also vinegar. As in: acid. On your scalp. Repeatedly.
The Dark Side:
pH Disruption: Your scalp thrives at a pH of around 5. ACV has a pH closer to 2-3. That’s too acidic for frequent use and can strip your natural oils, leading to irritation, flaking, and even inflammation.
Color Fade: If you’ve invested in gorgeous, salon-quality hair color—ACV rinses can dull and strip it fast. Redheads and blondes, this one’s especially for you.
Over-clarifying: Used too often, ACV can over-cleanse the scalp, leaving hair dry and fragile. Combine that with mechanical stress from brushing or styling, and you’ve got a damage cocktail.
Better Option:
Want the shine without the sting? Try clarifying shampoos that are gentle but effective—like Kevin.Murphy’s MAXI.WASH or Milbon’s Purifying Gel Shampoo, which detox without disrupting your scalp’s ecosystem.
💡 The Bigger Problem: One-Size-Fits-All Hair Advice
Here’s the deal: What works for a 20-something influencer with virgin, low-density, type 1 hair is not going to work for a postpartum mom with thick, high-density curls and color-treated strands. Period.
DIY trends often ignore:
Hair Type: Coarse vs. fine, curly vs. straight, low porosity vs. high porosity—it all matters.
Scalp Health: An oily scalp needs different care than a dry, flaky one.
Lifestyle Factors: Heat styling, product use, diet, medications, and even stress levels impact hair health in huge ways.
Color & Chemical Treatments: Lightened or relaxed hair behaves very differently than untreated strands.
The bottom line? Social media trends rarely consider your hair’s unique needs.
💇♀️ Trust Your Hair to the Pros
At The Gilded Lily Chicago, we’re not here to shame your curiosity or throw shade at natural remedies. We get the appeal. It’s fun, it feels holistic, and there’s a satisfaction in whipping up something at home.
But healthy, beautiful hair needs more than a viral hack.
We analyze your hair type, lifestyle, and goals—and build a plan that actually works. Whether it’s a targeted in-salon treatment, a custom cut that supports your texture, or a simple tweak to your at-home routine, our stylists will never push trends for the sake of it. We only recommend what delivers real results.
✅ Signs a DIY Trend Isn’t Working for You
Not sure if your experiment is doing more harm than good? Here are some red flags:
Increased breakage or shedding
Hair feeling stiff, dry, or brittle
Scalp itchiness, redness, or flaking
Curls losing definition or bounce
Hair looking dull despite regular use
If you’re nodding your head to any of the above, it’s time to ditch the kitchen concoctions and book a consult. with our team.
🔥 Final Thoughts: Proceed With Caution (and Conditioner)
We’re not saying you can’t ever play with natural ingredients. But we are saying: do it with eyes wide open. The internet is not a licensed stylist. And your scalp isn’t a test lab.
Hair health is an investment—and we’re here to help you protect it.
So next time your FYP offers a “miracle” DIY remedy, remember: it’s only a miracle if it actually works for you.
Ready to Treat Your Hair to Some Real TLC?
Come see us at The Gilded Lily Chicago. We’ll help you rebuild your hair’s health, restore your scalp, and give you the glow-up your strands have been waiting for.
✨ Book your appointment today and step away from the kitchen sink.