Temporary hair highlights created with liquid concealer have sparked a viral beauty trend across social media platforms like TikTok, according to reports. The five-minute styling hack allows individuals to bypass salon visits for temporary color, though practical tests show the method leaves strands feeling sticky and requires careful shade selection to avoid unwanted gray tones, as detailed by lifestyle reporting.
Viral Beauty Hack Skip Salon Visits for Temporary Highlights
The trend gained widespread attention after “Love Island” participant Trinity used liquid concealer to alter her dark curls while appearing on the reality television series, according to recent coverage. Contestants on the show spend weeks in a villa without access to traditional salon services, prompting the impromptu styling method. Another participant reacted to the technique on screen by noting she had never seen it done before.
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How the Concealer Hair Trick Works in Practice
Creator tutorials shared online demonstrate applying liquid cover-up directly to dry hair strands, spreading the product from root to tip, and brushing it out before letting it dry, as reported by beauty journalists. Because the cosmetic product coats the exterior of the hair shaft rather than penetrating the cuticle, the temporary look washes out entirely during the next shower.
However, practical testing conducted by 20 Minuten beauty editor Malin Mueller reveals several drawbacks to the viral method. When testing beige concealer on dark hair, the pigment mixed with the natural shade to produce an unintended gray effect. Mueller noted that testers seeking blonde results achieve better outcomes using a lighter brown or a warmer concealer tone.
Practical Results and Texture Concerns
Beyond color matching challenges, the physical texture of the hair presents a significant hurdle for everyday wear, according to Mueller’s review. Even after the product dries completely, the hair retains a heavy, sticky feel rather than a clean texture. Attempts to restyle the treated strands using a round hair dryer brush proved unsuccessful during practical evaluations.
Because the temporary pigment rinses out easily with standard shampooing, testers found the experiment low-risk, though the method ultimately failed professional beauty standards for daily wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do concealer highlights last?
The temporary color holds only until your next hair washing, as the cosmetic product coats the outside of the hair shaft without penetrating it.
Can you use any concealer shade for dark hair?
Testing shows that standard beige concealer can mix with dark hair to create a gray appearance. Warmer or slightly lighter brown tones provide a more natural highlighted effect.
Does the concealer damage hair texture?
While it does not cause permanent chemical damage, reviews indicate it leaves the hair feeling sticky, unclean, and difficult to style with tools like round brushes.
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