If you type into TikTok anything to do with hair growth or damage, Hair Syrup will likely pop up straight way.
Although recently rejected by the Dragon's Den investors, Hair Syrup is the independent, British hair care brand to know about now. Founder Lucie Macleod started the brand in a bid to tackle her own hair woes, which revolved around fallout and breakage. Since formulating the infamous pre-wash treatment, the brand has skyrocketed to TikTok fame.
Hair Syrup launched in 2020, although technically Lucie started formulating her own oils two years prior in her university accommodation. She then shared her transformation video on TikTok and the world clocked onto the benefits of oiling and pre-wash treatments, with hundreds of five-star reviews following suit.
The first product was The Original Syrup, a nourishing treatment to restore moisture – and now the collection has eight pre-wash treatments, three leave-in oils and a hair butter, each bolstered with oils and ingredients to benefit different hair needs, from growth and dryness to shine and dandruff.
As for my hair story? As a former bleach blonde who has now converted to the life of hair extensions, my lengths are forever in need of moisturising and growth ingredients. So I stockpiled on the Rapunzel oil which is enriched with grapefruit oil, flaxseed and almond extract, alongside a base of 14 other nourishing oils to stimulate growth and promote a healthy scalp.
Pros
- Enriched with pink grapefruit, flaxseed, castor seed and pomegranate oils to stimulate and nourish the scalp
- Encourages stronger, shinier hair
Cons
- It's better suited to work on the scalp, rather than for conditioning lengths
Before I had extensions (it’s advised not to use oils near the tapes as this can interact with the glue), I focused the oil on my scalp. Once a week I sectioned my hair and worked the oil through my roots to lengths. I then followed up with a scalp brush to loosen product buildup and encourage stronger growth.
For years, I focused my treatments on my brittle ends in a bid to help them hang on a little longer – but I was (quite literally) ignoring the root of the problem. A saying I’ve heard countless times: ‘Your scalp is like the soil for your hair. If the soil isn’t right, you can’t expect to grow a healthy flower’, or something along those lines.
Turning my efforts to scalp health – and incorporating a pre-wash treatment – made all the difference. Of course, it’s no miracle worker, but slowly my hair got its mojo back. My lengths look less scraggly and now bounce with a plump fullness to them.
You can also see this incredible before-and-after picture of a Hair Syrup customer using the Rapunzel and Vitamin C Me oils for 12 weeks:
After having hair extensions fitted, I focused the oil through my ends and mid-lengths which helped them feel more silk-like and less straw-like with each application. My hair feels more nourished and supple, not to mention the major shine too.
I’ve using the Vitamin C Me hair oil – designed for fragile and thin strands – as it’s packed with orange oil, macadamia and papaya which helps to repair dry and damaged hair, while protecting it from natural stressors like heat... which, my lengths are no stranger to.
Pros
- Enriched with sweet orange oil, macadamia and papaya to soften and reduce breakage
- It has a refreshing citrus aroma
Cons
- It's best used on your lengths and ends rather than the scalp
Once every week, I applied the pre-wash oil to mid-lengths and ends, allowing it to marinate for an hour before rinsing, and its made a great difference to the softness of my hair and extensions. Having extensions, I started to neglect my usual treatments like masks and leave-in oils, but since using a regular leave-in oil again, I’ve seen how its transformed my extensions from feeling a little dry and brittle to now feeling soft and shiny.
I also find that whenever I go back to the salon to get my extensions re-taped, I’m pleasantly surprised with the condition of my natural hair. It looks way thicker and healthier than expected, so the idea of having my extensions removed one day doesn’t seam so scary!
You won't find any science-y patented ingredients in Hair Syrups products – as you would with Olaplex or K18. Instead, the appeal comes from traditional oils that many experts suggest contribute to hair maintenance and strength.
It’s also important to remember that hair oiling is much more than a fleeting TikTok trend – in fact, it is a beauty tradition that has been around for over 5,000 years. With Ayurvedic roots, it is one of the most sacred rituals that has gained traction as a modern-day movement.
Ayurveda is the ancient Indian medical system which focuses on holistic and natural methods to heal health problems. It’s believed that your outer beauty is a reflection of your inner health. Hair oiling is one of the most revered Ayurvedic traditions that has been passed down from generation to generation – and for many South Asian women, it was their first foray into the beauty industry.
When your hair is long, thick or textured, oil doesn't always make it from your scalp to the end of each strand, which often results in dryness. Oiling the scalp is done to nourish strands and promote growth, but traditionally, it's also practised as a bonding experience known as 'Champi'.
While treatments like Hair Syrup can certainly help you on your growth journey, you need to ensure that you’re getting all the other factors right too. Learn to take care of your hair by using a silk pillowcase and scrunchie, try to reduce heat damage, and arm yourself with a great leave-in treatment (like Olaplex) to help the process. Following the holistic approach of Ayurveda, a balanced and healthy diet is also crucial for supporting growth.
Alongside my new-found hair oiling obsession, I have tried to implement all these other factors into my hair journey. We’ve still got a long way to go but I’ve already seen a great difference in the health and thickness of my lengths.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
