Fashion expert warns TikTok's hair conditioner laundry hack could damage your clothes
We've all been there. It's time to go out, but when you go to put on your favourite jumper, it suddenly seems like it's two sizes smaller than the last time you wore it.
Unfortunately, clothes shrinking in the wash is a pretty common occurrence, especially if you often use hot water cycles with heavy agitation, or put clothes in the dryer on high-heat settings. High temperatures increase the likelihood of clothes shrinking in your laundry routine, the Mirror reports.
If your wardrobe has suffered, you might be tempted to turn to TikTok for inspiration on how to unshrink clothes. But, there's one viral hack you should keep away from, according to experts.
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CSD fashion expert Giorgio Ammirabile has warned people about relying on the hair conditioner hack to unshrink clothes, explaining: “While using hair conditioner may temporarily soften the fibres of materials like wool and cotton, it doesn’t actually reverse the shrinking process.
"Conditioner relaxes the fibres, making it easier to stretch the fabric back into shape. However, this is only a short-term solution – once the garment is washed again, the fibres will likely shrink back to their original size."
He pointed out another problem with the trend, adding: "Another aspect to keep in mind is that this method doesn’t work for all fabrics. Tightly woven materials like silk and certain types of cotton don’t respond well to fibre relaxation, and synthetic fabrics can overstretch, potentially leaving your garment misshapen.
"Additionally, conditioner residue can be left behind, affecting the fabric’s texture and appearance."
For those still tempted to try out the hair conditioner trick, he had some words of advice: "That said, this trick can be worth trying as a last resort, particularly if you’re on the verge of donating your shrunken clothes. If you do decide to try this hack after all, make sure to use a gentle conditioner to avoid further damage, and try not to overstretch the garment."
If you want your clothes to look better for longer, prevention is the best course of action. Giorgio concluded: "Ultimately, prevention is key. Fabrics like cotton, wool, and cashmere need specific care to prevent shrinkage. Always follow the care labels, wash with cold or lukewarm water, and air dry delicate items when possible. While hair conditioner might provide a quick fix, proper garment care is the best way to avoid shrinkage altogether."