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TikTok trends turn dangerous: 5 viral trends that have left people concerned

From inhaling toxic fumes to ditching shampoo to trying DIY tattoo procedures, here are five viral and dangerous TikTok trends.

Published on: Mar 23, 2024, 19:19:00 IST
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There are TikTok trends that border on being risky or turn out to be downright dangerous. From ditching the shampoo, which can lead to scalp infection, to inhaling toxic fumes, which can have a fatal outcome, these trends raise serious concern among parents, experts or authorities about the safety of TikTokers participating in them.

The split image shows two viral and dangerous TikTok challenges. Door knock challenge (left) and freckle tattoos (right). (Screengrab)
The split image shows two viral and dangerous TikTok challenges. Door knock challenge (left) and freckle tattoos (right). (Screengrab)

We have collected five dangerous trends on TikTok that people should know about. These trends have the potential to cause severe physical and emotional distress.

1. Door Knock Challenge

A new take on the game ding-dong ditch or knock-a-door run, this challenge sees teens banging and kicking on doors in the middle of the night. The Friendswood Police Department warned against this trend and shared how this trend can cause serious issues.

2. Chroming

This dangerous TikTok challenge has claimed the lives of kids. Under this challenge, TikTokers film themselves while inhaling toxic fumes.

Also Read: Know more about chroming and its fatal impact

3. No-shampoo trend

As the name suggests, this trend is about ditching shampoo to wash one's hair. Instead, people are using alternate methods or simply using water. As per experts, this trend, especially on the rise among teen boys or young men, can "cause dandruff, stunted hair growth, irritation in the scalp, and, in some extreme cases, deteriorating scalp problems".

The image shows an individual who took part in the viral TikTok trend No-shampoo. (Instagram/@matthew_reaney06)
The image shows an individual who took part in the viral TikTok trend No-shampoo. (Instagram/@matthew_reaney06)

4. Go Barefoot Everywhere

The rise of the barefoot lifestyle faces medical warnings as experts open up about the dangers of walking shoeless in various public settings. The foot scene from Margot Robbie's hit film Barbie inspired this trend and prompted people to walk barefoot.

Also Read: Toxic Dog vs Lemon TikTok challenge may not be as funny as you think: Veterinarian dishes obvious truth

Doctors warn that there is a high chance of getting hurt when walking without shoes. This practice can cause serious wounds or infections.

5. Freckle tattoos

People get freckle tattoos to mimic the natural appearance of the small brown spots on one's face caused by sun exposure. It is a safe cosmetic procedure if a professional performs it in a secure environment. However, some TikTokers took matters into their own hands and tried to achieve this result at home - which caused it to take a dangerous turn. While attempting this trend, some people hurt themselves and ended up in hospital with severe complications - and thousands of dollars in bills.

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of digital newsroom experience. Specialising in high-engagement storytelling, she blends viral trends with traditional journalism to cover the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. Her reporting spans real estate and personal finance struggles in hubs like Bengaluru and Gurgaon, the NRI experience, and corporate shifts like tech layoffs. Trisha also frequently tracks global figures and writes human interest stories. Offline, Trisha is an avid reader, history enthusiast and solo traveler. She balances her journalism career with family life while actively integrating AI tools into her modern storytelling approach.Read More