A recent article on Woman’s World explored a viral TikTok trend that claims to reveal “scalp aging” by placing an ice cube on your head. The so-called “ice cube test” promises to tell you whether your scalp is still “youthful” enough to grow hair. If you feel tingling or goosebumps, it’s supposedly a good sign.
At The Salon at 10 Newbury, where we’ve spent decades working with women experiencing hair loss and scalp sensitivities, we always pay attention when conversations like this make their way into the spotlight. These viral moments can raise awareness about important topics, like scalp health, but they can also create confusion about what’s true, what’s marketing, and what genuinely helps promote healthy hair growth.
Let’s take a closer look at what the experts featured in Woman’s World got right, what’s missing from the conversation, and how we approach scalp and hair health from a professional, science-backed perspective.
What “Scalp Aging” Really Means (and What It Doesn’t)
We agree with Dr. Mary Wendel’s observation in the article: “scalp superaging” isn’t a medical term. The concept itself (scalp skin aging faster than facial skin) hasn’t been proven to that extreme degree. But it is true that the scalp can lose elasticity, hydration, and circulation over time, just like other areas of skin.
At The Salon at 10 Newbury, we see this most often in clients navigating hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. A decline in estrogen levels can make the scalp drier and thinner, while reduced collagen and sebum production can affect how well the follicles are nourished. That’s not “superaging,” that’s natural aging and hormonal change, and it’s something we can support through consistent care and targeted treatments.
Why the Ice Cube Trend Falls Short (and What Actually Helps)
While it’s clear the ice cube test isn’t a scientific assessment, we appreciate that it’s sparking curiosity about scalp sensitivity.
At our salon, we often explain that a healthy scalp should feel balanced and not tight, itchy, or overly oily. Changes in texture, sensitivity, or buildup can indicate that your scalp barrier or microbiome is out of balance.
If you’re curious about the health of your scalp, we suggest skipping the ice cubes and instead booking a professional scalp evaluation.
During each consultation at The Salon at 10 Newbury, your personal consultant performs a detailed Tricotest using Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories’ patented diagnostic system. This noninvasive technology maps the scalp’s pH, sebum levels, and follicle health, providing a clear picture of what’s happening beneath the surface.
Once the assessment is complete, your consultant reviews the findings with you in detail, explains what to expect, and outlines treatment options, costs, and realistic timelines. This thorough process allows us to address contributing factors like product buildup, hormonal shifts, or nutritional deficiencies with precision and care.
Your Scalp’s Microbiome Deserves More Attention
We were pleased to see the article highlight the scalp microbiome, an often-overlooked part of hair health. The microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that protect the skin barrier and influence inflammation levels. When this balance is disrupted (for example, by harsh cleansers, excessive product buildup, or poor nutrition), it can lead to irritation and even accelerated shedding.
At our salon, we emphasize gentle cleansing and proper product selection, especially for women wearing wigs or toppers. Even the scalp underneath a wig needs breathable, balanced care. Lightweight, non-comedogenic scalp serums and regular gentle exfoliation can help maintain that healthy equilibrium.
We also incorporate CRLab Trichology treatments, developed by Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories, into our care protocols. These pharmaceutical-grade products are formulated to rebalance, soothe, and strengthen the scalp through specialized lines such as:
- Sebum Regulating Line – Restores balance to oily scalps
- Dandruff Line – Calms irritation and flaking
- Hair-Loss Treatment Line – Boosts growth in thinning areas
- Restructuring Line – Improves hair texture and manageability
- Styling Line – Maintains style while protecting pH levels
Each product is dermatologically tested and crafted under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ensuring both safety and performance.
Menopause, Hormones, and Hair Loss: A Complex Connection
One of the most important insights from the Woman’s World article is that hair loss is rarely caused by one factor alone. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect hair thickness and growth cycles.
As Dr. Wendel noted, the shift in estrogen-to-testosterone ratio plays a major role. When estrogen drops more sharply, follicles become more sensitive to androgens, which can lead to the pattern thinning we commonly see around the crown and hairline.
At The Salon at 10 Newbury, we approach this stage of life with both empathy and solutions. For some clients, the focus is on preserving existing hair through scalp health treatments and stress management. For others, it’s about finding the right hair replacement system — such as a lightweight, breathable topper or custom wig — that restores volume and confidence while the underlying factors are being addressed.
Why Professional Scalp Evaluation Matters
We understand why at-home tests like the “ice cube test” are appealing; they offer a sense of control and instant feedback. But as both physicians in the article pointed out, hair loss isn’t a diagnosis, it’s a symptom.
At The Salon at 10 Newbury, we take that principle to heart. Our in-salon scalp evaluations allow us to identify the why behind each client’s concern. Using the Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories Tricotest, we analyze follicle activity, sebum production, and scalp hydration to uncover what’s really happening.
From there, we can recommend a customized treatment plan that may include CRLab Trichology therapies to rebalance the scalp, soothe irritation, and create the ideal foundation for healthy hair growth.
While we always encourage clients to consult their medical providers for underlying hormonal or nutritional issues, our scalp care treatments provide a nonmedical yet scientifically informed approach that complements a physician’s care beautifully.
Our Takeaway: Trending Tests Are No Substitute for Expert Care
Trends like the ice cube test are reminders that hair and scalp health are gaining mainstream attention, and that’s a good thing. But lasting results come from informed care, not quick online diagnostics.
If you’re experiencing hair thinning or noticing changes in your scalp health, The Salon at 10 Newbury can help you navigate your options. From in-depth scalp analysis and trichological treatments to customized hair replacement systems, our team provides solutions that are both science-driven and deeply personal.
To read the full Woman’s World article that inspired this post, visit
Does Scalp Aging Cause Hair Loss? What To Know About the TikTok Ice Cube Test for Your Scalp
About The Salon at 10 Newbury
The Salon at 10 Newbury is Boston’s leading destination for women experiencing hair loss due to medical, hormonal, or genetic factors. Our specialists provide private consultations, scalp evaluations using the Cesare Ragazzi Laboratories Tricotest, and customized CRLab Trichology treatments to restore scalp balance and support healthy hair growth.
