TikTok users have discovered a new experiment that requires only a clip and a forehead. Videos demonstrating placing a clip in the center of the forehead and observing it remain in place have spread across social media, surprising many that this simple trick actually works.
This trend began gaining popularity at the end of August when users tested whether a metal pin would stick to the area between the eyebrows. Some videos linked this result to the concept of the 'third eye,' while others questioned any magnetic property in that part of the forehead.
As more people tried the trick, the experiment expanded beyond using clips; some social media users tested paperclips and even forks.
However, the explanation for this phenomenon turned out to be much simpler. Dr. Sarah Webb, an astrophysicist and associate dean at the University of Swindon in Australia, told news.com.au that the effect is due to the surface tension of natural oils on the skin.
The forehead is particularly suitable for this experiment because it provides a relatively large surface area and is often covered with sebum—a substance naturally produced by the skin. Webb also explained that placement plays a role: the clip is more likely to stay in the center of the forehead because it can lie flatter there than on the curved areas around the temples.
Thus, despite the theories circulating online, this trick has nothing to do with magnetism or the 'third eye.' Nevertheless, for most people, briefly applying a clip to the forehead may seem like a harmless experiment, but individuals with metal allergies should exercise caution.
The American Academy of Dermatology indicates that nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis—a skin reaction caused by contact with an allergen. Symptoms can include itchy rash or irritation, and nickel is found in many everyday metal objects. Studies have also identified nickel as a metal frequently used in hair accessories, including clips, although the exact metallic composition may vary depending on the product.
Anyone experiencing itching, redness, or irritation after attempting this trend should remove the clip and avoid further contact with the item. Besides the experiment itself, Webb noted that this trend also highlights how quickly unusual explanations can spread online, prompting users to seek expert information before believing claims circulated on social media.