Gua sha on the rise: Why Tiktok is obsessing over this ancient tool

Alice Luu
6 days ago
2 min read

If you’ve spent even a few minutes on TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen someone gliding a flat stone across their face to depuff and achieve glowy skin. That’s Gua Sha, a centuries-old skincare ritual that’s taken over modern beauty routines. But what’s behind the hype? And why are estheticians everywhere adding it to their toolkit?

What Is Gua Sha?

Originally from traditional Chinese medicine, Gua Sha (pronounced “gwa-shah”) involves using a smooth-edged tool - often jade or rose quartz - to massage the face in gentle, upward strokes. While it was once used for the body to release tension and improve circulation, it’s now a go-to technique in facials and home skincare routines. There are actually more than one shape, you might frequently see the triangle version but Gua Sha can be made in other form to aid different treatment.

Why Everyone’s Obsessed

1. Natural Lifting & Sculpting With consistent use, Gua Sha can help reduce puffiness, define the jawline, and enhance cheekbones, all without a single needle or filler. It’s like a mini face workout.

2. Boosts Circulation & Glow By stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage, Gua Sha encourages that healthy, radiant glow from within. It’s especially great for dull, tired skin.

3. Calming & Therapeutic Besides the visual benefits, the slow, rhythmic movements are deeply relaxing. It’s not just skincare - it’s self-care.

4. Pairs Perfectly with Your Routine Gua Sha works best when paired with facial oil or serum, making it a perfect addition to your nighttime routine. Just 5 minutes a day can make a difference.

Why Estheticians Are Getting Certified in Gua Sha

As the demand for holistic beauty treatments grows, estheticians are incorporating Gua Sha into their facial menus. Clients love it because it’s effective, gentle, and leaves the skin feeling lifted and refreshed. For beauty professionals, it’s a low-cost, high-impact service that adds real value.

Gua Sha isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a beauty ritual rooted in tradition, backed by results, and embraced by a new generation that values natural, radiant skincare.

Want to Learn to become an Esthetician?

At Advance Beauty College, we don’t just teach — we prepare you for real success. You’ll learn from licensed instructors who bring real-world experience into every class. Our hands-on training means you’ll work with real clients, not just mannequins. And with a supportive, tight-knit community behind you, you’ll never feel like you're doing it alone.