Imagine this: every morning, you style your hair into the same neat ponytail or bun to look polished and fashionable. But your is definitely not thrilled about this routine. The hair clips you use in the same spot and tight hairstyles often lead to an unpleasant condition known as traction alopecia—hair loss caused by chronic tension on the hair. Yes, our beloved can be silent offenders against our hair, as reported by Daily Mail.
How Hairstyles Harm Your Hair
A tight hairstyle is like a constant stretch on a rubber band: it stretches at first, but eventually… it snaps. The hairline at the temples and the nape of the neck suffers first because the hair there is constantly pulled.
Tight ponytails, high buns, and braided styles all create additional tension. And if you add chemical treatments or daily straightening with a flat iron, your hair feels as exhausted as if it just ran a marathon.
How to Keep Your Hair Healthy
The good news is that early-stage traction alopecia can be halted. Trichologist Rachel Valentine recommends varying your hairstyles and hair accessories: “One day, secure your hair with a clip, the next day, use a silk scrunchie, wear it high or low, and then let it down. This way, you distribute the tension across your hair, preventing stress in just one area.”
So, what can you do to avoid hair loss from your hairstyle?
- Choose looser hairstyles—let your hair down, wear a low ponytail, or a soft bun.
- Change your hairstyles throughout the week—don’t wear tightly pulled hair every day.
- Avoid combined stressors for your hair—frequent coloring, straightening, or hot styling worsen the situation.
- If you notice your hair thinning or bald spots appearing, it’s time to consult a trichologist or dermatologist.
The right hairstyle and care can help your hair recover and stay strong.
Hairstyle: Not Just Style, But Health
Our hair reacts to everything—how we style it, how we care for our scalp, our diet, and even how we manage . If you’ve been wearing your favorite ponytail or bun for a long time and notice your hair is thinning or bald spots are forming, it’s a sign that it’s time to give your hair a break.
Switch to a softer hair tie, reduce heat styling, and give your hair time to recover—this way, your hairstyles will not only be stylish but also safe for your hair’s health.
Photo: Openverse, Unsplash
