Some hairstyles are hair-damaging and cause hair loss or baldness. All these years, people are unaware that they are causing damage to their hair through hairstyles.
While everyone has individual preference when it comes to hairstyles, there are those who damage their hair with their styling practices. There are hairstyles that can lead to gradual hair loss, and those are the ones that involve extreme pulling of the hair, a new study claimed.
Women who love high-risk hairstyles like braids or tight pony tails tug on where the roots of the hair are located. They tightly pull back their hair and harm their hair follicles, causing hair loss. Scalp-pulled hairstyles, which are the favorites of Afro-American females, can damage follicles.
The hair cannot grow back if follicles are damaged at a certain point. The condition of falling or losing hair is known as "traction alopecia." Traction refers to stress being put on the hair resulting in hair loss, while alopecia means gradual losing of hair.
Seemingly-innocent hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia and eventually, baldness, according to the study. For instance, braids require frequent maintenance where the hairpiece must be removed, and the hair should be braided again. There is constant pulling of the hair, and the follicles are repeatedly damaged.
Dreadlocks, extensions, weaves and chemically straightened hair are other causes to high-risks to hair loss. On the other hand, low-tension hairstyles are good practices that do not apply friction on the scalp and the hair. They are loose-hanging styles, loose buns or when one simply lets his or her hair down. It is likewise a good habit to avoid chemical relaxers.
Hairstyles are tied up to fashion but they could not justify hair loss that they may cause. The following hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia and hence, should be avoided:pigtails, cornrows, extensions, hair wigs attached to the hair with clips, tape or glue; barrettes or clips that tightly hold the hair; headbands, hair rollers and tight headgear such as cycling helmets, Counsel&Heal reported.
The video below talks about hairstyles and over-styling that can lead to traction alopecia.