Traction Alopecia: Can Tight Hairstyles Cause Hair Loss?
Tight hairstyles can cause hair loss when they pull repeatedly on the same parts of the scalp. The term for this is traction alopecia. It can affect the hairline, temples or another area that takes the most tension. A style that hurts, stings or leaves your scalp tender is a reason to loosen it.
Look at where the tension falls
A tight ponytail can pull along the front hairline. Heavy extensions, tight braids or a bun secured in the same place every day can put tension on other areas. Some people notice short broken hairs, thinning edges or small areas of loss near the points where their hair is pulled. The hairstyle may be one part of the explanation, so these clues are useful to share at an assessment.
If you wear a head covering, pay attention to how the hair is secured underneath. You can keep your preferred covering while reducing tension from a tight bun, clips or a hairstyle that pulls at the edges.
Change the parts of your routine that pull
- Ask for looser braids, twists or extensions and speak up if styling hurts.
- Alternate where you position a ponytail or bun and give the area breaks from tight styles.
- Choose lighter extensions if you wear them and avoid repeatedly attaching them to thinning areas.
- Use a few photos in similar lighting to show changes over time. Bring them to an appointment if the thinning continues.
Know when to get a scalp assessment
Seek an assessment if the loss is spreading, a patch is becoming smooth or shiny, or the hairline continues to recede after you reduce tension. Earlier changes may improve when the pulling stops. Long-standing traction can permanently damage follicles. Other conditions can cause thinning around the hairline and may need different care.
At the appointment, describe how you wear your hair at work, for exercise and at night. Tell the clinician when the loss started and whether it followed a change in styling. That gives them more to work with than a product list alone.
Read Shape Zoom’s hair and scalp consultation page or the guide to hair breakage and shedding for more ways to describe what you are seeing.
Source
Cover image is an illustration. This article provides general information for readers.
