The ponytail is probably one of the easiest hairstyles in the world. Simply pull all your hair back, secure it, and you’re done. Seems pretty hard to mess it up. It’s flattering, chic, and as simple as could be, right?
While a ponytail is easy to achieve, it’s not always easy on your hair. In fact, one false move—like using the wrong type of hair tie—could unintentionally wreak havoc on the health of your hair, causing breakage, split ends, and even hair loss. Same goes for a too-tight braid.
Wondering if your favorite hairstyle is causing breakage or hair loss? Check for telltale thinning at the crown and temples; broken, frizzy bits at ear and chin level; as well as shorter strands at the nape of the neck that look shredded or wispy. Then, read on for the mistakes to avoid when wearing pulled-back hairstyles, as well the best practices to follow for creating your favorite styles without straining your scalp and hair.
Beware the too-tight ponytail or braid
If you regularly wear a tight ponytail or braid over a long period of time, the recurring pressure and stress at the root of the hair can lead to an increased loss of healthy hair. (Usually, the impact of a too-tight ponytail can be seen especially around the face, near the temples and forehead, where the hair is finer and more fragile.)
While excessive hair styling is not always the cause of hair loss—diseases, genetics, stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet are also possible causes—dermatologists refer to hair loss specifically caused by repeated tension as “traction alopecia.” Aside from noticeable hair loss at the temples and forehead, other signs of traction alopecia include thinning hair, scalp pain, and follicular cysts or small bumps on the scalp.
In mild cases, traction alopecia can be treated with topicals like minoxidil or oral medications like finasteride, but it’s also advisable to stop—and avoid—putting too much pressure on the scalp as much as you can.
For those who love the look of a tight ponytail or sleek braid but want to avoid a potential bald spot, hairspray can be extremely helpful. To create a sleek ponytail, first, brush the top of your hair flat against your head using a natural bristle brush, then secure the ponytail. Next, spray the hair with hairspray. Just be sure to avoid pulling the elastic too tight—thanks to the brush and hairspray, the hair will look sleek without adding unnecessary tension to your precious roots.
Avoid the same placement each time
Braiding your hair or putting it in a ponytail every day not only puts a strain on the hair roots, but also on the hair itself—especially if you tie your hair in the same place over and over again. Hair is a fiber, after all, and putting tension at the same point can lead to damage in the long term. Worse, the broken hair often sticks out, appearing frizzy whenever you wear your hair down.
