Your Slicked-Back Ponytail Could Lead To Hair Loss — How To Avoid It

One popular way to sneak around wash day is by throwing your hair in a slicked-back ponytail or bun. This is a quick and relatively easy solution to oily strands (without loading on the dry shampoo) that looks stylish at the same time. Here's a quick guide on how to master this style, if you're curious.

Pulling your hair into a tight elastic can cause breakage on the strands themselves, especially where the elastic is secured. While this is worrisome, losing hair at the root may be more serious, as it can result in more long-term hair loss. This is called traction alopecia. 

"Traction alopecia means when patients repeatedly put their hair in a tight [style], and over time this starts pulling out some of the hairs on the sides, literally killing those hairs," Behnam tells mbg. So while it may look nice to have an ultra-tight and sleek pony, it can literally tug your hair out with time.

Ponytails and buns can certainly lead to traction alopecia, but Behnam warns that tight braids can be even more dangerous; so if you frequently do protective styles (flat twists, cornrows, and box braids), experts recommend switching out your braids every two weeks, and be sure to give yourself breaks in between.

The best way to prevent traction alopecia is to style your hair in loose ponytails and braids rather than tightly pulling and tugging on your strands. Of course, a slicked-back style is A-OK every once in a while, but it shouldn't be an everyday occurrence. Further, if you're already prone to hair loss, you might want to avoid these tight styles in general. 

Taking good care of your hair (scalp included) is also always important, but especially if you're constantly styling your hair. You want your strands hydrated and your scalp thriving in order to prevent hair loss and breakage. Might we suggest one of these hydrating hair masks? 

A few good practices to add to your hair care routine include regularly massaging your scalp with hair growth serums (especially those that contain rosemary oil) and perhaps taking a daily healthy hair supplement. Here's more information on why these hair vitamins work, plus where to find them.