From buns, to braids it’s fun to be experimental with you hair and try out different looks.
But certain hairstyles could be increasing your risk of hair loss condition known as traction alopecia, hair experts warn.
This occurs after persistent, gentle pulling on the roots over several hours or days, according to charity Alopeicia UK.
Unlike hair plucking which is painful, persistent, gentle pulling may go unnoticed until bald spots appear.
Here, hair experts reveal the hair styles you should avoid:
1. Slicked back buns (and that includes man buns)
Buns first gained popularity in 2022 thanks to Hailey Bieber, and it can be hard to imagine that such a simple up do could cause any damage.
Even men have jumped aboard the bun train, after stars like Harry Styles and Bradley Cooper rocked the look.
But slicked-back buns that pull on your roots can trigger alopecia, senior trichologist specialist at FUE Clinics, Arran Isherwood warned.
“With the amount of tugging that happens when you put your hair up like this, it’s no surprise that it can cause breakage or even bald patches,” he previously told The Sun.
2. Hair extensions
Although hair extensions can add length and volume to your hair, making it look healthier, they can seriously damage your natural locks, Arran said.
“Any extensions, whether that’s sleeve, tape, weave, or micro rings, tend to be heavy and weigh down your natural hair, causing breakage over time.
“Even clip-in extensions, which can be put in and taken out whenever you want, can damage hair follicles in a similar way to tight hairstyles that tug on the hair.
“The process of fitting the extensions can also cause problems, as your hair specialist will need to pull on your hair to get them in. And if attached too tightly, this can lead to traction alopecia, resulting in hair loss,” the expert said.
If you do decide to get hair extensions, always remember to have them removed by a professional to avoid any further damage, Arran advised.
3. Braids
Like buns, tightly-woven braids also create pressure on the hair follicles, Fabian Martinez, trichologist at The London Hair Clinic, explained.
“This continuous strain weakens the hair shaft, leading to breakage and damage,” he said.
“The tension can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, resulting in thinner, weaker hair that is more prone to falling out.”
He said braids aren’t great full stop, but those that are particularly long or done with extensions can make things even worse.
“They can really exacerbate the situation,” he added.
“The added weight puts extra stress on the hair follicles, increasing the risk of traction alopecia.
“It’s important to give the scalp and hair regular breaks from braided styles.”
