Is your hairstyle causing your hair thinning?

Is your hairstyle causing your hair thinning?

Thinning hair results from gradual, non-genetic hair loss, which can be caused by a number of reasons, including hormonal changes in the body, such as those that occur in pregnant and postmenopausal women, to poor nutrition as a result of a period of illness.

Aside from these causes, a very common and often overlooked cause of hair thinning is constantly wearing your hair in tight styles, which puts excessive tension and pressure on the hair roots, which eventually weakens them over time and causes them to fall out prematurely. When the hair reaches the end of its normal growth phase, it falls out and should ideally grow back after the resting phase and go through the entire cycle again. However, constant pulling or pressure on the hair damages the follicles and can lead to inflammation. Inflammation inhibits blood flow and limits follicles' access to vital nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth.

Here is a list of the most common hairstyles that can cause hair thinning or traction alopecia if worn excessively.

1. Drawstring ponytails

These hairpieces have a comb and a drawstring to secure them on the head. Drawstring ponytails are secured to the hair after the hair is pulled back into a tight bun. Hair gel is sometimes applied to give a smooth and smooth finish to natural hair that is kept in a bun. The drawstring ponytail is then secured by pinning it with the comb and securing it with the drawstring. Although they are a convenient way to style your hair, frequent and constant use can lead to thinning hair and bald spots, especially in the area where the ponytail is attached.

2. Tight buns

The hair is twisted, rolled tightly, and then secured with pins or ribbons. The continuous action of twisting and rolling hair can weaken strands and damage follicles, resulting in thin hair.

3. Weaves

This is a style very popular (but not limited to) among black women in which human or synthetic hair strands are attached to natural hair and often sewn to cornrow tracks. Weft threads are also sometimes attached with an anti-fungal adhesive called adhesive glue. Weaving is often used to stop the appearance of thinning hair, but unfortunately it can also cause hair thinning and hair loss itself because the cornrows that the extensions are attached to are very tight to make the weave last longer. Glue bonding can also cause hair loss if appropriate remover is not used to completely loosen the glue's bond before removal.

4. Braids

The hair is braided into thin, tight braids, sometimes with decorative elements or with hair extensions braided into the hair (remember Brandy's signature braids?). Aside from the pulling effect caused by the tight braid, the hairline suffers because the hair to which the extensions are attached is usually weak and cannot handle the weight of the extra hair.

5. Cornrows

These are a type of braids in which the hair is braided close to the scalp. This style is preferred because it is a low-maintenance, aesthetic hairstyle, but can lead to traction alopecia if the cornrows are too tight as they put excessive pressure on the hair, especially around the hairline.

6. Clip on hair extensions

These hair extensions are made by cutting machine-made hair strands into different lengths and attaching clips to each piece. They can be clipped onto natural hair in various places including the back, sides of the face, etc. They are commonly used to add color to hair or to give the appearance of fuller hair. Improper attachment by clipping the extensions too tightly or allowing the clips to continually dig into the scalp while applying can cause this Traction alopecia.

Inspired by Danielle McLoughlin