Hairstyles Involving Pulling Hair Tightly Could Lead To Future Hair Loss

A recently published study featured in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology linked hair loss to tight hair styles.

The John Hopkins School of Medicine-led research stated that traction alopecia- gradual hair loss resulting from damaged caused to the hair follicle from the tension at the hair root- is quite common among black women who are fond of pulling their hair back tightly.

"Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people but ironically, some hair styles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage," said dermatology expert Dr. Crystal Aguh at Hopkins as quoted by UPI.

According to Maine News Online, the study involved a review of 19 studies before arriving at a conclusion. The researchers noticed in their analysis that almost 33% of African-American women (one in every three women) tend to suffer from traction alopecia. This gradual hair loss was also observed among female ballerinas.

While a definitive cause-and-effect relationship had not been established, the review mentioned that there were strong indications linking styles like braids, tight ponytails, dreadlocks, weaves and extensions (especially for chemically exposed hair) to such type of hair loss.

Also, research findings urge dermatologists to know more about the potential dangers that tight hair styles bring and advise their patients on the risks involved and alternatives to hair damaging styles strongly associated with hair loss.

"Dermatologists need to be conscious of the fact that many high- and moderate-risk hairstyles greatly improve hair manageability, and simply telling patients to abandon them won't work for everyone," Aguh added as quoted by Immortal News.

"Instead, physicians can educate themselves to speak with patients about making the best hairstyling choices to minimize preventable hair loss."

The study also stated that traction alopecia is a preventable type of hair loss which only requires early intervention to reverse its damaging effects. For those who are style-conscious, alternating hair styles may help avoid the damages caused by pulling the hair roots too much.