Avoid Painful Hairstyles
Every woman wants to wear versatile hairstyles, including long braids and ponytails. However, you must be careful and avoid tight, painful hairstyles. You can harm your hair strands by pulling your hair too tight. Painful hairstyles will not only cause headaches, but hair loss or traction alopecia over time. A few hairstyles known to cause traction alopecia over time are: tight single (box) braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, ponytails, hair weaves, and extensions. Areas often affected by painful or tight hairstyles are around the hairline, crown, and nape. Over time these areas may result in baldness due to friction and constant pulling. This condition may be difficult to reverse, therefore prevention is the best defense. Wear these beloved, traditional hairstyles cautiously.
Heed these tips to combat painful hairstyles and hair loss:
- Rotate hairstyles to change up your routine. One day wear your hair down, the next day opt for a ponytail, then wear a bun on the following day. By avoiding a constant hairstyle, you will cause less stress on your hair, particularly if your hairstyles consist of being pulled in an un-natural direction.
- Don’t ignore your edges. If you notice redness, tenderness, or thinning around your edges, your scalp may under too much stress. Eventually, this can be harmful to your hair. Listen to your hair and change your hairstyle.
- Avoid wearing ponytails that are too tight and high. Smoothing you hair back every day can cause breakage.
- Avoid wear headbands and hats for long periods of time. This can also cause a considerable amount of breakage especially in the crown and along the edges.
- Lastly, but not least, if pain is emanating from your hair strands or scalp, find the source of the problem. Do this even if you must forsake a hairstyle. The health of your hair and scalp is most important.
By following these simple tips and talking with a professional dermatologist about your concerns, you can avoid painful hairstyles and their undesired effects. Be good to your tresses and it will be good to you.