Hairstyles That Cause Hair Loss (and How to Wear Them Safely)

The hairstyles that cause hair loss are the ones that pull on your hair roots, day after day: tight ponytails, buns, braids, cornrows, locs, extensions and weaves. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), frequently wearing styles that pull can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. The good news is that it's preventable, and often reversible if you catch it early. Here's which styles carry the most risk, what the warning signs look like, and how to keep wearing the styles you love more safely.

What is traction alopecia?

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by constant tension on the hair. When a hairstyle pulls on the same follicles for weeks or months, the follicles become inflamed and damaged. At first, hairs break or fall out and grow back once the pulling stops. If the tension continues for a long time, the follicle can scar and stop producing hair permanently.

It most often shows up along the hairline, temples and nape of the neck, because that's where styles pull hardest and the hair is finest. Anyone can develop it: women, men, children and athletes who wear their hair tied back.

Hairstyles that cause hair loss: the main culprits

Hairstyle	Why it's risky	Safer way to wear it
Tight ponytails and high buns	Pull the hairline and temples in one direction	Wear them low and loose; change the position often
Tight braids and cornrows	Constant tension at each braid's base	Loosen at the hairline; choose thicker braids
Locs	Long, heavy locs add weight to the roots	Keep them thicker and shorter
Extensions and weaves	Extra weight and tight attachment points	Choose light pieces; wear them for short periods
Slicked-back styles	Hair pulled taut against the scalp every day	Leave some slack; alternate with loose styles
Rollers worn to bed	Hours of tension while you sleep	Use them for short periods while awake
Man buns and top knots	Pull the front hairline back tightly	Tie them lower and looser; give your hair rest days

The AAD says wearing a tight style occasionally is fine. The risk comes from wearing it often, for long periods, and tightly.

Warning signs a hairstyle is too tight

The AAD lists signs that mean you should change your hairstyle right away:

• Pain or a headache from the tightness
• Stinging on the scalp
• Small bumps or crusts on the scalp
• Tenting: sections of scalp pulled up like a tent

Over time, look out for broken hairs around the forehead, a receding hairline at the temples, or patches of thinning where your hair is pulled. A quick monthly photo of your hairline in the same light makes slow changes much easier to spot.

How to wear your favorite hairstyles more safely

Ponytails and buns

• Tie them low and loose; you should be able to move your scalp freely.
• Use soft, covered hair ties or scrunchies, never bare rubber bands.
• Move the position from day to day so the same follicles aren't always under strain.
• Don't tie your hair up while it's wet, when it's weaker and stretches more.

Braids, cornrows and locs

• Ask your stylist to keep braids loose at the hairline, and speak up if anything hurts.
• Choose thicker braids and locs, and keep them shorter; long hair is heavier and pulls more.
• The AAD advises not leaving braids in for longer than 6 to 8 weeks.

Extensions and weaves

• Wear them for short periods, and remove them right away if they cause pain or irritation.
• The AAD suggests choosing sewn-in weaves over glued ones, and making sure the cornrows underneath aren't tight.
• Pick lightweight pieces and have them fitted at a salon that specializes in them.

Under hats, scarves and head coverings

Pull your hair back loosely underneath, and choose silk or satin linings, which are gentler on hair. A hat on its own is rarely a problem; read does wearing a hat cause hair loss for the full picture.

Give your hair regular breaks

One of the most effective habits is simply rotating styles. Alternate tight styles with loose ones, and when you can, give your hair a few weeks off completely: wear it down, in a loose braid, or under a wig or scarf. If your hairline already looks thin, a different cut can make it far less noticeable while it recovers; see hairstyles for women with thinning hair on top and haircuts for a receding hairline.

Can hair lost from tight hairstyles grow back?

Often, yes, if you stop the pulling early. In the early stages, the follicles are still alive and hair usually regrows once the tension is gone. If tight styling continues for years, the follicles can scar. The AAD notes that at this late stage, where the skin looks smooth and shiny, the hair can't grow back. That's why it's worth acting on early signs rather than waiting.

When to see a dermatologist

See a board-certified dermatologist if you notice thinning along your hairline or in patches, if your scalp is sore or bumpy, or if loosening your styles hasn't helped after a few months. A dermatologist can confirm whether it's traction alopecia or another type of hair loss and explain your options. Not sure whether your shedding is normal? Read how much hair loss is normal.