Hair fall – blame it on your hairstyle

According to a study by Dr Crystal Aguh, assistant professor of Dermatology at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine and team there is a strong association between scalp-pulling hairstyles and gradual hair loss. In short, certain hairstyles may make people lose their hair faster.

It is termed traction-alopecia and a large number of women suffer gradual hair loss caused by damage to the hair follicle from prolonged or repeated tension on the hair root. Traction-alopecia is the most common form of hair loss.

‘Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people, but ironically , some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage,’ said Dr Crystal Aguh. Traction alopecia is entirely preventable and early intervention can stop or reverse it.

The hair practices were categorised by the researchers as low, moderate and high-risk styles based on the factors hair follicles were subjected to – tension, weight, heat and hair-altering chemicals, like straighteners.

The high-risk styles include braids, dreadlocks, weaves and extensions, especially when applied to chemically straightened hair.

Moderate-risk styles include some of the same styles noted to be high risk, but because they are performed on natural, unprocessed hair, they are less likely to result in hair loss.

The low-risk styles include hair styles that have low-tension, such as loose buns and wearing the hair down as well as avoidance of chemical relaxers.

Significant breakage of hair and eventual traction alopecia can occur due to constant pulling of the hair in one direction and tightlocking patterns.

If you are noticing hair loss the first step could be letting your hair loose – literally!