Wednesday 19 October 2016

Wearing Ponytails without Problems


Girls with ponytails, hair care

If you thought tying your hair back was only for sessions at the gym, think again! Ponytails are highly fashionable at the moment, because they are ideal for women with longer hair who are seeking a look that’s both practical and stylish. Celebrities have even been seen to sport variations of the style at red-carpet events. What’s more, many men are also deciding to tie back their hair.

However, this is a hairstyle that needs to be handled with care, because ponytails which are too tight can cause a range of problems, including hair loss. Every year, a number of women have to consult London clinics for trichology after suffering traction alopecia caused by hairstyling, including ponytails and “up-dos”.

Another problem which can be caused by hairstyling is persistent headaches. If you love to wear your hair up and you notice you are suffering from pains in your scalp, it could be worth considering whether your hairstyle might be to blame.


Advantages of Ponytails
One of the main reasons for tying hair back is that this is a simple style which fits in well with today’s busy lifestyles. Instead of spending ages with a hairdryer, straighteners or curling tongs, you can quickly sweep back your crowning glory and you are ready to go. Even if your hair really needs a wash, this will be less noticeable when it is tied back, and it won’t be blown around by the wind, either.

Ponytails are especially practical for various jobs, including cooking and working with machinery, keeping hair safely out of the way. They also mean you can keep your hair away from your face and neck during a workout, helping to keep your cool.

As well as the practicalities, ponytails are also very stylish, making long hair more manageable. Some of the most popular ways to wear hair tied up include a high ponytail or a ponytail worn slightly to one side, a look favoured by superstar singer Beyoncé. Another option is a loose style with some tendrils of hair left untied to frame your face.

You can also accessorise your hair with a whole range of different ties, from ribbons to scrunchies. For a more glamorous look, it’s even possible to divide a ponytail off into different sections, or to slick back your tresses with gel.


Disadvantages of Ponytails
Although ponytails may look good, they can cause problems, especially if the hair is drawn too tight. This type of style can put strain on hair and cause traction alopecia, through persistent pulling on your roots. The tension caused can lead to hair becoming broken and eventually to bald patches occurring.

This can affect both women and men who wear their hair in tight ponytails or buns. If you have hair tied back, or wear hair extensions, weaves or braids which pull your hair continuously, these styles can be causes of hair loss problems. Choosing an unduly harsh hair tie presents another risk factor. However, there are also many other possible causes, so you need to seek an expert diagnosis from a trichologist to find out what the right treatment is for you.

Headaches are another problem which could potentially be caused by your ponytail. As well as pulling your hair, a tight hairstyle also pulls on the nerves in your scalp, and this can cause pain. According to medical experts, those of us who suffer from migraines are especially prone to headaches triggered by tight hairstyles.


So, if you find yourself having to take headache pills more frequently than in the past, it could be worth trying out a looser hairstyle. You might well find that this is the answer. Keeping tight ponytails for special occasions rather than wearing your hair in this way everyday will avoid building up strain on both your hair and your nerves.

Are you looking for London clinics for trichology to provide a male or female alopecia consultation? If so, the team at the LondonCentre of Trichology  can give the guidance you need. Your initial consultation will be free of charge, enabling a quick diagnosis.