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.
