Too tight ponytail can actually make hair loss permanent

Pigtailing hair has become a habit for those who have long hair. Unfortunately, ponytails that are too tight and often turn out to cause hair loss, which is called traction alopecia. For more details, consider the following explanation.

What is traction alopecia and what are the symptoms?

Tractive alopecia is hair loss that is caused by repeated, frequent, and prolonged withdrawal of the same hair. This usually happens when you often tie your hair in too tight pigtails or in braids. Too strong and repeated pulling can damage the follicles and pull the hair out of the scalp. As a result, hair loss.

In addition to loss, here are some of the symptoms that mark traction alopecia, namely:

• Redness, itching, pain, and ulcers appear on the scalp.
• Widened distance of hair on the scalp (scalp becomes more visible).
• Hairline around the forehead that looks more backward.
• Small pimples that appear on the scalp.
• Hair experiences thinning and even breaks where it is normally subjected to pressure.
• Inflammation in the hair follicles (folliculitis).

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, humans lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. This hair loss will later be replaced by new hair growth.

Although hair loss from tight pigtails can grow back, if allowed to continue, the repercussions can be serious. The hair follicles can be damaged and the hair does not grow back, causing baldness in some parts of the hair.

Various causes of traction alopecia

Some of the common causes of traction alopecia include:

• Certain hairstyles, such as too tight ponytails, too tight braids, and a series of other hairstyles.
• Connect (extension) hair. Tying the wig tightly to the base of the real hair can tighten the roots of the hair.
• A helmet or headband that is too tight.
• Hair accessories.
• Hair that is too long that it becomes heavy and pulls on hair follicles.
• Hair cream or gel.
• Using a straightener with chemicals can reduce the strength of your hair.

Generally, older people will experience hair loss more easily as a result of this because the strength of the hair starts to weaken.

Overcoming traction alopecia due to too tight pigtails

If you already experience traction alopecia due to too tight pigtails and various other causes, immediately consult a dermatologist. Usually the doctor will examine the scalp and take tissue samples to look for other possible causes of hair loss.

The main treatment your doctor will recommend is changing your hairstyle. Avoid tying your hair too tight and using various hair ties with materials that are too strong. Also, if your hair is too long the doctor will ask you to cut it. Not only that, reduce the use of straighteners and chemicals that can damage hair.

The doctor will also prescribe medications that are suitable for your current condition, such as:

• Antibiotics to prevent infection of open wounds on the scalp.
• Topical steroids to reduce swelling of the scalp.
• Antifungal shampoo.
• Minoxidil (Rogaine) to regrow lost hair.
• Biotin supplement to strengthen your hair.

If you experience baldness that is severe and permanent, your doctor will usually offer to perform a hair transplant procedure.

Prevents traction alopecia

Of course, prevention is much better than cure. This you need to apply in everyday life, including for hair health. Here are some things you can do to prevent hair loss due to too tight pigtails, namely:

• Let your hair down and don't put it too tightly if you do it.
• Do not use rubber bands for ponytails.
• Limit the use of straighteners and other chemicals such as harsh hair gels.
• Routinely change hairstyles every week to prevent tension on one area of ​​the scalp.

Start practicing this from now on so that the health of your hair is maintained. Do not let you regret it later because of bad habits that you keep.