Do Topknots Damage Your Hair?

Topknots, ballerina buns, chignons, twists – whatever you want to call your go-to hairstyle, there’s no denying the simplicity and sophistication of rolling your long hair up into a high bun. From the office to the beach, topknots are extremely versatile and functional.

Some even snooze with their hair pulled back to keep curly tresses in tow and avoid overheating throughout the night. But, there may be some serious drawbacks to overusing the topknot to consider.

Traction alopecia is a hair loss condition caused by physical tension on the scalp. Like tight braids or heavy hair extensions, tight topknots can pull on strands and cause them to pluck right out of the follicle prematurely. Over time, regular wear can put enough strain on the follicle to cause permanent damage. Hair growth slows and eventually ceases, where tension is tightest. When damaging elastic hair band or sharp clips are used to pull the hair back, you may even suffer breakage and damage further down the shaft.

Here are a few ways to prevent traction alopecia caused by topknots:

  • Avoid wearing a high bun, pony or tight braids while sleeping. Give your scalp a much-needed break by letting it hang loose. If you’re concerned about bed head, wear hair in two loose pigtail braids for soft waves in the AM.
  • Use silk hair accessories or scrunchies that are less damaging to the hair. Strands stick to elastic hair ties and/or their metal accessories, which pulls on the scalp during removal. .
  • Instead of the rigid ballerina bun complete with bobby pins for security, try a looser, carefree bun. If you want to maintain a cleaner look for special occasions or professional outings, use a sea salt spray or oil that fights frizz and flyaways.

To stay up-to-date on the latest hair care and hair loss prevention tips, bookmark the Capillus hair loss blog. If you currently suffer from hair loss and want to see if you’re a candidate for laser hair therapy, fill out our hair loss evaluation form or consult with a hair loss specialist near you.

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