4 Hairstyles That Could Negatively Affect the Health of Your Hair and Scalp

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different hairstyles out there. By consulting with a hair professional and experimenting with different designs, you can frame your face perfectly or complement your unique style.

While it’s certainly important to find something that makes you feel confident, it’s also essential to consider your hair health. Some hairstyles can pull on your hair, make you feel uncomfortable, and even interfere with hair regrowth. Before you try something new, review our list of top hairstyles to avoid. By discovering what can negatively affect the health of your hair and scalp, you can prevent discomfort and additional reasons for hair loss that affect your daily life.

1. Braids

Braids come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and textures, making them as versatile as any other style. French braids, fishtails, and Dutch braids are among the most popular, but there are many other options. Young girls often start with the basic three-strand braid, which is both easy to do and requires few accessories. Others, like the reverse braid and waterfall braid, require a little more practice.

Women look chic in braids at any age, but they can impair your hair and scalp health. When worn too tight, they can cause pain and headaches. Over time, they may even contribute to traction alopecia. According to Healthline, traction alopecia leads to gradual hair loss. It may occur as a result of braids that are continuously too tight on the head.

Thankfully, if you love braids, you don’t have to give them up. Choose a style that is loose on the head and scalp. Three-strand braids and waterfall braids are both excellent options. You may also decide to wear them less often. If you like wearing your hair back, try alternating your favorite braid with a low, loose ponytail. You can also try straightening your hair, experimenting with gel and mousse, or creating a volumized blowout.

2. Buns

Buns can be a cute and effortless style for women of all ages. They’re perfect for the work week because they take only seconds to finish. They’re also an ideal complement to a crisp suit or fashionable dress. Whether you play sports or play with the kids, buns also keep the hair out of your face and your neck cool. In recent years, they’ve also gained popularity among men for their style and versatility.

Just like with braids, traction alopecia can occur from buns, too. If you like to wear your hair in a bun, be sure to keep it as loose as possible. Invest in soft scrunchies or hair ties that support your hair and keep it from tugging on the top of your head. Avoid wearing your hair in a bun each day. Instead, you can try a low, loose ponytail, straightening your hair, or letting your tresses dry naturally.

3. Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are a beautiful style requiring special attention and care. Healthy locks are not only stunning to look at but are also usually comfortable on the head. When dreads become too long and heavy, however, they pull at your hair roots and scalp.

According to Dr. Locs, there are many things you can do to care for your dreads. These include maintaining a healthy diet, massaging your scalp often and avoiding friction with items such as pillows and blankets.

4. Weaves and Extensions

Adding volume and length to your hair can enhance both your appearance and confidence. One way to do it is with a hair weave or hair extension. If you choose a hair weave, you are adding real human hair or synthetic hair to your existing tresses. Since they’re woven into the hair, they’re intended to last at least a few months. Touch-ups and conditioning treatments are needed on a regular basis. Tape-in extensions and clip-on extensions are usually intended to last a shorter period of time.

To avoid traction alopecia from extensions and weaves, wear them for as short of a time as possible. If they’re uncomfortable or cause irritation, see your hair professional so they can remove them. Some people are also sensitive to the bonding glue used in certain artificial hair integrations. If you think this is the case, ask for a sewn-in weave instead.

Improving the Health of Your Hair and Scalp

If you’re experiencing challenges with hair health or hair regrowth, consider seeing a doctor for advice. You can also make a variety of lifestyle changes at home. Start by nourishing your hair from the inside out. Learn what to eat for healthy hair, including foods that are rich in protein, vitamin A, and vitamin E. You can also turn to our products for enhancing hair health and promoting hair growth.

Our CapillusProTM is the world’s FDA-cleared, clinically proven laser therapy cap to treat hair loss. The technology harnesses the power of lasers to stimulate and improve the health of your hair follicles. If you’re interested in a daily hair care regimen, our Cap+® Hair Care products are a convenient way to help prevent hair loss and encourage the regrowth of hair, no matter when damage, thinning or hair loss begins.

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We recommend our clinical hair therapy bundle, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, revitalizer, and activator regimen. It’ll help you target the most essential aspects of healthy hair growth while providing you with the most savings. Take charge of your hair and scalp health today. With a combination of the right hairstyles and products, you can make a difference in how your hair looks and feels.

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