Is Your Hairstyle Causing Hair Loss? Hair Loss in Women

Is Your Hairstyle Causing Hair Loss? Hair Loss in Women

While men get the most attention when it comes to hair loss, women suffer from this problem too. In fact, hair loss affects one in every three women. Unlike men who go bald, hair loss in women often results in hair thinning. 

There are many well-known causes of hair loss in women, like genetics and inflammation. There are also some lesser-known causes. One cause of hair loss that many women don’t know about is hairstyles that pull tightly on the hair. 

Is Your Hair Style Causing Hair Loss?

If you commonly wear your hair in a tight hairstyle, you may be causing hair loss. According to Dr. Cesar Aristeiguieta, board-certified physician and founder of ILEA Hair Restoration, “constant pulling on the hair causes scarring of the hair follicles.” When hair follicles become scarred or damaged, the hair falls out and cannot grow back. This type of hair loss is known as traction alopecia. 

Book your free consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By submitting this form I agree to be contacted via phone, text, email.

High Ponytails, Cornrows, and Braids

Certain hairstyles are notorious for pulling on the hair. High ponytails, like the ones made famous by Ariana Grande, cause constant pulling of hair follicles and can lead to hair thinning later on in life. Other styles that tightly pull on the hair include corn rolls or tightly woven braids.

Extensions and Weaves

Tight hairstyles are not the only culprit of traction alopecia. Dr. Cesar lists other hairstyles that pull on the hair. These include:

  • Hairpieces that are weaved to the top of the head
  • Wigs that are weaved or glued into place.
  • Hair extensions (not only do extensions pull the hair down, but they also make combing the hair difficult without pulling)
  • Dreadlocks (the extra weight of the dreadlocks pull down on the hair)

A Common Cause of Hair Loss in African American Women

Dr. Cesar notes that he commonly sees hair thinning from traction alopecia among female African American patients. He counsels women who wear their hair in tight hairstyles or hairstyles that chronically pull on the hair to reconsider how they do their hair. “Many women find a hairstyle that works and stay with it. But if you are damaging your hair follicles, it’s much better to make minor changes to your hairstyle now than deal with hair thinning that requires a hair transplant or other hair loss treatments later on.”

Ilea Hair Restoration for Hair Loss in Women

If you are a woman suffering from hair loss, whether it is due to genetic female pattern balding, or traction alopecia caused by years of wearing tight hairdos, Dr. Cesar of ILEA Hair Restoration can help. Reach out to Dr. Cesar online by filling out the form below or calling (832) 991-5411.

Book your free consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By submitting this form I agree to be contacted via phone, text, email.

Recommended Posts