Myths and Truths About Harmful Hairstyles: Tight Ponytails, Excessive Styling, and Hairpins 0 11

Tight Ponytail: Is It Really Dangerous?

A tight ponytail is one of the most convenient and popular hairstyles. It is suitable for sports, work, and parties. However, constantly tight hair can lead to so-called traction alopecia — hair loss due to prolonged tension at the roots. This is indeed a medical fact, especially if you tie your hair in the same bun or ponytail every day.

But it is important to understand: danger arises only with frequent, prolonged, and excessive tension. "If you wear a tight hairstyle occasionally, alternate partings, and do not style it on wet hair (which is more vulnerable) — the risk is almost negligible," says the expert. It all comes down to moderation and paying attention to signals: if your scalp hurts or you notice "baby" hairs at the edges — it’s a reason to give your hair a break.

Hairpins: Enemies or Friends?

Much depends on the material, shape, and method of fixation. Some metal hairpins with sharp edges or poor clasps can indeed damage the hair cuticle, especially if you remove them abruptly or pin wet hair. Another harmful scenario is sleeping with hairpins, especially plastic ones: friction against the pillow can cause bends and brittleness.

"However, soft hairpins, clips with smooth edges, and bobby pins without sharp tips are quite safe if used carefully. The main thing is not to use the same spots on your head, not to compress the hair too tightly, and to remove accessories gently without pulling out hair," notes Ksenia.

Excessive Styling: A Path to Brittleness?

Hairsprays, mousses, gels, waxes, foams — all of these have long been part of the modern person's arsenal. You often hear: "Styling dries out hair," "It clogs the scalp," "It makes hair dirty faster." "These statements are partially true, but they need to be interpreted correctly. Modern styling products are created with hair protection in mind — they often contain heat protection, vitamins, and moisturizing components," notes the hairstylist.

Ksenia points out that problems begin when:

• You use too much product and do not wash it out completely.
• You regularly apply strong hold without breaks.
• You do not cleanse the scalp of product residues (especially at the roots).

Also, if styling is not washed out properly, it can lead to clogged pores, itching, dandruff, and in the long term — to weakened hair growth. But with proper care, alternating days of styling and non-styling, and proper cleansing of the scalp — styling is absolutely safe.

"It’s not hairstyles that harm hair — it’s the wrong approach to them. A tight ponytail is not an enemy if not worn for days. Hairpins are not evil if they are of good quality and used carefully. Styling is not poison if hygiene and moderation are maintained," summarizes the specialist.

Your hair is not crystal, but it’s not iron either. Treat it with love and common sense — and then any hairstyle will adorn rather than harm.