Hair Loss: Hairstyles to avoid

Keep in mind when styling hair that hair is living and growing, and is susceptible to the stress of constant pulling. Continuous abuse causes scarring, which will lead to permanent hair loss in the areas affected. Along with leaving the hair chemically untreated for a time, leaving it in a loose style without over-manipulation for as long as possible will ensure optimum results.

One method of hiding hair loss is the comb-over, which involves restyling the remaining hair to cover the balding area. However, a comb-over is usually a temporary solution, useful only while the area of hair loss is small. As the hair loss increases, a comb-over becomes ineffective, and eventually, as balding patches increase in size, the comb-over will start to look very artificial.

Another styling caution is against the overuse of hairstyles that pull the hair too tight, such as ponytails and braids, which will cause hair loss especially along the sides of the scalp. This syndrome is called traction alopecia.

Cornrows, is an African-inspired hairstyle where hair is braided tightly in rows leading towards the back of the head and long in the back also in rows. Unfortunately, cornrowing puts a lot of tension on the hair, and can cause hair loss, especially in the sensitive area around the temples.