The Internet has recently whipped itself into a frenzy over reports about an increase in "man bun" related balding. Well, as it turns out yes, sporting a "bun" man or woman for that matter just might lead to bald spots. That is, if you wear a super-tight bun religiously. The technical term for this kind of hair loss is traction alopecia, and it's caused by consistent pulling on the hair's roots that leads to damage.
Health spoke with experts but unfortunately, they couldn't prove the startling increase in traction alopecia (hair loss) among men. However, they did mention that they've seen increased cases among women.
New York-based dermatologist Doris Day, MD explained this condition as something that used to be most common in women of color who wore their hair braided tight as children. These women are those who would be confronted with hair loss in their thirties or forties. And while super tight cornrows or braids continue to be a risk factor for hair loss later on, other popular hairstyles may also be adding to the problem.
Dr. Day also mentioned that women who aspire to have thick hair usually results to wear hair extensions. They get addicted at the thought of having more hair than the natural. This condition is like Tanorexia (a condition which a person perceives himself as pale and resorts to tanning overdose) in a way.
Anabel Kingsley, a trichologist at Phillips Kingsley Trichology Clinic in New York explained that ballerinas and gymnasts may also experience traction alopecia. When the hair is pulled back too tightly under a swim cap, it could also cause hair loss therefore this can happen to swimmers, too.
Anyone can fall victim to traction alopecia, especially if they have thinner tresses. To help prevent this, the best thing you can do is switch your style often and wear buns, braids, and ponytails looser.
"If your hair style is giving you a headache, it's probably too tight," Kingsley joked.
