Hi, beautiful people!
Nobody loves a ponytail like I do, but as a stylist, I understand and realize how much damage they can cause. I have figured out a few hacks to enjoy ponytails worry free.
Let's first dive into why it is damaging to your hair. The hair that grows out of your scalp is fragile; it is already dead and needs to be treated gently in order to maintain healthy hair. When your hair is pulled from tight ponytails it is called “traumatic alopecia.” I know, this sounds dramatic, but it's true - it really is dramatic! Tight ponytails can cause your hair to rip from your scalp and break in half. I hope this scares you into taking my advice.
Here is what we can do:
- Instead of wearing a ponytail to bed, try a soft braid. The tension is evenly distributed and when you move around in your sleep, you won't force your hair to pull. If you want to take it a step further, tie your hair with a soft hair tie.
- You go to the gym and need your hair pulled back... I get it. Ponytails matter! An alternative to the classic pony could be a topknot or even a cool braid. I found on my runs that if I wear a hat and pull the ponytail through the loop my ponytail is held in place, and the hat blocks sweat from going down my face.
- Toss your rubber bands, please! Those are notorious for causing an immense amount of breakage. We have quite a few options but my personal favorite is the creaseless hair ties.
I hope you guys enjoy these tips and use them. Let me know if you have any questions.
Love, Paige