This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
If your hair is thinning and you can’t figure out what’s causing it, you may want to consider which hairstyles you frequently wear. Even if you’re careful about products, styling your hair in certain ways can cause hair thinning and loss.
So, which one is the worst? We asked Cosmetologist and founder of KmXtend Hair, Michelle Morton, to fill us in on which hairstyles might be causing unwanted fallout.
What are some of the worst hairstyles for thinning of hair?
"Some of the worst hairstyles for hair loss and thinning hair are tight or high ponytails, tight braids, wet buns, and long hair past the shoulders."
Why Are These Hairstyles Not Good for Thin Hair?
"Tight Ponytails. Ponytails are a quick and simple method to style your hair, however, they may also be one of the most damaging hairstyles out there, especially for thin hair. Unfortunately, if you wear your hair in the same tight ponytail every day, you’re repeatedly putting stress on the same area of your hair, which will ultimately cause your hair to twist and fall out at the where the tension is usually applied."
While tight ponytails may be enemy #1 when it comes to thinning hair, there are other styles that should be avoided too.
Morton explained that with tight braids, "Elastic stress is caused by continual twisting on hair follicles, which can be caused by overly tight braids. Depending on how tight the braids are, this kind of braiding might be harmful. The follicle can be weakened by stress, which can lead to hair loss and additional thinning. However, loose braids are actually a good thing. If you choose to do a loose braid, you can lock in moisture and avoid tangles. In order to understand the actual magnitude of damage, it's important to comprehend the microscopic mechanism of damage. In most buns, braids, and ponytails, strands of hair are tightly banded, which in turn keeps them in a stretched position, with a lot of tension in them. In this state, there is a constant burden on the hair follicles and roots. Eventually, fatigue takes over, which results in hair loss. The constant tension also deprives hairs of the proteins, necessary to retain the cuticle in the hair shaft."
We asked Morton which hairstyles she recommends for thinning hair and to avoid getting thinning hair, if possible.
1. Curls
"Curls alone provide volume and lushness to the hair. Layered cuts may give extremely thin curly hair the structure and style its needs. Just remember to use a heat spray and a low temp to curl those thin locks."
2. Bangs
"Bangs, whether side-swept, spiky, or straight-across, will visibly add volume to your thin hair. Curtain bangs are a hot trend for 2021 and a perfect look for thin hair."
3. Light Waves
"One of my favorite hairstyles for very thin hair is light waves. These waves will give your hair volume and bounce."
Morton added that hair extensions are a quick and easy option option for those who want the look of longer, fuller hair. "For thin hair, I recommend hand tied extensions. Hand tied hair extensions are safe for your hair, even thin hair, as long as they are installed and removed properly by a trained professional."
