Trendy slicked back hairstyles may cause permanent hair loss, a dermatologist has warned. 

Dr Mark Strom, a dermatologist in New York City, explained that while ponytails and braids may help keep hair out of your face, it can lead to long-term consequences.

Dr Strom revealed ‘tight hairstyles’ like ponytails, buns, or braids ‘can cause a permanent form of hair loss’ called traction alopecia.

Suffered by millions of Americans, traction alopecia is caused by pulling of the hair follicles.

Over long periods of time, the follicles can scar, leaving them unable to grow new hair.  

While topical medications and corticosteroids can reverse traction alopecia if it’s caught early enough, leaving it untreated results in permanent hair loss.  

Dr Strom warned against wearing tight hairstyles and instead suggested ‘giving your hair a little room to breathe’ with looser styles. 

‘Especially avoid any hairstyle that’s causing pain or a feeling of tightness,’ he added. 

Wearing your hair tight ponytails or buns may increase the risk of hair loss, experts have warned (stock image)

Dr Mark Strom, a dermatologist in New York City, warned traction alopecia may be irreversible if not treated early

‘Alopecia’ is the medical term for hair loss. Traction alopecia is one of the most common types, occurring due to long-term traction, or pulling, of the hair’s follicles.

Repeatedly pulling on hair follicles loosens their hair shafts, the visible part of the hair that sticks out over the skin. 

Hair follicles then start scarring, which prevents hair from growing out of them.  

Traction alopecia is most often caused by certain hairstyles.

In a TikTok video earlier this week, Dr Strom said: ‘It comes from hairstyles like ponytails which are really slicked back and are pulling a lot on the hair and frontal hairline and braids that are braided really tightly against the skin.’

More than 7million Americans have alopecia, the medical term for ‘hair loss,’ though it’s unclear how many of those suffer from traction alopecia.

However, it’s estimated one-third of US women of African descent have the condition due to hair texture and common braided and tighter hairstyles.

People with long hair may also develop traction alopecia due to the weight of their hair pulling on their scalp, as well as dancers and gymnasts who have to keep their hair up. 

Dr Strom suggested in his TikTok video avoiding tight hairstyles to reduce the risk of traction alopecia

To treat traction alopecia, dermatologists may prescribe medications like minoxidil (Rogaine) or biotin supplements to help hair grow back. 

Antibiotics and topical steroids can also help treat open sores and swelling.

However, Dr Strom stresses seeking care urgently.

He said: ‘If you let [traction alopecia] progress too far, it can become permanent.’

The best way to prevent traction alopecia is by avoiding wearing your hair in tight ponytails, braids, or buns.

If you do have to wear it up, avoid using rubber or elastic bands, as these are more likely to pull hair out due to friction and traction. 

Dr Strom said: ‘Keep it loose against the skin and give your hair a little bit of room to breathe.’