A slick bun might look polished, but if your hairstyle is pulling on your scalp day after day, your hair follicles could be paying the price.
Known as traction-related hair loss, this type of thinning can develop when hair is repeatedly worn in styles that place constant tension on the scalp.
“I used to have dreadlocks for more than 25 years,” one reader shared. “I cut them off because they were pulling on my scalp and neck, but my hair is still falling out every time I wash it.”
Christchurch trichologist Dr Padmaja Redekar says experiences like this are more common than many people realise.
The pressure on your scalp adds up
“It’s a lot of pressure on the hair follicle,” she explains. “The hair is heavy and constantly pulling. Over time we can begin to see stretching of the scalp and gaps developing between follicles.”
And it’s not just adults who are affected.
“I have a young athlete who wears very tight ponytails for sport,” says Dr Redekar. “We often don’t see the damage until much later.”
A scalp-first approach to recovery
While the effects can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to help support your scalp.
“Scalp care is incredibly important,” she says. “Keeping the scalp clean, reducing tension and creating a healthy scalp environment can all be beneficial.”
She recommends regular scalp cleansing and, where necessary, removing old, heavy or matted hair that may be placing additional stress on follicles.
The OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Scalp Serum can be incorporated into a scalp-care routine, helping to hydrate and support the scalp while promoting hair that looks fuller and thicker over time.
The two-minute habit worth trying
Dr Redekar also recommends a simple scalp massage.
“It’s not about rubbing the hair,” she says. “Press your fingers into the scalp and gently move the scalp itself up and down and side to side.”
According to Dr Redekar, every follicle is connected to tiny muscles that can remain under tension when hair is constantly pulled back.
“Moving the scalp can help give those muscles some relief,” she says.
For an added reset during a busy day, she suggests loosening tight hairstyles, taking a few deep breaths and spending two minutes massaging the scalp.
“When we focus and work, cortisol levels can rise,” she explains. “A scalp massage may help release tension while also creating a moment to slow down and relax.”
The takeaway? A great hairstyle shouldn’t come at the expense of your scalp health. Giving follicles a break from constant tension could be one of the simplest ways to support stronger-looking hair in the long run.
Meet the OGX ProGrowth range
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Shampoo
$15.99 from Chemist Warehouse
This thickening shampoo combines peptides with 1.5% mandelic acid to gently exfoliate the scalp, remove build-up and reinforce the hair fibre from within for visibly thicker, fullerlooking hair.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Conditioner
$15.99 from Chemist Warehouse
Infused with peptides and Lipi Pro Shield Technology, this conditioner helps strengthen strands, reduce breakage and maintain healthylooking lengths.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Scalp Serum
$20.99 from Chemist Warehouse
A lightweight, fast-absorbing serum formulated with a 9% Long7vity Complex™, peptides and rice protein, this hydrates the scalp, reinforces the roots and supports natural hair growth for visibly thicker, fuller hair.
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Serum Mist
$21.99 from Chemist Warehouse
This lightweight finishing mist helps protect hair from heat styling up to 230°C, while reducing breakage, instantly leaving strands looking fuller from root to tip.
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