It may sound odd, but many of us have a bedtime routine for our hair. Your tresses may hit your pillow freshly washed and still damp or filled with dry shampoo. You could be one who applies a nightly conditioning mask, or maybe your locks receive the classic 100-brush-stroke rule before shut-eye. Whatever you like to do with your hair before bed is up to you. Though, if you’re one to throw it into a ponytail right before you set your alarm and drift off into dreamland, we urge you to reconsider.
This is particularly true if you wear your hair in a tight ponytail while you sleep. We’re talking beauty pageant contestant tight. “As long as the style does not place traction on roots, meaning, it doesn’t pull too tight or ‘hurt’ the next morning, it should be fine,” Francesca J. Fusco, a New York City-based dermatologist who specializes in hair loss, said to Allure. She added, “If it doesn’t hurt, or if your elastic tends to slip out as you sleep, you’re probably fine.”
To prevent damage, you also want to consider the type of hair tie you are using. Bustle recommends finding one made of a smoother material such as silk to help prevent your hair from snagging. But what does it mean if throwing your hair into a tight ponytail is a usual part of your nightly routine?
To prevent hair loss don’t sleep with your hair in a ponytail
“If someone wore their hair tightly pulled back every night for years, traction alopecia could occur along the hairline,” dermatologist Francesca J. Fusco told Allure.
According to Healthline, traction alopecia can be caused by repeatedly pulling on your hair, such as wearing your hair in a tight ponytail, bun, or braids. You’re especially at risk if you use chemicals or heat on your hair, too. If you’ve already noticed that traction alopecia has occurred around your hairline, take a breath because there is good news. The damage can be reversed, and your hair can start to regrow if you stop wearing your hair in a tight ponytail every night. But take action sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, then, unfortunately, the damage can be permanent.
It’s understandable that you want your hair out of your way while you’re sleeping. And if you do insist on sleeping with a nightly ponytail, then at least make it a loose tail and use a hair tie made from smooth material to avoid any extra breakage.
