
There are many cute reasons to love styling your hair into ponytails and buns. When dressed up, ponytails create a sleek, sophisticated look that screams clean girl aesthetic. On the other hand, a messy bun creates a laid-back vibe that’s rocked by the influencers you’ve seen in FYP. While we love Sydney Sweeney’s ballerina bun and all of Arianna Grande’s iconic ponytails, sometimes putting your hair up can lead to tingling sensations, throbbing tingles and hair pain.
While most pain caused by hair pain can be felt on the scalp, it actually starts inside the nervous system. “The nerve receptors at the ends of our hair are an integral part of our nervous system,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lian Mack told 17. “When you put your hair up in a tight ponytail, the nerve endings get used to moving in that direction and the pressure is applied to the hair follicle,” she said. ” she added. “When you cut your ponytail, the nerve endings are suddenly irritated, which usually leads to a sensation of sensitivity or pain.”
In addition to causing headaches and pain, the physical stress of wearing tight hairstyles every day can cause damage to the hair in the form of traction alopecia. “Tight ponytails can create an inflammatory environment around the hair follicle, which can subsequently lead to follicle scarring and hair loss, which can be irreversible,” explains Dr. Mack.
Michael Dueñas, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Veluer Creative, agrees. “Hair loss and receding hairlines” are two prominent problems that stem from keeping your hair tied too tightly or in a ponytail.
Changing your hairstyle can help avoid the tension, pain and potential breakage that can result from wearing your hair up too often. “Consider a lower, looser ponytail,” advises Dr. Mack. “If you prefer a high ponytail, opt for a looser hair tie or updo so that the hair tied in the ponytail is not too tight.”
Deuñas, who is known for making sure Machine Gun Kelly and Hilary Duff are ready to walk the red carpet, recommends combining two ponytails into one to prevent stress on the hair follicles. “Tie one ponytail, leave the whole hairline out, about an inch, and then pull the inner part where you want it; don’t pull it too tight, but make sure you brush it smooth,” he advises. “Then pull the outside hairline to your inside and tie it up with an elastic band. That way, you don’t have to make it very tight and it still looks smooth.”
If tension pain and hair pain are too severe, Deuńas recommends painkillers for lingering hair pain. If the pain is persistent or severe, Dr. Mack recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist for prescription-strength products to reduce scalp pain and sensitivity.
It’s also important to take care of your scalp, especially if you brush your hair frequently. dr. Mack also recommends exfoliating your scalp with a gentle scrub to reduce oil and restore balance to your scalp. “Having a healthier scalp can reduce the risk of hair loss” and “provide relief.
Too much of anything can be bad for you, but there’s no need to kick hairstyles like ponytails and buns to the curb forever. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how incorporating these coiffure tips can help improve the tension and hair pain caused by coiling up your hair.