On TikTok, a search for “slicked-back bun” yields about 600 million results. It’s not simply a popular hairdo among celebrities. Day or night, the females adore the style. It appears that the fashion may not reciprocate your feelings. Indeed, that is conceivable. Hair loss is caused by slicked-back hair. Don’t worry, though. If you are unable to live without putting your hair back in a bun or ponytail, there are a few strategies to prevent baldness. (I apologize.)
Sofia Richie Grainge’s instruction on how to do a slicked-back bun became viral on the app recently. It’s referred to as her “sleek, lazy girl bun.” Allow us to briefly summarize for you. She loads a protein-enriched hair mask over her freshly washed and damp hair. She drenches her hair with it. She divides her strands and ties off one section with a thin elastic after adding some cream. She pulls the remaining hair back securely and secures the bun with another elastic to complete the look. She explains, “It is so secured to your head because it started wet.” She adds extra cream and shine-enhancing hair oil at the end.
She appears stunning. Without a question. When it comes to a sleek hairstyle, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber all agree. However, there are a few serious issues with Grainge’s rendition. The first is wearing your hair back while it’s wet—especially this tight.
Shab Caspara, a licensed trichologist and hairstylist in NYC, explains that wet hair is more susceptible to damage because it stretches more and has a weaker cuticle than dry hair. “Continuous stress applied to the hair cuticle can result in microtears and traction alopecia, a form of hair loss brought on by persistent tension in the same region. Particularly vulnerable are hair damaged with chemicals and baby hair. Yes, bleach blondes, that’s who we’re looking at.
Act+Acre’s founder and board-certified trichologist and hairstylist Helen Reavey concurs. “Continually putting the hair in tight hairstyles like slick-back buns can cause traction alopecia, which occurs when the hair follicles are gradually pulled, resulting in thinning or bald patches, especially around the hairline and temples,” she says. “In addition to potential damage, split ends, and breakage.” It holds for both dry and wet hair.
According to Reavey, “frequently wearing tight hairstyles can put too much stress on the hair, making it more prone to breakage and irritation of the scalp.” “It’s perfectly acceptable to perform this technique once a week or once every two weeks, but to perform it daily may cause hormonal exhaustion. This happens when the hair is overly wet, repeatedly inflaming and damaging the hair follicles.
Black women have long been aware of traction alopecia since it can result from wearing wigs, extensions, and protective styles that pull hair, particularly in the temple area. It’s growing more and more common as more and more hair types experiment with tight, pulled-back hairstyles.
Unfortunately, Grainge’s tutorial has more problems than just that. The hair mask is what it is. Now, if you follow the instructions on the container, the one she uses is excellent for your hair. However, wearing a “reparative” bond-building mask for an extended period can be counterproductive. Reavey advises applying a purely hydrating mask if you plan to leave it on for an extended period because of this. Seek for butter and substances that are moisturizing. She continues, “Always remember to rinse out your hair mask at the end of the day if you do add one to your sleek back bun.”
Not only might the excessive protein in the mask cause breakage in your hair, but if you keep it on all day, it might also irritate your skin. According to Caspara, using products that weren’t intended for use on the skin or scalp might damage the scalp, causing skin irritation or clogging hair follicles. Prolonged exposure to this type of product use can also result in hair thinning and hair loss. Some product ingredients are designed only to be washed out of the hair.
You will not give up on your sleek bun since you adore it. That’s alright! Modest adjustments can have a significant impact. Now that your hair is dry, you know how to style it. According to Caspara, using a soft satin or silk hair tie can also help prevent breakage at the ends.
See a dermatologist to rule out any other causes if you’ve already seen thinning at your temples or any other bald areas. Then, opt for a loose, untidy bun rather than a sleek one. Perhaps it’s time to revive that style. We’ll be loved by our hair for it.
