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If you have long hair, ponytails are a staple. It’s impossible to workout or run errands with you hair in your face. Although throwing your hair in a ponytail is seemingly simple, there’s a hidden danger. You could be making a huge mistake that causing major damage to your hair. According to YouBeauty, tight ponytails pull on the delicate hairs at the front of your scalps (this is where your hair is the most sensitive). These strands are the most susceptible to damage and over time they can fall out. Even though this hair loss is temporary, it can have long terms effects. This tugging can permanently the hair follicles around the hairline, which can prevent the hair’s ability to regrow. Believe it or not, but a ponytail can actually cause just as much damage as a heat tool.
One way you can minimize the damage caused by ponytails is by prepping your hair properly beforehand. It’s important to never brush your hair while wet (find out why here). Brushing your hair from the roots and pulling it into a ponytail can cause the follicle to break. Be gentle and use a comb when putting your hair in a ponytail. If possible, your ponytail should always be loose. Another option is to use a clip when putting your hair up.
Try to change the location of your ponytail so that your hairband doesn’t fall on the same spot all the time. This prevents the same hairs from being over damaged again and again. You should also be paying attention to the type of hairband you are using. Elastic ponytails tend to snag hair. Instead, try a fabric hair tie or the invisibobble hair rings ($8). The invisibobble hair rings might look weird, but they hold hair in place without pulling it too tight. Find out why we love them so much.
Looking for more hair tips? Find out which type of hairbrush is right for your hair type and best drugstore hair tools.
[Image: Hustle & Halcyon]
