Erling Haaland’s striking style, with its tight ponytail and shaved sides, has generated a lot of comments on social media, especially about the possibility of the hairstyle causing hair loss. The popularity of the Norwegian star, who is currently competing in the World Cup, has brought to light a common doubt: can tying your hair tightly can, in fact, lead to baldness? Experts in the hair field offer important clarifications on the topic.
Tension in hair and traction alopecia
Tying your hair too tightly and too often can cause a specific condition known as traction alopecia. Dermatologist Mariana Paixão, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, details that the repetitive use of hairstyles such as buns, ponytails and excessively tight braids places continuous tension on the hair follicles. This constant pressure causes mechanical damage to the structure where the thread originates, which can result in it falling.
The good news is that, when identified early, traction alopecia is largely reversible. If the practice of straightening your hair is stopped, the condition tends to improve. However, maintaining these habits for many years can lead to the formation of scars in the follicle, resulting in permanent hair loss. It is essential to watch for warning signs to seek treatment before the damage becomes permanent.
Early indications of traction alopecia usually include:
- Pain and sensitivity in the scalp after tying the hair.
- Redness in the affected region.
- Frequent hair breakage.
- A progressive thinning of the forehead and temples, areas most subject to traction.
Distinction between traction alopecia and genetic baldness
Although both conditions result in hair loss, traction alopecia and genetic baldness, known scientifically as androgenetic alopecia, have completely different origins. Dermatologist Mariana Paixão emphasizes that they are “two completely different things, with different pathophysiology”, that is, with different development mechanisms.
Classic baldness is strongly linked to genetic inheritance and the action of hormones. The main agent is DHT, a substance derived from testosterone. Genetically predisposed individuals have hair follicles that are more sensitive to this hormone. The binding of DHT to the follicle receptors triggers a miniaturization process, causing the strands to grow thinner and shorter.
Genetic factors behind androgenetic baldness
The presence of DHT in the body is not, in itself, an indication of baldness. The determining factor is the sensitivity of the hair follicles to this substance, a genetically inherited characteristic. In predisposed people, with each new growth cycle, the hair becomes thinner, shorter and less visible, a gradual process that can transform an initially thick strand into an almost imperceptible hair.
Androgenetic baldness, therefore, is not necessarily linked to high testosterone levels detected in blood tests. A person can have normal hormone levels and still have follicles that are genetically more sensitive to DHT. Genetic inheritance is also complex, and can come from both sides of the family and manifest itself in different ways, without a single pattern among relatives.
Uncovering myths about hair loss
Many popular beliefs about hair loss persist, but science offers clear explanations to debunk some of these myths. Understanding the truth behind these ideas can help you better manage your hair health and find the right solutions.
Check out 10 common myths about hair loss, debunked by experts:
- Shaving your head accelerates hair loss:Myth. Scraping only removes the visible part of the hair; the follicles remain intact, maintaining the normal growth cycle.
- Washing your hair daily causes hair loss:Myth. The ideal washing frequency depends on the type of scalp. Losing around 100 hairs a day is considered normal.
- Using a hairdryer frequently leads to baldness:Myth. Excessive heat can weaken hair, but it does not cause genetic baldness. It is recommended to maintain distance and moderate temperatures.
- Wearing a cap causes a permanent fall:Myth. There is no evidence linking the cap with baldness. Constant use can, at most, aggravate dermatitis or heat the scalp, causing temporary hair loss.
- Bald men have more testosterone:Myth. The difference is not in the amount of the hormone, but in the sensitivity of the follicles to DHT.
- Women never go bald:Myth. The conversion of testosterone to DHT occurs in both sexes, resulting in diffuse thinning on the top of the head in some women.
- Baldness is inherited only on the maternal side:Myth. Inheritance is polygenic, and can come from both the mother and the father, and can skip generations.
- People with gray hair don’t go bald:Myth. There is no scientific relationship between the two phenomena; Both are influenced by genetics, but follow different paths.
- Certain foods prevent baldness:Myth. No single food prevents genetic hair loss. A balanced diet contributes to general hair health, but does not stop baldness.
- Anti-hair loss shampoo prevents baldness:Myth. The product has little contact with the scalp and does not act on the internal causes of hair loss.