Certain hairstyles may make people lose their hair faster, according to a new study that has found a strong association between certain scalp-pulling styles and the development of gradual hair loss.
Around one-third of African-American women suffer from traction alopecia, gradual hair loss caused by damage to the hair follicle from prolonged or repeated tension on the hair root, making it the most common form of hair loss among that group, researchers said.
"Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people, but ironically, some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage," said Crystal Aguh from Johns Hopkins University in the US.
Traction alopecia is entirely preventable, and early intervention can stop or reverse it, said Aguh.