Tight ponytails can cause hair follicles to become so compromised from repeated pulling and tugging that they can no longer grow. “Many hairstyles can cause hair loss; however, the main ones are tight ponytails and buns, tight braids, and extensions,” Senior Hair Transplant Surgeon Dr. Daniel Ness told Metro. “Tight buns and ponytails can often pull on the hair directly from the root, causing the follicle to become damaged and then scarred. This scarring will eventually halt hair production.”
This type of hair loss that is caused by pulling and tugging of the hair is referred to as traction alopecia. Besides slicked-back ponytails, it can also be caused by tight braids. Ness noted that donning this hairstyle every once in a while should be ok, but you rethink doing it regularly. If you are continuously pulling your hair tight, those follicles will not recover and you might start noticing signs of alopecia.