For those of us addicted to tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids and updos, the constant pulling can cause long-term hair loss. "Tight hairstyles 100 percent can induce hair loss. It is slow, so you don't see it until later in life. All that pulling over time creates a condition called 'traction alopecia,' which causes a scar over the hair follicle where hair can't grow anymore. However, it takes years for that to occur and it would not be from one tight ponytail. Just be mindful of the long-term effects: if it pulls, gives you a headache or does not feel good when you are doing it, it is too tight." Try to wear hair down or loosen the styles to give your follicles a break.
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Bonus advice: Have patience
The hardest aspect of hair growth is the waiting game because even if you follow this advice, it will take time to see the results. Engelman suggests staying the course. "That's the worst part about hair: it's so slow to see results. All the actions aren't very reinforcing because everybody expects to see results immediately. It takes a while because of the hair growth cycle and all the action is at the follicle base under the skin's surface. Stay with it, though!"
