Can permanent root damage occur from tugging hair?

Question

I recently had a haircut at a salon and the hairdresser was heavy handed during the styling process. She tugged very hard and my scalp was sore for a few days aftery appointment. I’ve noticed my hair thinning and an extended part in the back of my head recently, like a cowlick. Is it possible to have hair loss from one salon visit due to overstyling? If so, are my hair follicles / roots permanently damaged?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Tugging on hair can indeed cause temporary discomfort and potentially lead to hair loss, but it is unlikely to cause permanent root damage from just one incident. When hair is pulled excessively, it can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by tension or pulling on the hair. However, this typically occurs with repeated or chronic pulling rather than a single event.

The soreness you experienced is likely due to the stress placed on your scalp during the styling process, which can cause temporary inflammation and discomfort. The thinning or change in your hair pattern, such as the appearance of a cowlick, could be a temporary reaction to the stress on the hair follicles.

Hair follicles are generally resilient, and unless there is severe trauma or repeated stress, they often recover. If the hair thinning persists or worsens, it would be advisable to consult with a dermatologist or trichologist to get a professional assessment. They can determine whether there is another underlying cause for the hair thinning or if further treatment is needed.

In the meantime, try to avoid further stress on your hair and scalp by using gentle hair care practices, such as avoiding tight hairstyles, using a wide-tooth comb, and minimizing the use of heat styling tools.

Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD · Answer

Tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, or hair loss. While the condition is reversible in the early stages, it may become irreversible if left untreated. Early management, including adopting looser styles, is essential. In some cases, steroid injections can help promote quicker regrowth. Best, Dr. K

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

No, heavy handed styling like this will not lead to permanent loss. Sure, it might lead to some temporary loss but no no - it won’t lead to permanent loss. If you do come to find you have permanent loss- then it’s from something else! It would not be from this. Be sure to see a hair specialist if your hair does not improve. If the heavy handed styling give’s temporary loss it could take 3-5 months to improve fully.

So what else could be the reason you see less density when you checked the mirror? Well there are 20 reasons. They range from preexisting hair issues like female pattern loss, to telogen effluvium to traction to reactions to chemicals at the salon. These all can cause hair loss and some of these are permanent or lifelong. So be sure to see an expert if things don’t improve. There are many many many reasons why your hair may look thinner.

Can permanent root damage occur from tugging hair?

Answers (3)

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