An expert has warned of the worrying side effects of the ‘slicked back bun’ look loved by millennials and Generation Z.
The slicked-back bun sums up the clean-girl aesthetic and TikTok is full of influencers sharing their thoughts on how to best achieve the look, but Dr. Aamer Khan believes it can cause hair loss.
The expert from London’s Harley Street Skin Clinic said the hairstyle could lead to baldness and traction alopecia.
“Tight ponytails, braids, buns and extensions are very popular, however, they can contribute to hair loss,” said Dr. Aamer Khan.
She added: “Tight hairstyles can often pull on hair follicles, causing tension and damaging them over time.”
TikTok is full of influencers showing their followers how to create the perfect sleek bun, including Bella Hollamby (pictured), but one expert has warned of worrying side effects.
TikTok is full of content creators showing their method for achieving the best slicked back bun.
Isabella Hollamby got over 250,000 views on her video revealing how she achieves her version of the bun.
The Liverpool-based influencer combed gel into her hair before brushing her locks with two different brushes and wrapping her locks around a scrunchie.
On the other hand, UK-based Daisy Herriott revealed a more detailed routine to achieve a stylish hairstyle.
The influencer added several products and coated the sides of her hair with gel before tying it into a ponytail and wrapping it around a hair tie to form a bun.
Meanwhile, Els Houlbrooke, who happens @els.houlbrookeon TikTok, from the UK, showed off her preferred method, adding: “This is your cue to make a straight bun instead of washing your hair.”
But Dr. Aamer Khan said styling can damage hair follicles: “As the follicles become more damaged and scarred, they will eventually stop hair production.” This can lead to hair loss and eventually bald patches.
She went on to explain the warning signs to look out for: ‘If you frequently wear tight hairstyles, the first sign of hair loss may be short, broken hair around the hairline or at the temples. This is known as frontal or parietal hair loss.
Influencer Els Houlsbrooke (pictured) from Copenhagen told her followers: “This is your cue to make a straight bun instead of washing your hair.”
It’s a hairstyle that celebrities, including Sofia Richie (pictured), have also embraced on social media.
“If you wear tight hairstyles or use hair extension systems like weaves, nano rings or tape extensions, it’s important to allow time for your hair to recover and maintain.”
While styling can damage hair follicles, the expert explained that there are preventive measures that can be taken.
She continued: ‘If you are concerned about traction alopecia, I would recommend avoiding tight hairstyles and wearing protective hairstyles, such as braids and loose buns.
“Wearing your hair down while at home can also help reduce the chances of hair loss.”
‘I would also recommend using soft satin scrunchies rather than elastic hair clips as they can cause tension on the hair roots.
‘If you are worried about hair loss, I also recommend that you avoid using excessive heat on your hair and avoid harsh chemicals.
“If you bleach or dye your hair, it’s a good idea to stop while your hair recovers.”
For those struggling with traction alopecia, Dr. Aamer added that there are ways to reverse the condition if caught early.
«It is possible to reverse traction alopecia, but only if it is detected in time. “If caught too late, hair follicles can be permanently damaged, which can lead to permanent hair loss, and a hair transplant will be necessary to remedy this,” he said.
He added: “To help you spot any signs of traction alopecia early on, I’ve named the most common symptoms… redness of the scalp, itching of the scalp, itching, swollen hair follicles or bumps on the scalp.” .
‘If you notice any of these symptoms or notice any pain when combing your hair, I recommend that you stop combing your hair abruptly and contact your GP.
‘Taking vitamins, such as vitamin B and biotin, can help follicles recover and strengthen hair. If this doesn’t work, there are antibiotics and antifungal treatments that can be prescribed to help your scalp.
‘If your hairline is permanently altered, hair transplants can help fix bald spots or restore a hairline that has been altered.
“Once treated, hair usually grows back after six months, and in more severe cases changes are seen after a year.”