Headbands have been around for quite some time to help us with different causes. Primarily they are used while playing some sport or hitting at the gym. Headbands keep the hair away from your face and eyes while also wicking the sweat if you are exercising.
Ladies wear them during makeup or hold their hair in place during bad hair days. While they are used extensively, there is a common notion that headbands may cause hair loss. Some claim to experience receding hairline from them.
According to a scientific term of a specific type of hair loss, traction alopecia, repetitive or prolonged tension in the hair due to headbands, tight hats, hair extensions, or dreadlocks can cause hair loss.
In this article, we will look at whether headbands cause hair loss. And if yes, then under what circumstances. Also, we will guide you on how and which headband should you wear without damaging your hair.
Does Wearing Headband Cuase Hair loss?
Let’s get straight to it. Wearing headbands does not cause hair loss but anything that constantly pulls and tension your hair roots for a long time does. Losing frontal hair is often seen among women who wear dreadlocks and extensions and sometimes among guys who wear headbands for hours regularly.
This condition is known as traction alopecia which was first termed back in 1907 when some people experienced hair loss from wearing tight ponytails for a long time.
Your hair starts to get weak first and then thin out after some time. Unlike genetic hair loss, traction alopecia can be reversed if you haven’t lost the hair follicles entirely due to wearing headbands or ponytails.
Do Headbands Cause Receding Hairline?
If you have been putting your hair in headbands overnight to keep it in place regularly, you might experience a receding hairline to some extent. And same is the case when you pull your hair up with headbands during daily gym and sports.
However, it will not be the case if you occasionally wear headbands, braids, or weaves. The culprit can be something else if you experience hair thinning out from the frontal hairline while not putting on headbands too often.
It is pretty common to see some hair sticking to the headbands while you remove it because we usually lose some strands daily. Nevertheless, if it seems unusual, you might be experiencing genetic hair loss, which commonly starts as a receding hairline.
Headband That Doesn’t Damage Hair
Some headbands have plastic teeth to keep them in place on your hair and don’t allow them to slip while you are working out or sleeping. They have a firm hold due to which these headbands pull and stress your hair roots. So, they can lead you to lose some hair by weakening its roots.
However, the headbands or straps made of soft and non-elastic material that doesn’t strain your hair roots are the best to wear without damaging your hair.
How would you know if the band you are wearing to keep your hair from your face and eyes will not strain your hair?
Well, it’s pretty simple, if you feel pain and tension in your hair roots while wearing a headband, it is not made for you. Look for other options that are elastic and feel comfortable to wear.
How Often Wearing Headbands Is Not Bad For Hair?
Anything stressing and pulling your hair in a specific direction every day for hours can damage your manes. The hair follicles under stress start to weaken and eventually fade away. Therefore, it is crucial to wear the correct type of headband for a limited amount of time.
We suggest you not wear headbands too often, especially those with a firm grip and pulling power. However, putting them on a few times a week will certainly not cause hair loss.
Further, wearing headbands overnight regularly to keep your hair in place or make it grow into a specific style can damage your hair. Also, you need not put your hair in a bun or any tight covering that strains your hair roots. Otherwise, you may wake up with headaches and pain in the hair roots.
Which Headbands Should You Use To Avoid Hair Loss?
While there are a variety of headbands available, you may need the pair which can last longer while keeping sweat away and protecting your hair.
There are three crucial aspects of headbands to consider before buying any. It will help you prevent hair damage and loss while keeping your mane in place.
- Elasticity: A headband should be soft and not too elastic to keep the tension off your hair roots and scalp.
- Width: A wide strap headband puts less pressure on your hair because of its extended surface area. It feels comfortable during sport or gym and tames the flyaways.
- Holding Power: Soft fabric headbands sometimes cant be budge-proof. So, look out for those that contain tiny wires inside to help the band with staying power.
We have talked to a few trainers who regularly use headbands and asked them to help us choose those that hold your hair and flyaways in place and don’t cause hair loss.
1. Comfortable Atheletic Headband
The headbands with thin and lightweight material and good hold are perfect for sports and workouts. The one we choose for you is breathable and absorbs every bit of sweat.
It doesn’t have the issue of shrinking after you wash it. Therefore, it lasts longer. The fabric dries out quickly after you clean the headband.
Its super stretchable ability allows you to wear it on any head size with any hair volume. Above all, this headband is stylish, and you can flaunt it a bit.
2. Soft Fabric Or Cloth Headbands
The soft fabric headbands made from satin and silk lay on your head without causing any pressure to the hair. The same goes for the cloth headbands like those created with microfleece and terrycloth. They don’t cause friction or tension to the hair roots, so they are entirely safe and comfortable.
How To Wear Headbands To Avoid Hair loss and Damage?
Headbands are a regular accessory that enhances your looks by taming the flyaways and helping you with bad hair days. Most importantly, they are inevitable during sports and workouts for both men and women with long hair. So, the following are a few tips to avoid hair damage while wearing the headband.
- Wear a headband three inches from your hairline. It will not pull out your hair and prevent traction alopecia.
- Find yourself a thicker and softer headband.
- After wearing the headband, push your hair opposite to the direction headband pulling your hair. It is the best way to decrease the pressure on your hair roots.
Wrapping Up
Headbands are perfect for keeping your hair in place and enhancing your look when you are not going through good hair days. But wearing a headband that pulls and stresses your hair strands can damage your manes. It can lead you to a receding hairline or hair loss. So, find the one with a softer grip and material.
