A tight hairstyle can be helpful for getting long hair out of a person’s face, but it can have a less desirable side effect as well, according to a dermatologist on TikTok.

Brooklyn-based dermatologist Mark Strom, going by the handle @demarkologist on the platform, posted a viral video with more than 9.9 million views since March 16, explaining several things he wishes people knew.

The first?

“Tight hairstyles with ponytails, braids or buns can cause PERMANENT hair loss,” Strom wrote.

Why Tight Hairstyles Cause Hair Loss

Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, cornrows and buns can contribute to a condition known as traction—a form of gradual hair loss caused by constant tension on the hair follicles.

This repeated pulling can damage the roots and lead to hair breakage or permanent hair loss, especially along the hairline and temples. Dermatologists often see this type of hair loss in people who consistently wear styles that tightly pull the hair.

“The process is not immediate and that is what I think is most surprising—people affected have often styled there hair in the same way for years before it became an issue,” Strom told Newsweek in an email.

Prevention and Care

Preventing traction alopecia starts with reducing the stress placed on hair follicles.

Looser hairstyles help, and avoid long-term use of extensions. It’s important to change hairstyles frequently to relieve continuous tension on specific areas of the scalp, especially the hairline.

Using fabric-covered hair ties instead of elastic bands with metal parts can also help prevent breakage.

When early signs of traction alopecia appear—such as thinning edges, bumps, or scalp tenderness—intervening quickly is key. Dermatologists often recommend taking a break from tension-inducing styles to allow the hair follicles to recover.

Over-the-counter treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) may be suggested to stimulate regrowth. In more advanced cases, where follicle scarring has occurred, hair regrowth may not be possible, and treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or hair transplant surgery might be considered.

Ongoing scalp care is also critical for managing the condition. Wash your hair gently, moisturize regularly with scalp-friendly products, and avoid scratching or harsh brushing.

“Prevention is key when it comes to traction alopecia,” Strom told Newsweek.

“Additionally, there are hundreds of conditions that can cause hair loss, so anyone noticing the signs of thinning hair would be best served if they can see a dermatologist for evaluation.”

Users React

While Strom’s advice is scientifically accurate, his TikTok commentators didn’t all appreciate the heads up.

“But my hair down overstimulates me,” one user remarked.

“Just leave me and my slick back alone,” another person added.

“Every woman in the military knows how true that first one is,” a third user wrote, adding, “R.I.P. our hairlines.”

Another individual told Strom he “lost” them at permanent hair loss.

“One tight ponytail is unlikely to cause hair loss,” he clarified, “But the risk builds over the long term.”