Hair thinning is the result of gradual, non-genetic hair loss that can be caused by a number of reasons, including hormonal changes in the body experienced by pregnant women and postmenopausal women, to poor nutrition as a result of a period of ill health.

Aside from these causes, a very common and often overlooked cause of thinning hair is continued wearing of the hair in tight hairstyles, which puts undue stress and pressure on the hair roots, ultimately weakening them over time and causes them to fall out prematurely. As hair reaches the end of its normal growth phase, it falls out and ideally after going through the resting phase, it should grow back and go through the whole cycle again. However, constant pulling or pressing on the hair damages the follicles and can cause them to become inflamed. Inflammation inhibits circulation, restricting the follicles’ access to vital nutrients needed for healthy hair to grow.

Here is a list of the most common hairstyles, which when used in excess can lead to thinning hair or traction alopecia.

1. Drawstring Ponytails

These hair pieces have a comb and drawstring to secure them on top of your head. Drawstring ponytails are attached to the hair after the hair has been pulled back into a tight bun. Hair gel is sometimes applied to achieve a sleek, smooth finish on natural hair that is held up in a bun. The drawstring ponytail is then tied together by pinning it in place with the comb and using the drawstring to secure it. While they are a convenient way to style your hair, frequent and constant use can cause thinning hair and bald patches, particularly in the area where the ponytail joins.

2. Tight buns

The hair is twisted, tightly coiled, and then held in place with pins or bows. The continual twisting and coiling effect of hair can weaken the strands and damage the follicles, resulting in thin hair.

3. Fabrics

This is a very popular (but not restricted) style among black women and involves wefts of human or synthetic hair that are attached to natural hair, often by sewing it into braids. Sometimes the wefts are also joined by using an anti-fungal adhesive called bonding glue. Weaving is often used to stop the appearance of thinning hair, but unfortunately it can also cause hair thinning and loss, as the braids that the extensions are attached to are very tight to make the weave last longer. Adhesive glue can also cause hair loss when a proper remover is not used to break the glue bond completely before removal.

4. Braids

The hair is braided into tight, thin braids, sometimes with the addition of decorative elements or with hair extensions braided into the hair (remember Brandy’s signature braids?). In addition to the pulling action caused by the tight braid, the hairline suffers because the hairs that the extensions are attached to are often weak and cannot support the weight of the additional hair.

5. Braids

These are a type of braids where the hair is braided close to the scalp. This style is favored for being a low-maintenance aesthetic hairstyle, but it can lead to traction alopecia if the braids are too tight, as they put undue pressure on the hair, especially around the hairline.

6. Clip in hair extensions

These hair extensions are made by cutting machine-made hair wefts into different lengths and attaching clips to each piece. They can be clipped onto natural hair in various places including the back, sides of the face, etc. They are commonly used to add color to hair or to give the appearance of fuller hair. Improper application by holding the extensions in too tightly or allowing the clips to constantly sink into the scalp when applied can lead to traction alopecia.