Could Your Top Knot Bun Be Making You Bald? Experts

Experts in Australia and the U.S. are warning about the dangers of the top knot (including man buns!) because they have seen a rise in traction alopecia — hair loss around the hair line!

I’m a little frightened to say that as I read this new report, I was rocking a top knot. The popular hairstyle may be a trend, but pulling too tightly could lead to hair loss in the future. Find out what the experts are saying and see how to stop the damage below!

Mississippi dermatologist Sabra Sullivan told Mic that traction alopecia is very common: “I see it probably once or twice a week.”

The condition causes baldness around the hairline, and is primarily caused by pulling the hair back tightly for an extended period of time.

Sabra added: “They’re putting traction on the hair follicles that the hair is not really meant to take. Traction alopecia in men is becoming more common.”

However, if you love rocking a man bun like Harry Styles, it’s not all bad:

“There are lots of men who wear man buns and don’t get traction alopecia. The idea is not to pull so tight. You don’t want to have to go for hair transplants later.”

Traction Alopecia — Man Buns Causing Baldness?

Man buns are very popular with surfers and hipsters in Australia. The Director of the International Association of Trichologists David Salinger told the Huffington Post Australia:

“We are seeing an increase here. I would say five years ago I saw women with it but never men, now we’re seeing it in men. It’s a bit early, they might be starting to get some thinning. As time goes on it will get worse and worse. Men don’t realize in the future they’re asking for trouble.”

If you wear a top knot to bed like me, may sure you minimize damage by wearing a scrunchie instead of a traditional hair tie and sleeping on a silk pillowcase.

Do you wear your hair in tight top knots?

— Dory Larrabee-Zayas