Tight hairstyles hurt primarily because they pull on the hair follicles, potentially causing inflammation and damage.
This discomfort stems from the excessive tension placed on the hair roots and scalp. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Tension on Hair Follicles: Hairstyles like tight braids, ponytails, and cornrows exert a significant pulling force on individual hair follicles. This constant tension irritates the scalp and can lead to inflammation around the follicles.
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Scalp Sensitivity: The scalp is rich in nerve endings, making it highly sensitive to pain. The pulling and stretching caused by tight hairstyles stimulate these nerve endings, resulting in discomfort that can range from mild aching to sharp pain.
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Potential Follicle Damage: Over time, chronic tension on the hair follicles can weaken them, leading to hair breakage, thinning, and even a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Lars Skjoth, founder of Harklinikken, emphasizes that tight hairstyles can damage follicles, contributing to hair pain.
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Inflammation: The pulling action can cause microscopic tears in the scalp tissue, triggering an inflammatory response. This inflammation further exacerbates the pain and sensitivity.
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Nerve Irritation: Tight hairstyles can compress or irritate the nerves in the scalp, leading to headaches and other types of pain.
In essence, the pain associated with tight hairstyles is a warning sign that the hairstyle is putting excessive stress on your scalp and hair follicles. It's crucial to loosen the hairstyle or choose a looser alternative to prevent potential damage and alleviate discomfort.
