Is Keeping Long Hair a Reason for Hair Loss?

Some believe that the longer the hair, the more prone you will be to hair loss. But this does not stand true as the shaft length of the hair has nothing to do with hair loss. It’s the roots that carry the oxygen and nutrients that give strength to the hair follicles. Stronger the roots, the healthier the hair. Losing 50-100 strands daily is natural and not noticeable. But in the case of women and men with long hair, when the same amount of hair falls on the pillow or brush bristles, the quantity looks more due to the length of the hair. Hence, long hair and hair loss are not linked.

Longer hair is generally tied up as it weighs more than short hair. When you tie your hair tightly into a bun or a ponytail or cornrows too frequently, it adds pressure and traction to the scalp and hair follicles.  It weakens the hair at the roots, and hair starts to fall from the traction points leading to receding hairline and thinning. This kind of hair loss is called traction alopecia which can gradually lead to balding patterns in both men and women.

Longer hair can also get entangled easily, which can lead to more hair fall while brushing the hair to detangle them.

Other causes of hair loss can be harmful gels and detangling hair products, leading to the building up of free radicals on the scalp that leads to hair loss. 

• Try a loose braid hairstyle
• Change your hairstyle to release the traction
• Use a mild shampoo and keep the scalp clean
• Maintain a healthy, nutritious diet
• Avoid hot tools for styling
• Avoid using too many chemicals on your hair and scalp