Rubber Bands in Hair
If I'm not washing her hair that night, I'll sometimes leave the rubber bands in while she sleeps and keep them in for the next day. My mom is concerned it will 'hurt her hair'. Is there any truth to that?
A: There is some truth to it for a few potential situations:
One, if the rubber bands are actually rubber bands (such as the kind used in office supplies or to bind newspapers for delivery) then the rubber itself can damage the hair. This becomes especially true when the bands are wound tightly around the hair.
Two, if the bands are used to secure the hair taut against the scalp (such as in pigtails or ponytails, etc.) and you allow the child to sleep on them, there can be extra tension placed on the hairs at the perimeter of the sections gathered (along parting lines and the like).
This extra tension can lead to the hairs being pulled loose and resulting in what is known as traction alopecia. Even when the hair isn’t entirely pulled loose, it can become stretched or break from the tension, resulting in a fuzzy look in the areas where the tension was greatest.
We’ve learned over the years that gathering and binding the hair should be done gently, and have developed tools to help do so. If you want to use a band, select one that doesn’t grip against the hair.
Look for plasticized bands or fabric-covered ponytail holders. Also avoid pulling the hair tightly into a style that is to be bound. This may mean you won’t have that “crisp, tidy” look, but the hair will remain healthier and look better all around.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Is wearing your hair in a ponytail bad for your hair?
How to put hair in a ponytail
Ponytails, pigtails and topknots
Kids hairstyles