Bad Hair Care: Nicole Kidman's 'Croydon Facelift'

You would expect an A-list star such as Nicole Kidman to know a thing or two about good hair care. But the actress and model was recently photographed with her hair scraped back in the tightest of ponytails a style which, if repeatedly worn, can lead to hair loss. It is also a style that can be particularly damaging for those with naturally thin hair, such as Nicole.

The look was nicknamed the ‘Croydon Facelift’ a number of years ago when it was the fashionable hairstyle for young girls in the area. And Nicole certainly looked like her face had been lifted by the look as she partied at the Omega watches flagship store in New York on Wednesday night.

Nicole is not the only celebrity fan of the tight ponytail, other stars seen sporting the look include Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Kate Winslet. Even Michelle Obama has opted for the look. But the tension that tight ponytails put on the hair is not healthy and can lead to a form of hair loss called Traction Alopecia. This occurs when the hair shaft is pulled excessively or repeatedly. This damages the hair follicle causing it to slow its growth and eventually stop which results in hair loss.

Other hair styles that can cause Traction Alopecia include hair extensions, weaves, and braiding. Afro hair can be particularly prone to damage from overstyling as it often styled in these ways.

Afro hair suffers from dryness more than any other hairtype due to the way it grows; its spiral structure means that the natural oils produced by the scalp cannot easily reach all down the hair shaft. People with this hairtype often use relaxants that contain harsh chemicals which can increase the dryness. This leads to breakage which causes thinning hair, and this is often the early stage of hair loss.

If you have been a fan of any of the styles mentioned, then you may want to give your hair a break to allow it to recover. If you are concerned that your hair might have been damaged by styling aids, then a consultation with one of Belgravia’s specialists will allow your hair to be professionally examined. In some cases a hair loss treatment will help restore the hair growth cycle to its optimum level.

To book an appointment, call Belgravia on 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, fill out the online consultation form and submit with a photograph of the affected area and a treatment advisor will contact you.

Traction Alopecia Success Stories:
"What an improvement! ...my confidence has grown so much"
"They taught me how to look after my Afro hair..."

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Because You're Worth It: The True Cost of Hair Extensions
Hair Care for Afro-Caribbean Styles
The Extent of Hair Styling's Effect on Hair Loss