Can Man Buns Cause Hair Loss?'

Name: Tom

Question: I found a video on the internet that says wearing my hair in a bun won't cause hair loss but since I grew my hair and started wearing it this way I have noticed that my hair is definitely starting to thin. Do you agree that men wearing their hair in buns, or top knots won't cause hair loss? Can you recommend any way that I could strengthen my hair, please?


Answer: Hi Tom. When it comes to styling damage and hair loss, one reason this can occur is if a hair style that causes excessive tension is worn repeatedly, as it can put the hair shafts under too much stress. This includes overly tight buns or top knots.

At best this can lead to hair breakage which can be dealt with by varying your hairstyle so that the tension isn't always focused on the same area of your head, and by ensuring it is tied more loosely, using a soft, snag-free elastic which is kinder to your hair (scrunchies are actually the best option here but we're not sure how many men are comfortable wearing them!). You can also strengthen your hair through your diet and taking nutritional supplements, such as Belgravia's targeted Hair Vitalics, which contain a key blend of important vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanical extracts, including selenium, zinc and biotin for the maintenance of normal healthy hair, may also help though is not a substitute for a balanced diet.

Worst case, this can lead to Traction Alopecia, a hair loss condition which is common in both men and women who consistently wear their hair in tight braids, cornrows, or who have hair extensions. This condition is also known as 'Ballerina Baldness' due to the dancers' penchant for wearing their hair in tight buns which can cause hair loss if the tension caused by the hairstyle stretches the hair follicles out of shape.

Traction Alopecia is generally more prominent around the hairline and at the temples as these are the areas that bear the brunt of the tension. Despite only being proven as a treatment for male and female pattern hair loss, topical applications of minoxidil have been shown to produce promising results in treating Traction Alopecia, however, you mention your hair is starting to thin so it is unlikely that this is the cause of your hair loss.

If you are experiencing thinning hair, it is most likely down to a genetic hair loss condition. One of the tell-tale signs of Male Pattern Baldness is finding your hair thinning around the crown area, or noticing general thinning across the top of the head, often with a drop in the overall volume of the hair.

Whilst including hair-friendly vitamins and minerals in your diet, as mentioned above, can improve the condition of your hair, hereditary hair loss cannot be treated through your diet. It would also be wise to change up your hairstyle and ensure it is not worn too tight, in case that is contributing to hair breakage which may make your hair appear thinner.

Male hair loss treatment courses can include one or both of the only two medically-proven topical or oral hair loss products shown to treat Male Pattern Baldness. These treatments can help to prevent and reverse the signs of male hair loss, including thinning hair, and are best used as part of a comprehensive programme designed for your particular stage of shedding.

There are other hair loss conditions that can cause thinning hair too, including Telogen Effluvium, so we recommend you visit a hair loss specialist who can properly assess you and take you through the most effective treatment options and provide hair loss advice on how best to regrow your hair.