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Each person has his or her own preferred type of hairstyle which ultimately becomes part of their overall identity. To do so, there are certain things that a person must do to maintain that proper hairstyle and normally it would include a visit to the nearest salon or application of certain chemicals to maintain it.

However it is also common belief that constant pulling of the hair does that may eventually lead to traction alopecia or gradual hair loss. Prolonged or repeated tension that goes as deep as the hair roots have identified this practice as one of the most common reasons behind hair loss and researchers have a study now to back it all up.

"Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people, but ironically, some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage," said Crystal Aguh from Johns Hopkins University in the US.

The good news is that traction alopecia is something that can be prevented or reversed though it would be best to start doing it as early as possible. Below are some of the common causes of traction alopecia:

• Ponytails or pigtails
• Braids or cornrows
• Dreadlocks
• Extension (single) braids
• Hair weaves or wigs attached with glue, clips or tape
• Select hair clips, slides or barrettes that hold the hair tightly
• Headbands
• Tight headgear like cycling helmets
• Hair Rollers
• Repeated pulling of the hair, an emotional condition called trichotillomania.

Around one-third of African-American women suffer from traction alopecia, most of which have likely applied a thing or two from the bullets enumerated above. While it is something tied up to fashion and style, handling the impending problem is a must for people to shy away from possible hair loss or even baldness.

 A mix of these practices and the chemicals that people apply to their hair makes the occurrence of with loss unforeseeable and folks will eventually be left to do some changes. Appearance is important but all that may no longer count once their hair starts falling out on them.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. More information on hair loss can be found here.