5 Ways You Didn't Realize Your Hair Ties Are Ruining Your Hair

Hair ties, if we're being honest, are both the best and worst things to happen to humankind. On one hand, they're our saving grace, rescuing us from *many* a bad hair day. On the other hand, they're a catalyst for bad hair days, because they're all too easy to lean on and...well...none of us are using them right.

Here's what you need to know about your hair-tie habit. 

We love us a chic high pony, but whether it's a matter of practicality or you're trying to give yourself a full-on Croydon facelift, it puts an extreme amount of pressure on the hairline, which is, by nature, very sensitive. In fact, if you wear your hair super-tight and pulled back day-to-day, it can damage hair follicles to the point that they fall out, leading to a permanent receding hairline. Not to mention, these ultra-high styles can also cause headaches AKA hair-aches.

Tying your hair back with an elastic band is actually most harmful when you're sleeping. Because you're tossing and turning through the night, you're adding even more pressure the roots and hair shafts. Your best bet is to keep your hair down, and to sleep on a silk pillowcase like Slip's Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase ($79.95) (opens in new tab).

If ever there was an incentive to change up your hairstyle on the regular, it's the fact that tying your hair with an elastic in the same place over and over again damages that patch of hair follicles—just like repeatedly using a hot tool will. If you're going to tie your hair back, use a snag-free elastic for a softer style, like a low ponytail, or twist your back and secure with U-pins.

In order to keep frizz at bay, you might be in the habit of pulling your hair back after a show. However, because your strands are dense with water, it's putting even more pressure on your hairline then a dry-hair style. If you're adamant about keeping your hair out of your face while it dries, try a silk headwrap. Like a silk pillow case, it's not abrasive to the hair and will keep it neat and sleek.

If you've noticed an uptick in "snag-free" hair elastics on the market, that's because it's essentially common knowledge that ties with metal end on them are notorious for causing breakage. The tinny fasteners catch on strands causing deads ends or even pulling out strands all together.

1. Walmart Black Hair Pins 20 Pack, $5.07; walmart.com (opens in new tab).

2. Lindsay Brook Silk Hair Scarf, $9.50; etsy.com (opens in new tab).

3. Emi-Jay Toasty Mitten Hair Ties, $5; nordstrom.com (opens in new tab).