Sleek, professional, youthful – all reasons you might gravitate towards wearing your hair in a ponytail every now and then.
But, did you know that ponytails if worn too tight could be a true trigger to some of your worst migraines?
Migraines aren’t as uncommon as you might think. According to Migraine.com, “more than 37 million people suffer from migraines in the U.S., and almost 18% of women experience migraines routinely.”
So what exactly is a migraine and how does it differ from just a simple headache?
The biggest difference is the many other symptoms that tend to cause suffering along with the aching of your head. A migraine will often cause nausea/vomiting, pain in the temples, sensitivity to light and/or sound, seeing spots/flashing lights, and possibly even loss of vision.
According to a National Institute of Health study, 50 of 93 females have experienced what they deem a “ponytail headache.”
In the most sophisticated way of describing it the headache is caused by, “pericranial muscle fascia and tendon traction.”
Basically, your hair tie is too tight and your hair is slicked back a bit too much!
Here are some solutions because not only is taking the beauty is pain statement too far NOT OKAY, but if you’re tying your hair that tight chances are you are damaging it.
There are plenty of options to achieve the look you are going for while forgoing the ponytail headache!
Why not try a lower ponytail somewhere near the nape of your neck? Half up and down can also be helpful, as you don’t have as much hair to slick back and smooth down.
I personally enjoy a low bun/ponytail. It gives me a different look and allows me to highlight my facial features.
As a rule of thumb, if the ponytail holder is made with rubber (even if it’s covered by material) it’s likely able to pull your hair too taut.
Stick to elastics that are softer and less destructive such as Jlika Hair Ties. If you must use an elastic band try not to wrap it around your hair more than twice.
Another option is to opt for a long or extra wide barrette/clip that is strong enough to hold the base of the pony in place without pain, pulling or tugging.
If you feel your ponytail is starting to become painful there really isn’t much to it: either loosen it up or simply take it out.
Have you ever heard of pain that came with no purpose?
Your brain is aching for a reason, and it is telling you something is wrong. Hair pulled that tight can cause permanent hair loss if not careful.
And whatever you do, don’t sleep in these ponytails. That can cause all types of problems like breakage, tangled/matted hair, and of course, your continued ponytail headache.
Try finding the right mousse and serums to help manipulate your hair to give it the sleek and smooth look you are seeking without the extra hard brushing and tugging to get it to hold tight.
A lot of times in the summer I like to wash my hair and then slick it back in a low ponytail.
I find the mixture of moisture with my slick down products like Eco Styler Gel and Lotta Body Curl & Style Milk work very well to give me that polished look.
If I do my routine at night and lay it down with a scarf I usually get the best results!
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