An Australian hair colourist has issued an urgent “hairline SOS” warning, imploring women to avoid the increasingly popular slick back hairstyle, whether as a bun or a ponytail. The hairdresser, Marlie, has observed a significant rise in cases of tension alopecia, a condition where constant pulling on the hair leads to bald spots and hair loss, particularly around the hairline.

This damaging trend has gained widespread popularity, gracing red carpets and the fashion world, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Maya Jama, and Molly-Mae Hague frequently sporting the sleek look, often secured with excessive hairspray, gel, or mousse. Despite its trendy appeal, Marlie sternly advises against it, stating, “Stop with the slick backs – I am seeing more tension alopecia now than I ever have in my entire career.” She emphasizes that daily use of this style will inevitably pull hair from the hairline, severely compromising hair and scalp health.

Photo Credit: Stylecraze

As an alternative, Marlie suggests using scrunchies or claw clips, which exert significantly less tension on the hair and scalp, promoting healthier hair practices. Her TikTok warning quickly went viral, accumulating over 164,000 views and a multitude of comments. Many viewers expressed feeling “attacked” yet grateful for the candid advice, with some sharing personal experiences of developing thinning patches or bald spots from years of tight hairstyles.

One commenter, for instance, recounted developing a thinning patch from daily high ponytails and has since switched to loose scrunchies or low ponytails, also allowing her hair to be down to give it a break. Others appreciated Marlie’s comprehensive advice, which included not only the problem but also practical solutions. Addressing concerns from those in professions requiring tied-back hair, Marlie clarified that it is still possible to tie hair up without applying excessive tension, reinforcing the core message of reducing strain on the hairline.