An urgent “hairline SOS” warning has been issued by an Australian hair colourist, Marlie, who is advising women to avoid the increasingly popular slick back hairstyle due to its damaging effects. Marlie, based in Tahmoor, has observed a significant rise in cases of bald spots and tension alopecia, conditions directly linked to regularly pulling hair back tightly.

The slick back look, whether a bun or ponytail, has become a viral trend, embraced by numerous celebrities including Hailey Bieber, Maya Jama, and Molly-Mae Hague. These sleek styles are often secured with generous amounts of hairspray, gel, or mousse, which further exacerbates the tension on the hair follicles.

Marlie’s warning emphasizes that consistently tying hair up in such a tight manner can lead to hair being pulled out from around the hairline, causing damage to both the hair and scalp health. She stated, “Stop with the slick backs – I am seeing more tension alopecia now than I ever have in my entire career.”

As an alternative, Marlie suggests using scrunchies or claw clips, which provide significantly less tension and are much healthier for the hair and scalp. She sternly advised, “Give it up,” when referring to the damaging slick back style.

Her TikTok video, posted under the username @hairbymarlieau, has gained considerable attention, accumulating over 164,400 views, 1,861 likes, and numerous comments and shares. Many viewers resonated with her concerns, confessing to experiencing similar issues like thinning patches and baldness from years of tight hairstyles. One person remarked, “I feel attacked, but agree,” while another shared their success in using loose scrunchies after developing a bald patch.

Users expressed gratitude for Marlie’s practical advice, particularly appreciating that she not only highlighted the problem but also offered viable alternatives. Even for those working in professions requiring hair to be tied back, Marlie clarified that it is still possible to do so without creating excessive tension.