No Slickback November currently trending on TikTokwhich means thousands of users are giving up complicated hairstyles this month. This is not it slicked back hair has gone out of fashion – in fact, it's quite the opposite. Skinny hairstyles are so fashionable and comfortable that they have become popular between washing days for many people. But if you start brushing your hair regularly again, you may also notice signs that your hair needs a break.
Influencer Joy Burnett@thatgirwiththecurlyhair on TikTok) came up with No slicking, November last year when she cited her frequent high-tension hairstyles as the cause of hair breakage around her hairline and damaged curls. Burnett documented an entire month without tight gelled hair and how she styled her hair every day instead. The unpleasant promise led to earlier and more frequent mornings. twisting proceduresand less convenience, but people were intrigued by the potential payout. This year, thousands of users have joined Burnett and documented their November without any problems.
Participating in this trend will bring many benefits. Thinking outside the box about your usual hairstyles can help you learn new styling skills or master yours. natural textureand your hair will always be grateful to you for your careful handling of it. But how much damage do slicked-back hairstyles actually cause—and is a month's break enough to make a real difference to your hair's health?
Below, we asked experts to explain the real harm slicked-back hairstyles can cause over time and how to do them safely.
How much damage can a slicked back hairstyle cause to your hair?
While occasional high-tension styling won't ruin your hair, these are the most common complaints from people who regularly comb their locks back.
Thinning
“The biggest problem is hair thinning Don’t pull the hair too tight, especially around the hairline and baby hairs.” Julissa Pradosays the founder and CEO of Rizos Curls Glamor. Aggressive tugging and using heavy products on delicate growths can lead to breakage or hair loss, which is especially noticeable around the hairline.
Breaking
While children's hair is often cited as a victim of frequent backcombing, overuse of this style can lead to breakage at mid-lengths and ends, especially if you're combing through knots and bumps to smooth them out without properly detangling them. “I’ve also seen ponytail breakage, where the hair where the ponytail is attached gets severely broken off,” says SherryAnn Colecelebrity hairdresser and brand ambassador for Göt2b Curled. “Imagine the hair being half broken, and sometimes breaking all the way to the root.”
Dryness
“Many strong hold gels and sprays contain drying alcohols or ingredients that clog follicles, create build-up, and dehydrate hair,” says Prado, noting that high-alcohol formulas are especially harsh on textured hair.
Scalp irritation
“Regular high voltage puts constant stress on the follicles and scalp,” says Cole. In addition to strain causing pain and tension headaches, product buildup and aggressive brushing can lead to itching, flaking and inflammation, Prado says.
Loss of clarity
“For curly hairConstantly stretching your curls can weaken the curl pattern over time,” says Prado.
Which hair types are most susceptible to damage from high tension styling?
Slicked back hairstyles are great for any hair type: they can make thin, oily hair look smooth and polished on particularly oily days or serve as an easy morning solution to unruly curls. But when you incorporate weekly styling into your routine, you need to consider your unique hair composition.
