No Slickback November is currently trending on TikTok, which means thousands of users are ditching high-tension hairstyles for the month. It’s not that slicked back hair is out of fashion, quite the contrary. Tight buns are so trendy and practical that they have become a must-have between laundry days for many people. But if you straighten regularly, you may also notice signs that your hair needs a break.
Influencer Joy Burnett (@thatgirwiththecurlyhair on TikTok) coined No Slickback in November last year when she cited her frequent high-tension hairstyles as the reason for breakage around her hairline and damage to her curls. Burnett documented a full month without gelled updos and how she styled her hair every day instead. The promise of no slipping led to earlier mornings, more frequent curling routines and less convenience, but people were intrigued by the potential payoff. This year, thousands of users joined Burnett to document their own slip-free Novembers.
There is a lot to gain by participating in this trend. Thinking outside of the box from your usual hairstyles can help you learn new hairstyling skills or embrace your natural texture, and your hair will always thank you for being gentle with it. But how much damage do straightened hairstyles actually cause – and is a month’s break enough to make a real difference in the health of your hair?
Below, we asked experts to explain how much real damage straightened hairstyles can cause over time and how to perform them safely.
What Types of Hair Damage Can Straightened Styles Cause?
While occasional high-tension styling isn’t going to damage your hair, these are the most common complaints from people who regularly straighten their locks.
Slimming
“The biggest problem is hair thinning from too tight pulling, especially around the hairline and baby hairs,” says Julissa Prado, founder and CEO of Rizos Curls. Charm. Aggressive pulling and heavy products on delicate new growth can lead to breakage or shedding, which is especially noticeable around the hairline.
Breakup
While baby hairs are an oft-cited casualty of frequent straightening, overuse of styling can also lead to breakage at the mid-lengths and ends, especially if you brush out tangles and bumps to straighten them without properly detangling them. “I’ve also seen ponytail breakages, where the hair in the area where the ponytail is attached is severely broken,” says SherriAnn Cole, celebrity hairstylist and Göt2b Curled brand ambassador. “Think about hair breakage halfway down the strand and sometimes breakage going all the way down to the root.”
Drought
“Many strong hold gels and sprays contain drying alcohols or ingredients that clog follicles, creating buildup and dehydrating hair,” says Prado, noting that alcohol-rich formulas are particularly harsh on textured hair.
Scalp irritation
“Regular, high tension puts constant stress on the follicles and scalp,” says Cole. In addition to tension causing pain and tension headaches, product buildup and aggressive brushing can lead to itching, flaking, and inflammation, according to Prado.
Loss of definition
“For curly hair, curls that are constantly stretching can weaken their pattern over time,” says Prado.
What hair types are most likely to be damaged by high tension hairstyles?
Slicked back hairstyles are perfect for all hair types: they can make fine, oily hair look sleek and polished on particularly oily days, or serve as an easy morning fix for unruly curls. But when you incorporate weekly styling into your routine, you need to take into account the unique composition of your hair.
