If you’re anything like me and refuse to give up the updo, keep reading for Ballance’s expert tips and recommendations on styling slick backs with minimal damage@kyliejennerCan slicked-back ponytails cause hair loss? Unfortunately, tight updos “Can cause traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by the hair consistently pulled tight from the root over a long time period, weakening the hair follicle and leading to thinning hair, especially around the hairline,” Ballance explains. Putting your hair up when it’s still wetAnother common culprit to hair damage is pulling the hair back tight when it’s not fully dry. “Choose smoothing products that allow the brush to glide through the hair,” Ballance adds. Choose the right hair tie“I’d avoid elastics with metal joins, as they can snag and break the hair,” Ballance says.