Exclusive | This popular, polished hairstyle is making Gen Z go bald, experts warn

Gen Z trendsetters might want to slow down on the slick-back styles — lest they have no more hair left to slick back at all.“Slick-back” buns and ponytails have been a staple of “it girls” like Bella Hadid since the early 2020s.To get the look, strands are pulled back as tightly as humanly possible, then smoothed with product for a polished, face-sculpting coif that’s camera ready.Only one problem — these can prompt the unintended consequence of a thinned-out hairline, according to hair loss experts.Tina Mui, a master hairstylist, certified trichologist and haircare brand owner, told The Post that while she understands the appeal of the “clean girl aesthetic” popularized style, which can “double as a quick facelift,” it can create tension where hair is usually more fragile.“The risk with a tight slick-back is traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by repeatedly pulling the follicle, usually around the hairline and temples,” Mui explained.“This type of hair loss isn’t instant; it’s generally caused by extended periods of consistent, tight styling,” she continued.Mui added that while too many long-worn slick-backs can contribute to balding, they’re not typically the main culprit — and that in the last few years, she’s seen an uptick in female hair loss for women of all ages for a variety of reasons.“More commonly, I see thinning caused by hormonal and nutritional imbalances,” said Mui.

“Our lifestyles are becoming increasingly hectic, and factors like significant stress, illness, weight loss from GLP-1s, changes in medication, or even chronic lack of sleep can all disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause symptoms like shedding.”Shaina Rainford, a board-certified nurse practitioner and haircare brand owner, told The Post that often, women don’t even realize their hair is thinning until the problem becomes significantly noticeable — which can pose a psychological shock in the mirror.“It may feel sudden to them...