Glossary
Tension
Definition
Tension is the pulling force a wrap or tie puts on the hair and scalp. Low tension is more comfortable and gentler: a wrap should be secure but not tight, and should not pull hair from the scalp. The American Academy of Dermatology says that if a hairstyle feels painful, the style is too tight, and that very tight styles can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Loosen anything that stings, and vary where clips and ties sit. See also: Takedown, Pin curl, Scrunchie, Friction.