Hair ties around the wrist became a popular trend among teenagers including children. Such ponytails instantly became an accessory for many girls and as well as boys as it is they normally see nowadays in social media, particularly in TikTok where girlfriends would give their hair ties to their boyfriend which teenagers easily picked up, She Knows reported.
Many teenagers decorate their wrists with hair ties as it allows them to pull back their hair in a flash. Most don't even give a second thought about wearing such bands to bed, school, or even on normal days; However, Audree Kopp, a Louisville, Kentucky, resident says wearing a ponytail on a wrist frequently may not be as safe as one would think.
Kopp admitted to the outlet that she didn't think twice about a hair tie on her wrist until she recently noticed a large and painful bump developing on her wrist. Unfortunately, the rough edges of the hair tie had rubbed against her skin which causes abrasion and allowed the body's natural skin bacteria into her body.
Increases the risk for a skin bacterial infection
Tween girls nowadays offer their scrunchies as giving scrunchie to the boy was also popular in the 1980s as this means that when a boy accepted the scrunchie given to them, this means a "crush back" for them. This stage will continue until he finds a new scrunchie or crush. Thus, if the boy likes the girl, he can offer his jacket or hoodie in return.
Hair ties can actually harbor bacteria particularly when wet with water, skin moisture, or even sweat. And when the hair tie was tightly bound to the skin, it may eventually increase the risk of a skin bacterial infection.
Many prefer having their hair tie have a tight fit although it feels very tight. However, it can apply pressure to the nerves surrounding the wrist. This usually causes wrist pain over a long period of time. Also, it can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or a condition that causes numbness or tingling sensation in the hands. Moreover, it can also trigger eczema and allergic reaction specifically in people with sensitive skin as such ties often contain nickel or metal combinations that are common allergens.
Thus, Allure suggests reconsidering not wearing a hair tie on the wrist, especially for those who have a tight fit.
Wearing a tight hair tie restricts blood flow
Dr. William Seitz, executive director of the Cleveland Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital at Lutheran Hospital, director of Hand and Upper Extremity, and immediate past president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand says the infection one can get from a tight wrap is not something new. Noting that infection from hair ties is common, especially in girls including teenagers.
Dr. Linley McAnalley, says that if ties are worn too tight for too long, it can gradually establish a tourniquet-type effect and can meddle with the blood flow into and out of the hand. Basically, blood clots can form.
Dr. Lauren Ploch, a member of the American Academy of Dermatology practicing in Augusta, Georgia told Today that infections are not only limited to hair ties but as well as wristwatches and other accessories that can restrict one's blood flow.