The not-so-cute consequence of your slick-backed bun.

There's something deeply satisfying about a slicked-back bun. It's the ultimate lazy girl solution. Your hair could literally be oily enough to fry an egg, and in a matter of seconds, you can look fresh, clean and magically put together. Personally, I've even slicked my hair back on freshly washed days — not because I had to, but because it's just that uncomplicated. High reward, low effort, right?

But as it turns out, this go-to hairstyle might come with a not-so-cute consequence… hair loss.

Yep. According to countless viral TikToks, the so-called 'clean girl aesthetic' made trendy by celebs like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid might be contributing to thinning hair, especially around the edges — and people are starting to notice.

WATCH: Cassandra Green demonstrates how to tie the perfect ponytail. Post continues below.

"Live footage of me realising how thin my hair is getting from all the slicked backs…," TikToker @lindseyteaches captioned her video. "I need my girls to drop their hair growth routines immediately please and thanks."

@lindseyteaches

I need my girls to drop their hair growth routines immediately please and thanks!

♬ Oh my god what is that - Shoftyz

Another user, @itsaprilsanders, shared a confronting clip showing her hairline. "Oh my gosh, are we seeing my hairline right now? This is my sign to stop doing slicked backs — and this TikTok is going to hold me accountable. I cannot be balding at 22."

@itsaprilsanders

I’m in pain. Catch me using my @Babe Original hair serum everyday from now on 🤡 #balding #hairloss #slickback #hairdamage #slickbackhair

♬ original sound - April Nelson Sanders

Even hairdressers are weighing in. A stylist who goes by @sydshairstudio warned in a now-viral video:

"The hair at the front of your face is actually the most fragile, and when you're constantly pulling it back, it can lead to a receding hairline."

@sydshairstudio

WHY SLICK BACK STYLES ARE TERRIBLE FOR YOUR HAIR 🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️ #slickbackstyles #damagehair #damagingyourhair #hairstyles #haircare #healthyhair #hairstylist #hairtips #whyyourhairisnotgrowing #recedinghairline #hairloss

♬ original sound - SYD | HAIRSTYLIST✨💄

If you're reading this and silently freaking out — same. I've literally put my hair gel and bristle brush into storage so as not to be tempted. And while I've been lucky enough not to notice a change in my own hair density (yet), I'm not about to take any chances.

So, I reached out to highly-respected hairdresser Christian Alexander to get some answers. A multiple award-winning stylist with a client list that includes Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Hawkins, Jessica Mauboy and even the late Amy Winehouse, it's safe to say, he knows what he's talking about.

Can a slicked-back hairstyle (like buns and ponytails) actually cause hair loss or thinning?

It's as simple as a big YES. 

"Especially ones that are really tight can definitely contribute to hair loss or thinning over time," Alexander told Mamamia. 

"The main reason is that constant tension on your hair follicles puts stress on the roots, which can weaken them and even cause them to fall out. If you're always pulling your hair back super tight, you're basically putting your scalp under a lot of pressure, and that can lead to problems down the line."

This constant pulling can lead to something called traction alopecia — a form of hair loss caused by repeated tension on the scalp.

"You might also experience breakage, particularly around the hairline, where strands tend to be finer and more fragile," he said.

Are there certain types of hair or textures that are more prone to damage from these styles? 

"Individuals with fine or fragile hair are generally more susceptible, but anyone who consistently wears tight hairstyles is at risk." In other words, no one is safe.

"Curly and coily hair types can be particularly vulnerable, as they're naturally drier and more prone to breakage," Alexander added.

Conclusion: no one is safe from the repercussions of the slick-back style. 

How can you tell if your slicked-back style is damaging your hair?

Aside from the more obvious signs like hair loss or thinning, Alexander says your scalp will usually give you some early warnings.

"Look out for scalp tenderness or soreness, small bumps along the hairline and broken hairs or flyaways — especially around the temples or nape."

Is the damage from slicked-back styles reversible? 

Before you start completely freaking out, the good news is that it is reversible — you'll just have to slightly distance your relationship with slicked-backs. 

"If you're wearing your hair tightly slicked back every single day, that's probably too much," Alexander said. "You need to be giving your scalp and hair a break, so I would always recommend alternating with looser styles or wearing your hair down a few times a week. If you start to notice soreness, bumps or thinning, that's a sign to ease up."

How to slick back your hair without wrecking your hairline.

It seems almost impossible to imagine a life without a slicked-back hairdo. What will you do on all those dirty hair days? How will you instantly look put together? Argh, the stress! 

The good news? You can still do slicked-back styles. However, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind. 

"Don't pull your hair back too tightly — aim for secure but comfortable," said Alexander.

He also recommends swapping out your hair ties for ones that are less prone to snagging: "Use soft hair ties, like scrunchies or spiral bands, instead of thin elastics that can snag and break your hair."

Switching up your part and ponytail placement also helps avoid constant stress on the same spot.

Also, "Try using a lightweight styling cream or gel instead of something super sticky or drying," he added. "And finally, give your hair regular breaks — let it down or wear it loose whenever you can."

Because, as it turns out, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing — even a slick bun.

Has your slickback hairstyle caused hair loss or damage? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Feature image: TikTok/@lindseyteaches.