We've all worn a hair tie around our wrists at one time or another, but did you know that doing so could result in several serious health issues? Continue reading to find out why you should never wrap a hair tie around your wrist.
Why Are Hair Ties Worn on Wrists?
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Hair ties might be the most practical hair accessory ever invented. In addition to keeping your hair out of your face, they are also used to style your hair in several ways. By securing your hair tie to your wrist, you can always find it without searching through your bag or asking a friend to lend you one. Many women also wear their hair ties around their wrists to create a statement and enhance their look. This is especially true in the case of scrunchies.
Reasons Why You Should Avoid Wearing Hair Ties Around Your Wrists
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Here are 3 reasons why you should never wear hair ties around your wrists:
1) It Might Result in Circulation Issues
When you wrap your wrist with a rubber band or hair tie, the blood vessels are constricted. The body's normal blood flow is hindered as a result. This can consequently lead to carpal tunnel syndrome which can cause you to experience constant pain and numbness in your fingertips.
2) It Can Cause a Life-Threatening Infection
Hair ties can serve as a vessel for bacteria and germs. When you leave a hair tie on your wrist for too long, it can cause tiny scratches on your skin from chafing. Bacteria and germs can then enter through the deeper layers of your skin through these minor cuts and hair follicles/pores which can result in life-threatening infections.
People with eczema and other hypersensitive conditions run a higher risk. Their skin's natural barrier against microbes is more easily breached. Redness, swelling, warmth, flaky rash, pus, and discomfort are all warning symptoms of a skin infection. As the condition worsens, these symptoms tend to spread.
3) It Could Cause Indentations and Irritations
When you wear an elastic hair tie for an extended period, your wrists typically tend to develop a red indent. Even though it gets better after a few hours, doing this frequently can irritate the skin and can cause allergic reactions. Those with delicate skin and young girls in particular experience this.
Factors To Consider When Wearing a Hair Tie Around Your Wrist
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While avoiding wearing hair bands on your wrists is generally advised, it occasionally becomes unavoidable. Here are some factors to keep in mind when wearing a hair tie around your wrist:
1) Avoid Tight Hair Ties
Anything that compresses the skin reduces blood supply to the hands and fingers, which may result in circulatory issues. If you do decide to wear a hair tie on your wrist, make sure it is loose enough to prevent indentation and infections and has no metal fasteners like the Burlybands hair ties. In addition to being gentle to your hair, these hair ties are also gentle to your skin.
2) Clean Your Hair Ties
It's crucial to wash your wrists under the hairband when washing your hands. By doing this, the germs can't grow and the skin is shielded from damage that may infect it. Make sure that you also remove the hair tie when performing tasks such as changing a diaper or doing the dishes, to reduce the risk of infection. If you think an old hair tie might be contaminated, throw it away or wash it.
3) Avoid Using Glitter Hair Ties
While glitter makes your ponytail sparkle, it can also cause minor cuts when it rubs against the skin. These cuts facilitate the entry of germs into the body, which may cause infection. To prevent this from happening make sure to avoid using glitter hair ties.
Practical Ways to Store Hair Ties
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Since wearing a hair tie around your wrist can cause a slew of problems, here are several alternative methods to store your hair ties so that you do not lose them:
1) Use a Carabiner
To keep all of your hair ties together, simply link them into a carabiner. Furthermore, since they are all connected, you can easily hang the carabiner from a hook in your home to prevent losing it or carry it in your handbag when you are out.
2) Use a Necklace
If you have a necklace chain or even just a necklace you don't use very often, hang all of your hair ties on it and store it among your other necklaces so that you always know where your accessories are.
3) On a Shower Curtain Hook
Shower curtain hooks work well as elastic band holders since they are similar to carabiners. With these, you might even have some fun and match the color of the hair ties to the hooks they hang on.
Summary
Hair ties should be kept clean and worn loosely around the wrist. Anything too tight can prevent blood from reaching your hands and fingers, which could lead to vascular issues. So that you don't harbor bacteria on your skin, always wash your hands and the skin underneath the hair band. Additionally, try to limit your use of glittery elastic bands and consider your options before securing a hair tie around your wrist.