Traction alopecia

Straight hairstyles can lead to Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a form of alopecia or gradual hair loss caused mainly by prolonged traction of the hair on the scalp. This can lead to scarring and even permanent hair loss. It is a process that usually takes several years.

In some cultures, hair is tied up in a tight knot and if you have long hair, this can put extra strain on the hair roots due to the weight of the hair at the back. This type of hair loss has a mechanical rather than an androgenic cause and often occurs in the thinning of hair at the temples and centre of the head.

Traction Alopecia is one of the most common causes of hair loss in women with afro hair. Sikh men are also susceptible to Traction Alopecia if the hair under the turban is tied too tightly for many years. Men and women who have suffered from Traction alopecia have experienced hair loss mostly at the hairline and on the sides of the head. Another contributing factor may be tight-fitting headgear, such as the use of safety helmets. Regularly wearing tight tassels can cause hair to fall out and cause the scalp to become cold or the follicles to become inflamed.

Traction Alopecia and hair extensions

The weaving method of hair extension, which involves braiding the hair with rows of strands like a curtain around the scalp, increases the risk of infection. This method helps create pressure on the scalp from the weight of the hair. Such a hair extension method needs to be continually redone as the hair grows out in the braid. This means that your own hair has to be re-braided. The tight braiding can cause tension in the hair roots, which contributes to the risk of the hair falling out.

If the follicles have been traumatised over a long period of time, this can lead to scarring and the hair will not grow back on its own. Affected areas of the scalp tend to look more shiny, the hair may need to be restored using surgical restoration with a specialised surgeon. hair transplant. But to determine whether your Traction alopecia has caused permanent scarring, you should speak to a hair expert to find out what treatment options are available to you.

Common causes of Traction alopecia

• Very tight hairstyles
• Tight braids or cornrow
• Dreadlocks
• Hair extensions using the weaving method or wigs attached with glue, adhesive or tape
• Some hair clips
• Tight-fitting headgear
• Careless use of hair tongs

Symptom

If you notice that you get similar small blisters filled with liquid or as small pimples on the scalp, it is a clear indicator that the follicles do not cope with the ongoing pulling of the hair. Then you should review your choice of hairstyle.

Remedies

The only way to break the pattern is to try to vary hairstyles and wear your hair down as often as possible to rest the roots. This gives the hair a chance to recover from the chronic pulling. In more severe cases, it may need to be repaired using a hair transplant to fill in the areas where hair has stopped growing.

It can be difficult to decide to take a break from what has been stressing your hair for a long period of time. The most important thing to remember is that it took some time for the follicles to deteriorate and it will take time to rebuild it again. It can take anywhere from three to nine months to see any progress. But with the help of PRP treatments can in many cases accelerate the recovery of hair follicles. It is important to avoid the quickest solution and instead think long-term with your hair.

If you don't stop the cause of the problem, it will eventually reach the point where the follicles no longer produce hair.