Traction alopecia  

 

What is traction alopecia?  

 

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated excessive tension on the hair. It is often caused by too tight or too heavy hairstyles that pull on the scalp and eventually detach the hair shaft from its cavity. In most cases, it is a reversible alopecia, but in the long term it can develop into permanent alopecia.  

What causes traction alopecia?  

There are several causes of traction alopecia, which generally affects girls and women at any age. Some hairstyles are more conducive to this type of alopecia than others. One of these causes is the fact:  

    • use hair extensions. 
    • pulling hair back in a ponytail or bun.
    • waving your hair in braids.  
    • having hair that is too long, the weight of which can also pull the hair back 
    • using curls, especially at night 
    • using heating tools (straightening or curling irons) that are not properly adjusted 
    • certain skin diseases that can weaken the scalp 
    • iron deficiency 
    • poor dietary habits 
    • the side effects of certain medications that weaken the scalp 

If you are attracted to tight hairstyles, hair braids, curls, hats and the use of a straightening or curling iron, you may want to consider consulting a dermatologist as a precaution.  

 

What are the symptoms of traction alopecia ?  

Traction alopecia involves only the affected strained hair while the rest of the scalp remains healthy.  

Initially, this type of alopecia manifests itself as small bumps on the scalp that look like pimples. Then, over time, the hair begins to thin out in the tense areas due to the weakening of the hair root. The areas most frequently affected are the front and side of the scalp as tension is often placed on this part of the scalp (e.g. the ponytail hairstyle which pulls the hair back).   

Other symptoms are added to this hair loss:  

  • Hair loss when styling 
  • Increased hollowing of the temples and forehead 
  • Redness of the scalp 
  • Weakening of hair density at the temples 
  • Itching, tingling and pain in the scalp 
  • Discomfort and inflammation of the follicles after wearing a hat or cap for a long time 
  • Pimples on the scalp 
  • Relief after untying an elastic band 
  • Sensation of hair pain 

Finally, hair follicles can be damaged so that they are no longer able to produce new hair.  

 

How treat the traction alopecia?

Traction alopecia is not a disease. It is reversible if the patient is treated in time by a good dermatologist, who, following an examination of the scalp, will recommend the appropriate treatment for the patient.  

One of the treatments for this type of alopecia is a change of hairstyle and the use of the above-mentioned recommendations. Prevention helps to reverse the process of hair loss. In addition, natural products should be used to help the hair follicles regenerate. You have an important role to play in your own healing. Traction alopecia should never be underestimated: without prevention and medical care, permanent hair loss is certain. 

 Here are also other treatments:  

  • Minoxidil at 2 or 5%, in the form of a lotion or foam to be applied to bald areas. It helps the hair to grow back.  
  • Certain vegetable and essential oils such as olive oil, cocoa oil, castor oil and jojoba oil. The oil should be applied with the fingers to the affected areas. Then the area should be gently massaged for 3-5 minutes. This treatment is especially suitable for weak hair loss. 
  • Anti-hair loss lotions and shampoos (Purad’or, Regenepure).  
  • Hair massages 
  • Hair transplants when other treatments fail or if traction alopecia is at an advanced stage 

 

Don’t wait for traction alopecia to gain ground and make your life difficult. We can help you see things more clearly. Contact us right away to make an appointment at 514 400 3291. You can trust us to get you the help you need.