Traction Alopecia 

“Alopecia” refers to “hair loss,” and traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by excess and repeated pulling on one's hair. This is seen in women who often wear their hair in tight ponytails, buns, or braids. Traction alopecia can be successfully reversed if one stops putting pressure on hair. However, if one does not intervene soon, irreversible damage to the hair follicles results in permanent hair loss. 

This informative blog provides vital information about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of traction alopecia. 

Understanding Traction Alopecia

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you are likely to lose 50 to 100 hair strands every day, which is considered normal. These hairs are usually replaced by new hair growth. But when there is a disturbance in this cycle or pattern, you tend to lose more hair, resulting in patchy areas of baldness.  

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by hair being pulled in the same manner for a long time. Repeated strain on hair follicles can damage them, causing redness, itching, and even pus-discharging ulcers in the scalp. 

Different Stages of Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia usually occurs in different stages. The earlier you recognize the symptoms, the more likely it is to prevent long-term consequences. The stages include:

Early Stage

• This presents thinning your hair with scattered patches of non-scarring hair loss.
• You may notice pustules in the areas where your scalp is experiencing tension.
• Your scalp may be sore and tender. 

Late Stage 

• This is a severe stage where you may experience irreversible scarring around the areas of strain or hair loss
• You may experience redness, itching, tenderness, and tension headaches

Unmasking The Causes of Traction Alopecia 

Traction alopecia is often seen among African women with permed hair. Some of the common causes of traction alopecia include:

Certain Hairstyles

• Tight ponytails, braids, cornrows, and dreadlocks may strain your hair follicles.

Prolonged Use of Hair Extensions

• Hair extensions are often glued or tightly tied to the base of natural hair, which can cause strain or tension at the roots.

Headwear

• Repeated use of headwear like helmets or tight elastic headbands can thin out your hair that comes in contact with the headwear.

Hair Accessories

• Clips or hair grips worn on the hair in the same way every day can strain your hair.

Chemical Hair Treatments

• Hair relaxers and chemical treatments like hair straightening can damage hair follicles due to harmful chemicals and heat.
• The structure of your hair shaft may change, making you more prone to hair loss.

Exploring The Signs of Traction Alopecia 

Traction alopecia can present with the following signs typical of this type of hair loss. 

• A receding hairline, especially near the forehead, temples, or nape
• Tiny bumps or pimples appear on the scalp
• Scalp redness, dryness, and itching
• Folliculitis (inflammation of the follicles with pustules)
• Your hair partition may widen
• Areas or patches with thin or broken hair in places that have been under pressure
• Patches of shiny, scarred skin on the scalp are seen in advanced cases 

Different Diagnostic Aids for Traction Alopecia

If you have been losing hair for a while, consult a dermatologist. They are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails. 

Your dermatologist can diagnose traction alopecia through:

• Evaluating your symptoms
• Recording and assessing your medical and personal history to determine your hair hygiene and styling habits
• Conducting a physical exam to evaluate your hair and scalp
• Using a dermatoscope, a hand-held magnifying device to view the affected area
• Recommending skin biopsy in rare cases to rule out other forms of traction alopecia

Effective Treatment Modalities for Traction Alopecia

Treatment for traction alopecia is usually simple and requires the following steps:

Avoid Tight Hairstyles 

• Tight ponytails, braids, and buns can harm your hair follicles and damage them. Thus, avoid such hairstyles.

Limit Chemicals, Including Relaxers 

• Avoid or limit relaxers and harmful chemicals that can alter the structure of your hair strands.

Try Hair Growth Products

• Use FDA-approved drugs like Rogaine or Minoxidil that help to regrow your hair.

Medications

• Topical steroid creams can help reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by traction alopecia.
• Antibiotics can help treat infection of your scalp.
• Biotin supplements aid in strengthening your hair strands.
• Antifungal shampoos can treat fungal infections and manage pustules. 

Preventing Traction Alopecia

Prevention is better than cure! As the saying goes, you can take some precautionary steps to prevent traction alopecia or to minimize hair loss.

• Change your hairstyle every week.
• Ensure you wear your hair down as much as possible.
• Avoid using elastic rubber bands to pull your hair into a ponytail.
• Avoid chemically processing your hair to prevent damage to the hair follicles.
• If you use hair extensions, wear them only for a short period.
• If you braid your hair, do so in thick braids.
• Do not use relaxers. 
• While using a hair dryer or flat iron, keep the heat setting low.
• Do not sleep with your hair rollers on.
• If you wear a wig, choose one with a satin wig cap.
• Use a satin pillowcase at bedtime. 
• Maintain good hair hygiene by oiling and washing it regularly. However, do not overwash them since you may lose your natural scalp oil, leading to dryness.
• Check the composition of your shampoo and avoid harmful chemicals. 

Bottom Line 

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by increased tension on hair strands and follicles. However, this is completely reversible, provided you detect the signs early and get prompt and quick treatment. Taking precautionary measures can go a long way to help manage hair loss or prevent it completely. Avoiding the right hairstyles and harmful hair treatments and accessories will result in a full restoration of the hair.

If these preventive tips do not help and your hair does not regrow, seek medical help from a dermatologist. They may suggest advanced treatments like hair transplants.