Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD What is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia occurs because of excessive pulling and tension on the hair and scalp. It is a very common cause of thinning around the edges of the hair, especially at the temples and near the front hairline. In some cases, traction alopecia can also cause hair loss at the top of the head or near the back of the neck.
Causes of Traction Alopecia
Tight braids, or braids that put too much tension on the hair roots, can lead to traction alopecia. But this is not the only way to traction alopecia. Traction alopecia can also develop from wearing your ponytail tied too tightly or bun too tightly, or even by always wearing your ponytail or braids in the same direction.
- Tight braids or locs
- Tight sew-ins
- Wig/Lace wig glue
- Tight wigs or wigs that rub and move around on your hairline
- Aggressive brushing/combing
- Pulling relaxer through your edges too aggressively (like with fine toothed comb)
If you’re concerned that you may have traction alopecia, it’s important to visit a dermatologist. While you may have traction alopecia, there are also several other reasons for the hair loss and thinning on the edges of the hair. Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata can sometimes cause hair loss at the hairline; so can some types of vitamin deficiencies or hormonal problems. A doctor needs to see you to make sure of your diagnosis.
Treatments
If your hair loss is from traction alopecia, there is a chance that your hair can regrow, especially if the hair loss hasn’t been going on for too long.
1. Steroid Shots
Injections of corticosteroid (steroid) into the scalp can often help with hair regrowth. Typically, dermatologists will use these injections monthly to try to stimulate the hair to regrow. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith has talked publicly about her experience with steroid shots.
2. Steroid Topicals
Topical steroids, which may come in several forms, including liquid, foam, ointment and cream, are often used once to twice daily to fight inflammation and help with hair regrowth. You can read more about steroid cream for inflammation here.
3. Minoxidil
This is an over the counter product that can help regrow some types of hair loss. Minoxidil is used by many physicians to treat several types of hair loss. You can read more about it here.
4. PRP Injections
These injections may be tried if more traditional treatments like steroid shots and ointments don’t work for you. They are typically not covered by health insurance. Read more about them here.
5. Supplements
Many women take vitamins and supplements. Biotin may help with hair growth when there is a biotin deficiency. Tea, including green tea, and hair tea rinses, can help to reduce inflammation and may also help with hair regrowth. Supplements like Nutrafol may also help with improving hair growth.
6. Microneedling
Microneedling uses small tiny needles which are rolled across the scalp in specific patterns. They cause microscopic injuries to the scalp that can promote tissue growth and repair and may regrow some types of hair loss. It is sometimes used in combination with PRP or other scalp treatments.
7. Change Your Hairstyle
Avoid tight braids, weaving or any type of repetitive or pulling hairstyle until your hair is back on track.
8. Massage Your Scalp
A nightly scalp massage for 5-10 minutes with your favorite oil will increase circulation and nourish your follicles. Baobab oil and amla oil are good for the scalp and hair, and amla oil may help with hair growth.
