Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Vibrant and full hair requires a solid foundation. A nourished and healthy scalp is key to having a head of healthy, growing, and resilient hair. Just as your skin requires nourishment, protection, and special attention, so does your scalp. Your scalp is skin too, and it must be protected and nurtured in order for your hair to be its best. The scalp is a delicate ecosystem, and it depends on balance.
Your scalp can be injured by chemicals, sun exposure, toxins, stress, and even the way that you style your hair. Wearing hairstyles that stress or strain the hair follicles and upset the delicate balance of the scalp can lead to traction alopecia, which is hair loss that occurs from mechanical stress and tension on the hair. Traction alopecia can lead to thinning of the hair edges and the loss of hair thickness. Luckily, traction alopecia can be treated if caught early, and there are several steps you can take to prevent it.
What is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia is hair loss that is caused by chronic mechanical tension or stress on the hair follicles. Chronic and excessive pulling and stress on the hair cause scalp inflammation, hair loss and even permanent scarring on the scalp.
Causes of Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is typically caused by hairstyles that are tight and cause too much pulling or tension on the hair. Ballerina buns, braids, hair weaving, tight ponytails, and even wig combs can cause the type of tension and pulling that lead to traction alopecia. Black women are commonly affected by traction alopecia because of certain culturally common hair styling methods, but people of all ethnicities can be affected by traction alopecia. Sometimes traction alopecia even starts in childhood, and can start with tight cornrows or braids.
Symptoms of Traction Alopecia
Because traction alopecia typically develops gradually, there may be no symptoms at all. Developing hair loss or a bald spot may be the first sign of traction alopecia. Traction alopecia most commonly causes hair loss on the hair edges, especially around the temples and front hairline. Sometimes, there can be symptoms of scalp inflammation like itching, tenderness, redness or small bumps or tiny pus bumps on the scalp.
How to Prevent Traction Alopecia
To prevent traction alopecia, it’s important to avoid any hairstyles that cause soreness, tension or tight pulling on the hair. If a ponytail, braids, weave, or other hairstyle causes tenderness or scalp discomfort, the hair should be loosened. Discomfort and soreness are indications of inflammation in the scalp that can damage hair follicles and lead to traction alopecia.
Using chemical relaxers and dyes at the same time can also weaken the hair and make hair loss more likely. Try to avoid getting these hair services together. Focusing on scalp care can also help strengthen the scalp and hair. Antioxidants help protect the scalp and hair from damaging free radicals that can weaken the hair and lead to inflammation and hair loss.
Using scalp-care products with adaptogens can also promote a healthier and more resilient scalp. Adaptogens are natural botanical ingredients that stimulate the stress protection response of the body, keeping it in balance and reducing harmful inflammation. Adaptogens can be used on the scalp to help combat damage from styling, chemicals, and even sun exposure, and to help promote healthy hair growth.
Staying adequately hydrated and eating a healthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, fish and other whole sources of protein is important for providing the scalp with a healthy foundation upon which to grow hair and repair any damage that might occur.
Treatment of Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is preventable, so it’s important to try not to develop it in the first place. If you do get traction alopecia, fear not. Early traction alopecia can be treated. Treatments are typically done by a dermatologist, and can include topical steroids, injections to reduce inflammation, and even oral medications that can reduce the inflammation that leads to hair loss. Sometimes minoxidil is also recommended by dermatologists to help with traction alopecia.
Conclusion
Traction alopecia develops from hairstyles that cause mechanical trauma, tension and pulling on the hair. It can be permanent if it is not caught and treated early. Changing the way you style your hair and focusing on good scalp care practices can help you prevent developing traction alopecia.
