Traction Alopecia: Causes and Treatment

Introduction to Traction Alopecia

Have you ever wondered if your favourite hairstyle could be causing hair loss?

Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs when constant pulling forces are applied to the hair, often due to tight hairstyles or hair accessories. As aesthetic professionals at Wellaholic, we’ve seen firsthand how this condition can affect our customers. From tight ponytails and braids to heavy extensions and chemical treatments, various factors can contribute to traction alopecia.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of this condition and discuss effective treatment options to help you maintain a healthy scalp and luscious locks.

What is Traction Alopecia?

Have you ever wondered if your favourite hairstyle could be causing hair loss? Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs when constant pulling force is applied to the hair over time. At Wellaholic, we often see customers concerned about thinning hair along their hairline or temples. This condition is typically caused by tight hairstyles that put excessive tension on the hair follicles.

Traction alopecia can affect anyone who frequently wears tight hairstyles, but it’s particularly common among women who regularly use braids, tight ponytails, or hair extensions. We’ve noticed it’s especially prevalent in our customers with African-textured hair, as certain protective styles can inadvertently cause damage if worn too tightly or for extended periods. The good news is that if caught early, traction alopecia is often reversible. However, if the pulling continues for too long, it can lead to permanent hair loss as the follicles become damaged beyond repair.

Traction alopecia can occur at any age, but it is most common in women between the ages of 15 and 35, based on a study compiled by Wellaholic.

What are the causes of Traction Alopecia?

Not every lady can to these beauty salon horror tales certainly, however that doesn’t imply they are risk-free from traction alopecia. This kind of hair loss is frequently self-inflicted as well as may be triggered by:

• Tight braids, weaves, chignons, ponytails, dreadlocks, and other scalp-pulling hairstyles which is common in Asian hairstyles
• The weight of excessively long hair- if hairs are long and tightly tied they too might cause traction alopecia below the chin;
• Hair extensions- especially if they are tightly tied or glued to the base of your hair
• Chemical treatments such as hair relaxers- they may alter the structure and chemical composition of the hair strands and follicles, thus leading to hair loss
• Hair Rollers – especially if the hair is put up in rollers overnight for different types of hair
• Wearing hair accessories, e.g., hair grips or slides the same way every day
• Headwear, e.g., helmets and tight elastic bands

Essentially what these hairstyling procedures do is produce traction. When this occurs repetitively, as well as for a long term duration, inflammation creates around the hair origin, as well as the hair shaft ends up being loosened in its roots. Ultimately, the hair might wind up falling out in clumps, which can lead to adverse effects and psychological effects to your well-being. 

What are the signs that you are suffering from Traction Alopecia?

Hair loss is often slow. We might not see the damage from hair loss right away. But, signs can show traction alopecia. These signs include:

• Short, broken hairs near your hairline or where your hair gets pulled a lot.
• Your hairline going back, especially at the temples or neck.
• Your scalp might be red, sore, itchy, or have little pimples.

At first, traction alopecia doesn’t scar. But, if we keep pulling our hair, scars and red skin can appear. Then, hair gets thin and less dense. These symptoms are different for everyone.

How we treat our hair can cause this problem. It often affects the sides and front of the scalp. This is known as the fringe sign. It’s a clear sign of this hair loss type.

Can Traction Alopecia be reversed?

Traction alopecia is a condition I often see in my practice. It happens when hairstyles pull on your hair too much. This can hurt your hair roots. If you spot it early, you can usually fix it. The first signs are often small pimples and a feeling of discomfort. This is called traction folliculitis. It’s caused by too much tension on the hair.

This leads to swelling in the hair roots. If you don’t treat traction alopecia, it can get worse. The hair roots can get so damaged that they stop growing new hair. This can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss. Taking good care of your hair can stop this from happening.

How can you treat Traction Alopecia?

Traction Alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair follicles. At Wellaholic, we’ve seen many customers struggling with this condition, often due to tight hairstyles or excessive use of hair extensions. The good news is that Traction Alopecia can be treated effectively with the right approach.

We recommend a multi-faceted treatment plan for Traction Alopecia. First and foremost, it’s crucial to stop the hair-pulling practices causing the problem. This means avoiding tight hairstyles and giving your scalp a break from extensions or weaves. Next, we suggest our HairGrow 3X treatment, which combines Scalp RF Microneedling, Minoxidil Scalp Booster, and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). This powerful combination stimulates hair follicles, improves blood circulation to the scalp, and promotes new hair growth. For best results, we typically recommend a 12-week treatment plan, with weekly sessions. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to treating Traction Alopecia and regrowing healthy hair.

You can treat Traction Alopecia with Microneedling for Scalp

At Wellaholic, we’ve found that microneedling can be an effective treatment for traction alopecia. This minimally invasive procedure involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny punctures in the scalp. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing process, which can help revitalize dormant hair follicles and promote new hair growth.

We typically recommend combining microneedling with other hair loss treatments for optimal results. For example, we often pair it with topical minoxidil application, as the micro-channels created by needling can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Our customers at Wellaholic have reported seeing improvements in hair density and thickness after a series of microneedling sessions. However, it’s important to note that results can vary, and consistency is key. We usually suggest a treatment plan of multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments to sustain the benefits.

Customer Success Story 1

Meet our first customer, a gentleman who embarked on his hair regrowth journey with Wellaholic in March. Over the course of eight months, he experienced a transformation that was nothing short of remarkable.

In the before photos taken in March, you can clearly see the areas of thinning and hair loss. However, as the months passed and he continued with his HairGrow 3X treatments, the change became evident. The after photos taken in November show a significant increase in hair density and coverage.

This customer’s journey is a testament to the effectiveness of Wellaholic’s hair regrowth treatments. His commitment to the treatment plan and our expertise combined to create a success story that speaks volumes about the potential of our hair regrowth treatments. To read our customer success stories with before and after photos, click this link.

Customer Testimonial for Benefits of Scalp Microneedling

Vijay Ganesh sought treatment at Wellaholic for hair loss and thinning hair, choosing the Scalp RF Microneedling procedure. He was particularly impressed with his therapist, Khanie, who he described as experienced and hospitable, contributing to a wonderful microneedling session. Vijay was able to see results after several sessions of scalp microneedling treatments over the period of two to three months.

Read Actual Review by Customer

The therapist khanie is an experienced and hospitable person who did a wonderful job during the microneedling session. I recommend her if you are taking the treatment. (Source: Google Review)

Conclusion

Traction alopecia is a preventable form of hair loss caused by repeatedly pulling on the hair through tight hairstyles or accessories. While it can affect anyone, it’s most common among women of African descent who frequently wear tight braids, weaves, or extensions.

We’ve seen that early detection and intervention are crucial for reversing traction alopecia. By recognizing the signs – such as a receding hairline, scalp irritation, or thinning hair along the temples – and promptly changing hair care practices, most people can stop and even reverse the hair loss. However, if left untreated for too long, the damage to hair follicles can become permanent.

The good news is that traction alopecia is entirely preventable. By opting for looser hairstyles, avoiding chemical treatments, and giving your hair and scalp regular breaks from tight styling, you can maintain healthy hair growth. For those already experiencing symptoms, treatments like minoxidil and anti-inflammatory medications may help stimulate regrowth when combined with gentler hair care routines.

At Wellaholic, we’re committed to helping our customers achieve healthy, beautiful hair. If you’re concerned about hair loss or traction alopecia, we invite you to try our HairGrow 3X treatment. This comprehensive approach combines Scalp RF Microneedling, Minoxidil Scalp Booster, and Low Level Laser Therapy to promote hair regrowth and scalp health. Don’t let traction alopecia hold you back – take the first step towards fuller, healthier hair today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Revolutionise Your Hair Regrowth Journey with Scalp RF Microneedling

• ⭐ RF Microneedling and AGA Treatment. RF microneedling + minoxidil can help treat AGA (male pattern baldness).
• ⭐ Efficacy in Pattern Hair Loss. RF microneedling is effective for hair loss in both men and women.
• ⭐ Study Results on Hair Density Increase. A study found that RF microneedling can improve hair density by 25% after one year.
• ⭐ Adjustable Depth of Microneedling. Microneedling depth can be customized from 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.
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• ⭐ Over 2000 Verified Customer Reviews. Wellaholic has over 30 industry awards and over 2000 positive reviews from customers, and >50% are repeat customers.

A study found that Radiofrequency microneedling can improve hair density by 25% after one year, and is ideal for both male and female-pattern baldness.

Traction Alopecia: Unveiling the Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Techniques for this Hair Loss Condition