Traction Alopecia

Are you suffering from traction alopecia? It is a hair loss condition caused by constant tension on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles. No genetic or immune factors cause this alopecia.

Moreover, people who regularly wear restrictive hairstyles (braids, cornrows or a tight ponytail) or excessively use helmets or hats are at risk of traction alopecia.

Let’s explore the signs of traction alopecia and the possible treatments for its early, advanced, and permanent stages.

There is no hard and fast rule when it is too late to correct traction alopecia. However, the universally acknowledged fact is that the earlier the diagnosis of traction alopecia, the better the chances of damage reversal.

One should consult a hair specialist to evaluate the disease condition accurately and get the most appropriate treatment plan. A successful hair restoration depends on the extent of damage to hair follicles and the complexity of disease.

Signs Of Traction Alopecia

Typically, you can fix traction alopecia if you catch it early. So, it is important to spot the initial signs of hair loss due to this condition to take remedial action and avoid permanent hair loss.

Early Stage Signs

The first signs of traction alopecia may include:

• • • Redness or soreness around the hairline or scalp
    • An itching sensation
    • Pimples, small bumps or ulcers on the scalp or around the hairline
    • Areas of thin or broken hair, especially where the hair has been under particular strain

Advanced Stage Signs

Signs of advanced traction alopecia are as follows:

• • • Extensive hair loss and bald patches (visible areas of complete hair loss)
    • Irreversible scalp scarring with smooth areas indicating permanent follicle damage
    • A tender and inflamed scalp
    • Frequent headaches

Permanent Stage Signs

Permanent traction alopecia is the stage when hair follicles are irreparably damaged. The signs include:

• • • Lack of hair regrowth despite months of medical treatment and reduced hair tension.
    • The presence of scarred scalp tissues where destroyed follicles exist.
    • Persistent thinning or balding pattern with uniform hair loss, not responding to traditional hair care remedies.

How To Treat Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia treatment first begins with an effort to avoid the progression of this disease by wearing the right hairstyle.

Change Your Hairstyle

Avoid regularly wearing hairstyles that pressure the hair follicles, such as braids, buns, cornrows and tight ponytails. You can also:

• • • Lose your hair frequently.
    • Use heated styling tools and chemical dyes to a minimum to avoid the beginning of traction alopecia.
    • Gently style your hair, avoiding pulling it too tightly or brushing too vigorously.

See Also: Wash & Wear Hair Style for Over 60

Use Medication

Doctors sometimes suggest medication to treat early-stage traction alopecia. An example is topical or oral Minoxidil. Antibiotics and corticosteroids can also help combat inflammation or infection.

A case study of early traction alopecia in a woman saw decent hair regrowth after using a fixed amount combination of oral and topical Minoxidil.

Surgical Treatment

At later stages of traction alopecia, surgical procedures are the best option. A hair transplant is a lasting solution for patients suffering from traction alopecia. Techniques like micro-grafting, mini-grafting, and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are mostly effective.