Traction Alopecia (Hairstyles Causing Hair Loss)
What is Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia is the thinning and loss of hair caused by the excessive pulling by various types of hairstyles worn. Examples include ponytails, buns, braiding and cornrows and hair extensions. These often result in a continuous pulling on the hair.
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If this type of traction and thinning hair continues for a long period of time then the thinning hair may become permanent. However, in most cases, a change in hairstyle that reduces the traction on the hair and hair follicles is all that is required in the treatment of Traction Alopecia. Traction Alopecia is more common amongst African-American women, or among women who tend to braid their hair tightly, or have dreadlocks. It occurs more commonly in teenagers and young adults compared to older people. |
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What causes Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia is generally caused by continuous and excessive pulling on the hair due to various types of hairstyles worn by the person. Ponytails, buns, braiding and cornrows and hair extensions all cause stress on the hair follicle, causing hair to be shed. This type of hair loss has been on the rise as people use hairstyles that damage their hair. It is common amongst people who wear tight braids, especially dreadlocks that lead to pulling and breaking of the hair.
What does Traction Alopecia look like
Treatment for Traction Alopecia
The early detection of Traction Alopecia might be corrected with both a change in hair style and the use of medication, however prolonged abuse to hair can be irreversible. If the damage to the hair is prolonged and irreversible, and after repeated attempts with medication hair is not regrown, then the damage to hair follicles may be permanent. Many products may claim that conditioning the hair follicles and cleansing the scalp will regenerate damaged hair. This may not always be the case; hair loss caused by constant abuse is damaged for life.
| The best treatment by far is Minoxidil . Minoxidil, which sells under the trade names of Rogaine, Regaine, Vanarex, Avacor, Lonitel, and Mintop among others, has been shown to slow or stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth. It is available over the counter, so a prescription is not required. However, any hair growth will tend to revert back within several months after the discontinuation of treatment. It is thus important to continue treatment, if improvements are observed after 2 to 3 months. |
Treatments usually include a 5% concentration solution that is designed for men, whereas the 2% concentration solutions are designed for women. Packages may be purchased in 3 month supply , 6 month supply and a 12 months supply. A 15% Minoxidil and Azelaic Acid 5% DHT Inhibitor is also available for men, to be applied at night time. A women’s solution of 3% Minoxidil and Azelaic Acid 1.5% DHT Inhibitor is also available. Minoxodil is less effective when there is a very large area of hair loss – it is thus effective for traction alopecia as this generally involves smaller areas of hair loss at specific points due to hairstyle options worn by the person.
Minoxidil has been noted to have several side effects. These include burning or irritation of the eye, itching, redness or irritation at the treated area, as well as unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body . Users should stop treatment immediately and seek medical attention any severe side effects are experienced: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dizziness; fainting; fast heart-beat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swollen hands or feet. Alcohol present in topical preparations may dry the scalp, resulting in dandruff. However, this can be treated with dandruff shampoos available on the market.