Traction Alopecia
What is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that’s caused by repeated pulling or putting tension on hair, such as wearing tight ponytails, buns, braids, etc. Chemical or heat use on hair can also contribute. This issue can be prevented by not putting tension on your hair. But if continued tension persists, hair loss may be permanent.
Signs and Symptoms of Traction Alopecia
Signs of traction alopecia include redness, itchiness, scaling, short broken hairs, thinning hair and hair loss. Typically, this is noticeable in the front or sides of the scalp, but this often depends on an individual’s hair care practices. Initially, traction alopecia is non-scarring, but excessive, ongoing tension on the hair leads to hair follicle destruction and permanent alopecia.
Traction alopecia can affect all ethnicities and ages. You are more likely to develop this issue as you get older, likely due to prolonged hair practices that increase your risk.
Causes of Traction Alopecia
- Frequently wearing certain hairstyles like tight ponytails, cornrows, dreadlocks, weaves and braids.
- Using hair extensions, chemical relaxers and rollers.
- Having excessively long hair.
