What is Traction Alopecia? New Report by Folicure Hair Dallas Fort Worth Hair Replacement Services
In this article, Folicure hair replacement experts discuss a lesser-known form of hair loss: traction alopecia.
As hair replacement and restoration experts, our DFW based team sees a wide variety of different hair loss patterns, with our consumers experiencing balding, receding hairlines, and other forms of hair loss for different reasons.
In this article, Folicure hair replacement experts discuss a lesser-known form of hair loss: traction alopecia.
What is Traction Alopecia?
While it is generally assumed that hair loss is purely down to genetic luck, there are some lifestyle factors that can lead to hair loss. Stress, poor nutrition, and certain health conditions are among these factors, but a less commonly discussed cause of hair loss named traction alopecia is the result of anything that puts pressure on or pulls your hair, such as overly tight ponytails or wearing tight hats too frequently.
What Are the Symptoms of Traction Alopecia?
Unlike regular age-related hair loss, traction alopecia has symptoms in addition to hair loss, including:
redness of the scalp
bumps
soreness or stinging of the scalp
itching
scaling
inflammation of the hair follicles, known as folliculitis
pus-filled blisters on the scalp
With no intervention, affected hair follicles eventually become so damaged and scarred that they can no longer produce new strands of hair, leading to bald patches in those areas.
Furthermore, the pattern of traction alopecia usually differs from that of other forms of hair loss. While other forms of alopecia usually occur all over the scalp, beginning at the hairline or the crown of the head, traction alopecia usually only affects the hairs that are being pulled. This can result in uneven balding patterns, usually most concentrated along the front and sides of your scalp.
What Causes Traction Alopecia? Prevention and Treatment
Fortunately, traction alopecia is a preventable condition. The causes of traction alopecia are activities that involve pulling the hair too tight on a frequent basis. This includes:
wearing overly tight ponytails or buns
wearing overly tight cornrows, box braids, locs, or other protective hairstyles for textured hair
using hair extensions or weaves
tightly wrapping hair in rollers overnight
wearing tight hats, such as beanies, all day long
If you notice early symptoms of traction alopecia, such as itching, bumps, redness, or soreness of the scalp, it is best to stop any of the habits that may be pulling on your hair follicles. Blisters, sores, and bumps will likely require antibiotic cream to prevent infection or topical steroids to reduce inflammation.
Is Traction Alopecia Reversible?
According to Healthline, “Traction alopecia is reversible, but you need to treat it quickly. If you stop wearing your hair in the tight hairstyle that caused it, your hair will grow back normally. But if you continue styling your hair the same way, the hair loss can be permanent.”
In other words, a quick intervention when early symptoms present themselves can reverse the damage done by traction alopecia and allow the affected hair to regrow. However, traction alopecia can cause permanent hair loss.
In this case, hairline restoration is still possible with a painless, non-surgical hair replacement system customized for your unique hair type, texture, and style.
About Folicure Hair DFW Hair Replacement Services
At Folicure, we understand that baldness is more than just skin deep. Whether as a result of a health condition such as thyroid dysfunction or a hormonal abnormality, a side effect of medical treatment such as chemotherapy, or simply a result of aging, hair loss can be anywhere from frustrating to devastating. Folicure Hair is the answer to preserving the hair you still have, stopping hair loss in its early stages, or recovering a full head of hair. We deliver results that cannot be achieved with invasive hair transplant surgeries or dangerous chemicals with documented adverse effects. Instead, Folicure will craft a comfortable, undetectable hair replacement system that’s right for you. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/does-wearing-a-hat-cause-baldness
https://www.healthline.com/health/traction-alopecia
Folicure Hair Replacement Dallas - (214) 691-5700