A lot of people like to wear their hair in ponytails, buns, braids, cornrows and extensions because they’re easy to do and look great. However if you wear these hairstyles tightly or too often it can hurt your hair. This is because your hair follicles get stressed out when your hair is pulled hard.
Over time this stress can cause a kind of hair loss called traction alopecia. You might not even notice that your hair is getting damaged until it has already started to fall out. So it is an idea to learn about what causes traction alopecia what the symptoms are and how to prevent it. This way you can protect your hair and scalp from getting hurt.
What Is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss that happens when your hair is pulled in the direction over and over again. It is different from hair loss that is caused by genetics or hormones. Traction alopecia is caused by the stress that is put on your hair follicles when your hair is pulled hard.
If you catch traction alopecia early it is often possible to fix it. However if you wait long the damage to your hair follicles can be permanent. This means that your hair might not grow back.
How Tight Hairstyles Cause Hair Loss
Your hair follicles are designed to hold your hair in place. When your hair is pulled too tightly your follicles get stressed out.
This can cause a lot of problems including:
• Weakening the roots of your hair
• Causing inflammation around your follicles
• Making your hair break easily
• Causing your hair to thin out
• Damaging your follicles badly that they cannot grow hair anymore
The longer you wear tight hairstyles the more likely you are to lose your hair for good.
Hairstyles Commonly Linked to Traction Alopecia
Some hairstyles are more likely to cause traction alopecia than others.
These include:
• Tight ponytails
• Tight buns
• Braids
• Cornrows
• Dreadlocks
• Hair extensions
• Weaves
• Tight pigtails
If you wear these hairstyles all the time you are more likely to get traction alopecia.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can get traction alopecia if they wear their hair in a way that pulls too hard on their scalp.
You are more likely to get traction alopecia if you:
• Wear tight hairstyles all the time
• Use heavy hair extensions
• Wear wigs or weaves a lot
• Have hair that is already fragile or damaged
Traction alopecia can affect anyone no matter how old they are.
Early Signs of Traction Alopecia
If you notice any of these symptoms you might have traction alopecia:
• Your hair is thinning out around your hairline
• You have broken hairs near your forehead
• Your scalp is sore
• Your scalp is red or inflamed around your hair follicles
• You are losing more hair than usual especially in areas where your hair is pulled tightly
If you catch these symptoms early you might be able to prevent permanent damage to your hair.
What Does Traction Alopecia Look Like?
Traction alopecia usually starts in areas where your hair is pulled the hardest.
Common places where traction alopecia occurs include:
• Your hairline
• The sides of your head near your temples
• The back of your head behind your ears
• The top of your head near your crown
Is Traction Alopecia Permanent?
It depends on how early you catch it.
If you catch traction alopecia early your hair might grow back on its own. However if you wait too long the damage to your hair follicles can be permanent.
How to Prevent Traction Alopecia
One of the best ways to prevent traction alopecia is to avoid wearing hairstyles that pull too hard on your scalp.
You can also try:
• Changing your hairstyle often so you are not always pulling on the same areas of your scalp
• Wearing your hair in a looser style so it does not pull as hard on your scalp
• Taking breaks from hair extensions and weaves so your hair can rest
• Not sleeping with your hair in a tight style so you are not pulling on your scalp all night
• Being gentle when you are styling your hair so you do not cause breakage or damage
Can Hair Grow Back After Traction Alopecia?
Yes it can.
If you catch traction alopecia early and stop pulling your hair tightly your hair follicles might be able to recover. It might take a few months for your hair to grow back but it is possible.
You might notice that your hair is growing back when:
• You are not losing as much hair as you used to
• You see new baby hairs growing along your hairline
• Your hair is getting thicker and healthier over time
Supporting Healthy Hair Growth
To help your hair grow back you should eat a balanced diet that includes:
• Protein
• Iron
• Zinc
• Healthy fats
• Fruits and vegetables
You should also try to minimize:
• Using heat on your hair
• Getting chemical treatments
• Handling your hair roughly
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
You should see a dermatologist if:
• You are still losing hair even after you have changed your hairstyle
• You have bald patches on your scalp
• Your hair is thinning out more and more
• Your scalp is painful or inflamed
A dermatologist can help you figure out what is causing your hair loss and recommend treatment.
Treatment Options
The treatment for traction alopecia depends on how severe it is.
Common treatments include:
• Stopping the hairstyles that are causing the problem
• Taking gentle care of your hair
• Treating any inflammation on your scalp
• Getting medical treatment if you need it
The sooner you start treatment the better your chances are of growing your hair back.
Final Thoughts
Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss that is caused by wearing hairstyles that pull hard on your scalp.
The good news is that it is often preventable. If you are gentle with your hair and avoid overly tight hairstyles you can help prevent traction alopecia. If you do get it you might be able to grow your hair back if you catch it early and take good care of your hair.
Disclaimer
This article is for information and should not be taken as medical advice. If you are losing your hair you should talk to a doctor or dermatologist to figure out what is causing it and how to treat it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia is hair loss that is caused by wearing hairstyles that pull hard on your scalp.
2. Can tight ponytails cause hair loss?
Yes they can. If you wear your hair in a tight ponytail all the time it can damage your hair follicles and cause permanent hair loss.
3. Will hair grow back after traction alopecia?
Yes it can. If you catch traction alopecia early and stop pulling your hair tightly your hair might grow back on its own.
4. Which hairstyles are most likely to cause traction alopecia?
Hairstyles that pull hard on your scalp, such as ponytails, buns, braids and cornrows are more likely to cause traction alopecia.
5. How can I prevent traction alopecia?
You can prevent traction alopecia by being gentle with your hair, avoiding tight hairstyles and taking good care of your hair.
