Traction Alopecia & Bald Edges

Traction alopecia gets its name from ‘traction’ which is the act of pulling at something.

Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs when the hair follicles are damaged due to repeated pulling / friction.

It usually happens at the frontal part of the scalp, but can also appear in other parts of scalp where tension is applied (middle parting & back of the head).

We unpack the following:-

*Pssst, Are you experiencing balding at the crown of your head. Read up on our flagship article on Hair Loss: Balding at the Center of your Head. 

1. The causes of traction alopecia

This condition is caused by traction hairstyles such as: –

• Tight pony tails;
• Heavy braids & dreadlocks;
• Long thin braids,
• Tight cornrows,
• Hair rollers and clip on accessories;
• Back-to-back styling without giving hair a break;
• Continuous use of wigs that cause friction on one’s edges; and
• Wearing tight caps / head pieces for long periods of time.

It is also important to be aware of the group that is most at risk of traction alopecia. 

2. Who are most at risk for traction alopecia

This condition is common amongst women with afro-textured hair due to their styling choices, but it also affects people from other ethnic groups as well.

Professions who have to wear their hair back or have tension applied to their edges also suffer from traction alopecia and these are: –

• Ballerinas;
• Gymnasts and
• Military personnel.

3. Early signs of traction alopecia

The early sign of traction alopecia is usually small raised ‘pimple’ like bumps around the area where ethe hair follicles have been pulled tight.

Over time, hair loss will happen and this area will either have no hair or short, broken hair.

The most visible marker of traction alopecia is loss of hair around the edges of one’s hair. 

Can Traction Alopecia be cured?

This type of alopecia can be reversed by stopping the styling habits that put tension on your edges and adapting more healthy practices.

However, if no change happens and this tension continues over a long, extended period, then this damage can become permanent.

How to stop Traction Alopecia spreading?

The best way to manage Traction Alopecia is prevention. However, if damaged has already occurred, this can be reversed by following these easy good hair habits: –

🌺 Limit / stop any hairstyles that put tension on your edges such as thin braids, long braids, tights weaves & cornrows, as well as wigs on the affected area;

🌺 Do not apply any relaxers / harsh chemicals on your hair;

🌺 Minimise or stop using heat on your hair, especially the edges, until the condition is reversed;

🌺 Sleep with a satin bonnet / silk pillowcase to reduce friction / tension on your edges as you sleep;

🌺 Avoid any back-to-back protective styling and avoid keeping styles too long as the weight of the hair can put tension on your scalp;

🌺 Get into the habit of wearing loose hair styles and limiting styles where you apply tension to your scalp;

🌺 Baby your scalp with a consistent hair routine and massage it with hair growth stimulating oils.

Catch up on How to Treat Balding & Thinning Edges. 

Traction Alopecia Treatment

If the condition is severe, then the following treatments are available under the guidance of a dermatologist:-

🌺 Oral antibiotics;

🌺 Steroid injections;

🌺 Laser therapy;

🌺 Topical ointments and

🌺 Hair transplantation.

Conclusion

Afro-textured hair is beautiful and versatile when embraced, however trying out other hairstyles should not be at the expense of one’s ‘real’ hair.

The steps to avoid this type of alopecia and easy and healthier for your hair, and is worth it in the long term – rather than looking cute for a minute.

Have you or a loved one struggled with traction alopecia? What did you / they do to address it? Sound off in the comments and share your experience with our community.

And until the next time, beautiful ladies, happy naturaling!