Do you wear your hair tied up or braided very regularly and are starting to lose it around your forehead or temples? It could be traction alopecia!
It is important to treat it so that it does not become permanent. This article explains the reasons for it and how to get rid of traction alopecia.
Summary
- What is Traction Alopecia?
- How to Avoid Traction Alopecia?
- 3 Tips for Treating Traction Alopecia
- Things to Remember
What is Traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia or bun alopecia is a type of alopecia caused by excessive tension on the hair by people who wear their hair in tight styles. Specifically, it is when the hair falls out because it is pulled too hard and too often by hair styling practices, causing damage to both the hair and scalp.
Too much hair pulling can be caused by several factors:
- Due to the weight of the hairstyle
- Hairstyles that are too tight
Some causes of alopecia can be related to acute chronic forms, such as trichotillomania. This type of hair loss is caused by compulsive pulling of the hair. In this case, it is advisable to consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
If treated early enough, you may be able to learn how to reverse traction alopecia. Otherwise, hair loss can unfortunately be permanent.
Too Much Hair Pulling: Irreversible Consequences
Excessive pulling on the hair fibre damages weakens the keratin of which the hair is composed: the hair may then break at different lengths, which can be one of the traction alopecia symptoms. For example, African American women who regularly wear braids and weaves can gradually weaken their frizzy hair. Traction alopecia celebrities include Naomi Campbell and Christina Aguilera.
But it is under the scalp that we can see the extent of the damage. Under the effect of traction, the hair roots are separated from the hair follicles, responsible for feeding them, and therefore no longer receive sufficient nutrients creating broken hairs.
Effect on the hair growth cycle
This means that they leave the growth phase more quickly and enter the breakdown phase, then rest before falling out. The growth phase that resumes afterwards is therefore also shorter, and so on.
This acceleration of the hair growth cycle eventually leads to permanent baldness. Indeed, each human being has a programmed and limited number of hair cycles. If they are constantly accelerated, this number is depleted more quickly.
The key is simple: act at the first signs of traction alopecia to preserve your hair follicles.
How to Recognize this Form of Hair Loss?
Hair loss is most often localised to the temples and forehead area. However, depending on the type of hairstyle, other areas of the scalp may be affected.
The article in the scientific journal “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology” published in 2017, gives us an exhaustive list of traction alopecia causes:
- Tight ponytails and long braids: temples, top of the ears, frontal line, nape of the neck.
- Long hair twists: tonsure.
- Hair curlers: temples and frontal line.
- Wearing tight scarves: frontal line.
- Tight braids: loss of hair in a V shape on the central parting.
- Weaves: crown hair loss.
- Tight buns: back of the head.
- Glued wig: horseshoe shape, on the top of the head.
3 Tips for Treating Traction Alopecia
1. Say Goodbye to Tight Hairstyles
If your hair has already started to thin, it’s best to give up the styling habits that led to the hair loss… at least until your hair regenerates.
If that’s not possible, try following the guidelines in the previous section.
2. Boost Hair Growth Naturally
Eat a healthy, varied diet to give your hair roots the nutrients they need.
Implement a hair treatment routine using our hairgrowth combo to promote hair growth .
3. Our Hair Growth Combo
Deep Cleanser: Shampoo your hairstyle with our African Black Soap Showergel & Shampoo for a gentle, effective cleanse, nourish and strengthen hair. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it promotes a healthy scalp and leaves your hair feeling soft and revitalized.
Locks in moisture: Our Chebe Shea Butter is a game-changer in hair care. This rich and nourishing formula is designed to promote hair growth, repair damage, and leave your hair soft and silky. It forms a protective barrier on the hair shaft, locking in moisture and preventing dryness.
Moisture Restore: Our Hot Oil Treatment penetrates deep into the hair shaft, providing intense hydration and restoring moisture balance. It helps repair damaged hair, reduces frizz, and promotes healthy hair growth.
Things to Remember
- Traction alopecia is diagnosed more often in women and is common in the African community.
- The hair loss is due to heavy or tight hairstyles worn for a long time.
- To avoid traction alopecia, alternate hairstyles and do not wear them too tightly.
- To stimulate growth, it is recommended to use hair care products and or food supplements for hair.
