What is traction Alopecia?
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs as a result of continuous pulling or tension on the hair follicles. It's most commonly seen in people who frequently wear tight hairstyles like braids, cornrows, weaves, or ponytails. Traction alopecia is most common among Black Women, but it can affect anyone who wears tight hairstyles regularly. We're exploring what causes traction alopecia and how best to avoid it.
Common Causes of Traction Alopecia:
Traction alopecia is caused by the continuous pulling or tension on the hair follicles. This tension can damage the hair follicles, sometimes resulting in permanent hair loss. There are several factors that commonly contribute to traction alopecia:
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Tight Hairstyles: Wearing tight hairstyles like braids, cornrows, weaves, or ponytails can cause traction alopecia. These hairstyles can put strain on the hair follicles, causing them to become damaged.
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Chemical Treatments: Frequent chemical treatments like relaxers and perms can weaken the hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and hair loss, through styling.
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Hair Extensions: Hair extensions can also cause traction alopecia. The weight of the extensions can pull on the hair follicles, causing them to become damaged over time.
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Neglectful Hair Care: Poor hair care practices like not moisturising the hair, excessive use of heat styling tools frequently, and not protecting the hair from the sun can all contribute to traction alopecia.
How to Avoid Traction Alopecia:
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Avoid Tight Hairstyles: If you're noticing hair loss around your temples, avoid wearing tight hairstyles too often like braids, cornrows, weaves, or ponytails. Instead, opt for looser styles that don't pull and cause strain on the hair follicles.
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Take Breaks: Give your hair regular breaks from tight hairstyles. If you wear tight hairstyles frequently, take a break for a few weeks or months to give your hair a chance to recover.
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Use Gentle Hair Care Products: Use gentle natural hair care products that won't damage the hair. Look for products that contain good quality ingredients, and are free of harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. This will improve the health and strength of your hair in general, making it less susceptible to damage.
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Moisturise Your Hair: Moisturise your hair regularly to keep it healthy and strong. Use a moisturising conditioner or leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
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Protect Your Hair from the Sun: Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or scarf. The sun can damage your hair and making it brittle and more susceptible to breakage and hair loss.
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Seek Professional Help: If you find that you are experiencing hair loss, book an appointment with a dermatologist or a trichologist. They can diagnose the cause of your hair loss and recommend treatments to help you regrow your hair.