What is Traction or Trauma Alopecia?

Alopecia refers to hair loss, and traction alopecia occurs due to repeated hair pulling, creating a constant tension on the hair root, which causes irreparable damage to the hair follicles. This problem also surfaces if you frequently tie your hair in a tight ponytail, bun, or braids and use harsh chemical products or heat on your hair.

Initially, this tension will lead to breakage of the hair shaft, but it will start affecting the hair roots with time. And once the hair roots start dying, new hairs cannot be produced, causing alopecia or baldness.

In recent times, a considerable number of young women are being treated for hair loss caused by traction or trauma alopecia, because of constant strain on their hair, from tight hairstyles. The hair loss due to traction alopecia typically occurs around the hairline, ears, and neck. However, it can also occur in other areas where weaves, cornrows, or braiding created tension.

The hair loss due to Traction alopecia can be reversed if you stop pulling your hair. But if not eliminated, the hair loss may be permanent. However, there are different alopecia treatments in Concord to reduce the effect.

Symptoms of Traction Alopecia

At an early stage, traction alopecia shows little bumps on the scalp that resembles pimples. However, as the condition progresses, hair loss is noticed. The hairlines are primarily; however; however affected, however, hair loss on other areas of the scalp may occur as well, depending on the hairstyle.

Some other symptoms associated with traction alopecia are:

· redness of the scalp

· bumps

· soreness or stinging of your scalp

· itching

· scaling

· folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles)

· pus-filled blisters on your scalp

At an extreme, the hair follicles can get so damaged that new hair cannot be reproduced, leading to permanent damage.

Causes of Traction Alopecia

The main cause of traction alopecia is pulling of hair tightly. Any kind of stress on the hair follicles due to pulling or tight hair styles leads to hair loss and is termed traction alopecia.

For example, the following results in hair loss:

· Tight ponytail or bun

· Tight braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks

· Over-use of hair extensions or weaves

· Using hair rollers overnight

Sometimes, people with very long hair may also experience traction alopecia due to the weight of the hair exerting pressure on the scalp. Men can also have it in their beards if they twist it too tightly.

Traction alopecia is very common in African-American women. It also occurs very frequently among girls in professions such as ballerinas and gymnasts, where they have to tie their hair tight.

Preventive Measures of Traction Alopecia

Prevention is better than cure; although there are treatments for traction alopecia, if we can prevent the condition from occurring, it can be more beneficial. Therefore, here are some preventive measures for traction alopecia.

· Do not maintain a consistent hairstyle; change it every week, maybe alternating between braids and ponytails.

· Do not use rubber or elastic bands to hold your hair while making high ponytails; instead, go for cloth scrunchies.

· Avoid using harsh chemical products on your hair. The chemicals can damage your hair which is prone to break easily.

· If you use weaves or extensions, wear them for a short period of time and less frequently.

· If you want to make braids, go for loose braids that are thick instead of thin and tight braids.

· Don’t use hair relaxers.

· Avoid heat on the hair as much as possible.

· Don’t sleep with rollers on.

· If you wear a wig, you can opt for wigs, in Concord California, with satin wig skin. It won’t strain your scalp.

Treatment for Traction Alopecia

To treat traction alopecia, you can visit a hair clinic in Concord and get advice from the experts. The doctor will examine your scalp and take a tissue sample from your scalp to look for other possible causes of hair loss.

The main and the most recommended treatment for traction alopecia is changing hairstyle. Avoid making tight hairdos, especially while going off to bed. If it hurts, you will know it’s too tight; remove braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks while going to sleep. Instead of tight ponytails or buns, loosen the style.

If you have too long hair, you can cut it short.

If you visit a doctor, you might get the following medications:

· antibiotics to prevent infection in the open sores.

· Topical steroids to bring down the swellings.

· Antifungal shampoos to avoid dandruff.

· Minoxidil (Rogaine) to initiate hair regrowth.

· Hair supplements to strengthen your hair.

If you’ve lost a lot of hair that has resulted in bald spots, you can try hair replacement services in California.
To get the best non-surgical hair replacements in California, visit Just Hair. They offer the best treatment for hair loss after diagnosing the right cause.