Information Regarding Traction Alopecia
According to the experts, traction alopecia is related to hair styles that cause tension on hair follicles. It occurs mostly in individuals wearing hair styles like tight ponytails, plaits, buns, improper fitted hair extensions and braids.Pulling force applied upon hair or tension may even cause gradual hair loss, thus resulting in traction alopecia. It is also known as hairline recession because of continuous chronic hair pulling. African American women commonly face this issue as they tie hair in tight corn rows.
There is much more to traction alopecia than imagined. Symptoms have been experienced throughout the lifetime by many without even their realizing it. Did untying your hair after a long hard day’s work offer you with relief? With hair secured in uncomfortable position, did you find relief? Was there a need to take painkillers, just because of the hair being tied extremely tight? If all the above comes with a ‘yes’, then traction alopecia has taken place at some point of time, whether you use hair extension or not!
Traction Alopecia: Some common causes, however, not limited to;
▪ Tight Braids
▪ Tight Ponytails
▪ Trichotillomania
▪ Cornrows
▪ Hair Clips
▪ Hair Pieces
▪ Headgear (like cycling helmets)
▪ Hair Extensions (such as pre-bonded glue-in)
What Is Caused To Hair By Traction Alopecia?
In case, the hair is placed under tremendous, prolonged pressure, specially behind the ears or temple region, where there is present weak hair, then in very less time, there is sure to be experienced thinning of hair. If this issue is ignored, then with time and constant tension, the hair is likely to be pulled out from the root completely. This will only inflame follicles, causing damage to it, thus making it inefficient in future production.
Hair Extensions: It is a wrong belief that traction alopecia risk will be faced by every person wearing hair extensions. This is because, traction alopecia can be noticed only in those wearing improper fitting hair extensions. It is only a professional technician who can offer correct fitting and ensure that the risk of contracting traction alopecia is eliminated. As extensions which are applied to close to the scalp or applying too much pressure to the follicles can cause problems known as ‘traction alopecia’
Some Good News: Even though the term ‘traction alopecia’ may seem to be a scary word, since it is often associated with ‘alopecia and uncontrollable hair losses this problem is very well within your control. It is very much possible to stop it although effected and also prevent its recurrence.
How To Reverse Traction Alopecia? In case, you find yourself at risk to contract this symptom, then the perfect solution to reverse and stop will be to remove pressure upon the hair follicles. In case, you have been tying your hair daily in tight ponytail, then loosening it can help release your scalp as well as prevent all potential damages that may otherwise take a toll of your hair follicles. Also if your hair extensions are applied too tightly, then visit a reputed hair extension technician and get it loosened slightly or removed. This will ensure providing relief from pressure on the scalp.
In short, traction alopecia can be stated to be a condition which occurs when chronic and prolonged pressure gets applied to hair follicles. Realizing the tension and pressure upon the scalp, have the hair extensions adjusted accordingly. This will help prevent traction alopecia for good.
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