Traction Alopecia: Is Your Weave Worth It?

When it comes to hair loss, the first culprit that often springs to mind is an autoimmune disorder, specifically alopecia aerate. This unfortunate condition sees the body turn on itself, obliterating its hair. However, hair loss isn’t always so inwardly focused; it can also emanate from a string of external influences, with one of the prime offenders being consistent and sustained traction, or pulling, on the hair follicle, spawning a condition known as traction alopecia.

Contrary to some assumptions, the roots of hair health extend far beyond the scalp, often entangled in the cultural fabric of society. Traction alopecia, for instance, finds its primary victims among Black women and men. It is an unintended consequence of traditional hairstyles such as braiding, weaves, and cornrows. Each style involves significant hair pulling, creating undue strain on the hair and hair follicles.

The excessive use of heated hair rollers or iron combs, commonly employed hairstyling aids, are additional factors nudging the progression of hair loss. The story of traction alopecia is typically written on the scalp as distinct patches in areas where the hair and follicles have endured relentless tension.

The severity of hair loss varies significantly from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the manifestation of traction alopecia. The location of hair loss on the scalp is inherently tied to the nature of the hairstyle or process at fault. It’s a progressive tale of tug-of-war, where prolonged episodes of traction alopecia can incite scarification or cicatrisation of the new hair follicle, potentially cementing the path to permanent hair loss.

However, the news could be more dire. In its early stages, traction alopecia is reversible. The key lies in timely diagnosis, ideally when the stressed hair follicles have been coerced into the resting state, known scientifically as ‘telogen’, and there are visible signs of localised trauma. However, the stealthy pace of permanent hair loss can make immediate detection a challenge.

Hair loss primarily stages its grand unveiling at the front and along the hairline, the surrounding area being hotspots where the hair is most strained and damaged. The relationship between hairstyles and hair health can seem paradoxical, but recognising the potential dangers of certain hairstyles is a significant stride towards healthier hair and scalp.

Best Defence

So, what’s the best line of defence against traction alopecia? The answer is deceptively simple: steer clear of hairstyles that put your hair under strain. When confronted with traction alopecia, it’s time to treat your hair with a gentler touch. Be delicate when combing and brushing to prevent exacerbating the damage.

The washing routine also deserves a careful approach. The scalp softens during a wash, making it easier for hair to be pulled out. It’s crucial, therefore, to wash with care and always remember the superhero of hair products: a detangling conditioner. These subtle shifts in your hair care routine can make a difference in mitigating further hair loss and promoting hair health.

Expecting overnight success in battling traction alopecia would be a misstep. The journey towards hair recovery is slow, with a timeline extending up to three months before visible signs of recovery can be noted. However, it’s important to remember that areas of the scalp that have weathered the storm of chronic traction alopecia may never fully regain their original state.

Traction alopecia generally doesn’t leave behind visible scarring or inflammation. However, beneath the surface, years of persistent strain silently weave a story of permanent damage and fibrosis around the hair follicles.

The repercussions can be severe and irreversible for those who’ve spent years grappling with this condition. Despite the plethora of medical treatments available for various forms of alopecia, chronic traction alopecia stands out as particularly stubborn. Traditional treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride are ineffective due to the non-genetic nature of hair loss.

For individuals facing the unwelcome reality of permanent traction alopecia, the remaining recourse lies in hair transplants. Among the available methods, follicular unit hair grafting has been singled out as a practical solution. This procedure involves transplanting individual hair follicles from one part of the body to the affected areas on the scalp, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak scenario.

However, prevention is always the best cure, and in the case of traction alopecia, this holds especially true. Therefore, educating ourselves about the potential risks certain hairstyles and practices can pose to our hair health is crucial. More often than not, this knowledge can help us make more informed, hair-friendly choices and prevent the onset of traction alopecia in the first place.

Our relationship with our hair is delicate, woven from strands of culture, identity, and self-expression. Like any worthwhile relationship, it calls for a balance – in this case, between aesthetic allure and underlying health. Traction alopecia is a stark reminder that beauty routines can sometimes come at a cost. But with awareness and a thoughtful approach to hair care, we can cultivate practices that enhance our appearance and foster long-term health, allowing us to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Main image: Imaxtree