9 Signs of Permanent Traction Alopecia

Most people are familiar with temporary forms of hair loss, such as telegenic effluvium, but few know about the permanent form: traction alopecia.

This type of hair loss is caused by prolonged or repeated tension on the scalp, often due to hairstyles that put stress on hair follicles. If left untreated, it can lead to balding patches and even total baldness.

If you’re concerned about your hairline or are experiencing any of the signs of permanent traction alopecia, it’s important to see a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment. Early recognition and intervention can help prevent further damage and restore your hairline.

In this article, we will discuss what are the causes of permanent traction alopecia, different signs of permanent traction alopecia, advanced and recent treatment options, and how to prevent this condition.

In 2022, it is estimated that 6.8 million women in the United States will be affected by permanent traction alopecia. This condition, which is caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles, can lead to baldness and intense scalp pain. While anyone can develop traction alopecia, it is most common among African American women who wear their hair in tight braids or hair extensions.

In fact, a recent study found that nearly half of all African American women aged 18-49 have experienced some degree of hair loss due to traction alopecia. If left untreated, this condition can be permanent, making it essential for women to be aware of the risks involved with certain hairstyles.

9 Signs of traction alopecia

The signs of permanent traction alopecia typically vary from person to person. The hair may also become brittle and break easily. In severe cases, the entire scalp may be affected. Here are the most observed signs of traction alopecia:

Patches of hair loss
Hair thinning
Receding hairline
Bald spots
Excess shedding
Brittle, dry or broken hairs
Slow regrowth
Inflammation or itchiness around the hair follicles
Changes in the texture of the hair.

How to treat traction alopecia

Treatment options for permanent traction alopecia vary from natural measures to medicinal options and surgical options.

Natural Options for permanent traction alopecia

If you are looking for a permanent solution to your traction alopecia, there are a few natural treatment options that you can try.

One option is to use essential oils. Rosemary oil, lavender oil, and cedar wood oil have all been shown to be effective in treating various forms of hair loss, including traction alopecia. Simply add a few drops of each oil to a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) and massage into the scalp daily.
Another option is to take supplements that promote hair growth. Biotin and fish oil are two good options that are known to improve hair health and promote new hair growth. You can also try taking saw palmetto, which is an herb that has been shown to block the production of DHT (the hormone that is responsible for causing hair loss).
Finally, make sure you are gentle with your hair and avoid any tight hairstyles that could contribute to further hair loss. If you give your scalp and hair the proper care, you should start to see new growth within a few months.

Medicinal Options for permanent traction alopecia

There are a few medicinal treatment options available for permanent traction alopecia. However, these options are generally not covered by insurance and can be quite expensive.

The most common option is minoxidil, which is available in both topical and oral forms. Minoxidil has been shown to be effective in some cases, but it is not a cure-all. In addition, it can take several months to see results and may cause scalp irritation.
Other options include finasteride, dutasteride, and various hair transplant procedures. These procedures are typically very costly and require multiple sessions.

As with any medical treatment, it is important to speak with a qualified physician before beginning any course of treatment.

Surgical Options for permanent traction alopecia

Surgical treatment options for permanent traction alopecia include:

Scalp reduction surgery: This involves removing the balding area of skin from the scalp. It can be done alone or in combination with hair transplant surgery.
Hair transplant surgery: This involves taking hair from an area that is not affected by baldness and transplanting it to the balding area.
Scalp expansion surgery: This involves stretching the skin on the scalp so that it can accommodate more follicles. It is often done in combination with hair transplant surgery.

Surgical treatments for temporary traction alopecia include:

Corticosteroid injections: These are injected into the balding areas of the scalp and can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair growth.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves taking a sample of your blood and separating the platelets from the other cells. The platelets are then injected into the balding areas, where they can help to stimulate hair growth.
Laser therapy: This involves using a low-level laser to stimulate the growth. It is most effective when used in combination with other treatments, such as minoxidil.
Surgery: This is an option for people with severe traction alopecia who do not respond to other treatments. Surgical options include scalp reduction surgery, hair transplant surgery, and scalp expansion surgery.

If you are considering surgical treatment for traction alopecia, it is important to consult with a hair loss specialist to discuss your options and find a treatment plan that is right for you.

How to prevent traction alopecia

If you are experiencing hair loss due to permanent traction alopecia, there are a few things that you can do to prevent the condition from worsening.

Avoid any hairstyles that pull on the hair too tightly. This includes ponytails, buns, and cornrows.
Use a soft-bristled brush when brushing your hair, and be gentle when shampooing and conditioning.
Try to minimize the amount of heat styling that you do, and if you must use heat, use the lowest setting possible.
Cnosult with a dermatologist or other hair loss specialist to discuss treatment options.

If caught early enough, traction alopecia is often reversible.

Hairstyles to avoid traction alopecia

Some hairstyles can put unnecessary stress on the hair follicles and lead to alopecia. It is important to avoid any hairstyle that pulls on the hair too tightly or uses chemicals that can damage the follicles.

Common hairstyles that can cause permanent traction alopecia include the following:

Tight ponytails: Pulling the hair back too tightly into a ponytail can damage the hair follicles and lead to alopecia.
Braids: Similar to avoiding a tight ponytail or tight bun, braids that are pulled too tight can damage the hair follicles and lead to alopecia.
Perms: The chemicals used in perms can damage the follicles and lead to alopecia.

If you are concerned about alopecia, it is best to consult with a hair loss specialist to find hairstyles that will not aggravate the condition.

Tight Braids and Alopecia

Alopecia is a condition that can be caused by several factors, including tight braids. When hair is pulled too tight, it can damage the follicles and cause them to fall out. In addition, they can lead to inflammation and scarring, both of which can prevent new hair from growing.

Permanent hair loss: advice

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with traction alopecia, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. There are many treatment options available, and early diagnosis and intervention are often the key to successful hair regrowth.

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So if you’re considering a hair transplant as a solution for your traction alopecia, please get in touch with our team to get a consultation with our hair transplant surgeon in Poland.

We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you take the first steps towards achieving healthy hair growth once again.

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