Traction Alopecia Hair Transplant
The reason for the increase is Traction Alopecia, a hair loss condition caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs in persons who wears tight braids, especially “cornrows” that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair.
This condition is most common in African-American women and men who braid their hair too tightly. It is also common in Sikh men of India and Japanese women whose traditional hair styles also pull and damage hair. Traction alopecia occurs more frequently in children, teenagers and young adults then it does in older women and men.
Traction alopecia is reversible if diagnosed early, but may lead to permanent hair loss if it is undetected for a protracted period. Hair loss is often in the frontal and temporal regions, but also depends on the hair style. With those who wear cornrows, the area most commonly affected is that adjacent to the region that is braided.
I never knew there was an official name for the type of hair loss I had experienced until I found McGrath Medical. Through McGrath Medical, I learned more about traction alopecia and the different types of services offered to help correct the hair loss. My hair was always styled very neatly as a child but that in turn pulled my hair too tight which killed my hair follicles and caused hair loss. For YEARS I didn’t know how to grow my hair back. I got creative with covering and concealing my hair which was a burden in itself. I suffered from hair loss for 25 years. The customer service I received was phenomenal. The recovery was challenging in the beginning as I expected it would be, but I can without a doubt say this one of of the BEST decisions I’ve ever made. My hair has grown in beautifully. My best advice is to be patient and trust the process. Thank you McGrath Medical! This was truly life changing. - KH
Traction Alopecia can also occur due to overprocessing of the hair. Chemical treatment of hair with dyes, bleaches, or straighteners disrupts the keratin structure in a manner that reduces its tensile strength. The hair can become fragile and heavy fall out can occur with brushing or combing.
The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place African American women at high risk for various “traumatic” alopecias.
The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for “looser, more gentle hair style. Women, African-American women, who suspect they may be vulnerable to traction alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style or treatment methods and by all means, take the time to see a dermatologist. Professional hair stylists specializing in braids, cornrows, weaving and chemical processing should warn their clients about traction alopecia.
Unfortunately, no medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage traction alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution.
