If you're like most women/men who suffer from Traction Alopecia, you have become the master of deception...hair deception that is. "Creative" could not begin to describe the lengths that women and men go through to cover their balding or scarred scalp.
DEFINITION: Traction Alopecia is 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 people who wear tight braids, especially "cornrows" that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair
CAUSE:
This condition is most common in African-American women and men who braid their hair too tightly AND Sikh men and Japanese women whose traditional hair styles also pull and damage hair. Traction alopecia occurs more frequently in children, teenagers and young adults than 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.
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" Alopecia.
EXAMPLES:
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REMEDY:
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 hairstyles. Women/men 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. No medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage Traction Alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution.
HAIRSTYLE OPTIONS:
 1. Keep the hair in its natural state and straighten with a hot comb or flat iron as needed.   2. Use a side bang to keep the hair relaxed. Combing your hair down will release some of the tension on your follicles.
3. Wear a bob like hairstyle. This hairstyle can cover all of your vulnerable areas while allowing you to feel sexy, modern and confident.
4. Wear your hair short. Short hairstyles usually require less tension. Even if you have very vulnerable areas, coverage is pretty easy once you have hair in the middle or back of your head.
5. Use clip in pieces to add color or texture to your hair. Chemical processes can weaken the structure of the hair shaft over time.
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