Excessive Hair Styling Can Cause a Type of Hair Loss Known as Traction Alopecia

Beauty standards today are evolving faster than the latest fashion trends, and we style our hair to stay ahead. For girls, there are even endless possibilities from bobs to curls, but there is a downside to styling our hair frequently and this condition is traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a condition caused by excessive pulling or tension of the hair. In this blog, we will learn in detail about the condition, how it is caused, and what is the solution. This will help you prevent the damage and have a healthy hair.

The root problem

When the hair follicles experience constant tension by tying the hair tightly or styling it with a straightener it gradually leads to hair loss over time. This constant pulling of hair weakens the follicles eventually causing them to become inflamed or damaged. But who would have thought that go-to hairstyles could betray them in the long run? It is essential to balance the style and health of your to avoid this condition of traction alopecia. This condition is reversible but if you don’t stop styling soon, it may lead to permanent hair loss.

• Tying ponytails or buns
• wearing tight braids, or dreadlocks
• using hair extensions or weaves
• Keeping your hair up in rollers overnight

Symptoms of Alopecia 

How do you know if you are facing this condition? There are certain warning signs that you need to be looking for. The initial symptom that you should consider looking for is little bumps on your scalp that look like pimples. As the condition worsens, you can see broken or missing hair. There are also other symptoms when the condition keeps worsening:

• Redness of scalp
• Little bumps on the scalp
• Soreness of stinging feeling on the scalp
• Itching
• Scaling
• Inflammation of the hair follicles
• Puss-filled blisters on your scalp

How to prevent Traction Alopecia?

You can prevent this condition before it develops without sacrificing your good hairstyles. Here are some preventive measures that you can take 

• Every couple of weeks change your hairstyle, and choose hairstyles that will allow your hair to breathe. Do not choose buns or tight ponytails.
• Do not use rubber bands when you tie your hair, this can cause hair breakage and eventually hair loss in the long run.
• When you are at home opt for simple hairstyles, like a bun, or even consider leaving it free. 
• Hair extensions can add volume to the hair, but sometimes they are also heavy leading to hair breakage or hair loss. Avoid using extensions frequently.
• Take your time and invest in a gentle hair care routine, avoid combing your hair especially when it’s wet. 
• Use wide-toothed combs to detangle the hair, using narrow combs will lead to breakage of the hair.
• If you are experiencing this condition and the hair fall is continuous, consult a doctor immediately for practical advice. They can provide personalized solutions based on your condition and hair type. 

Treatments

Consult a trichologist to treat this condition in the initial stages, the respective doctor will examine your scalp and your hair condition and suggest medication according to your scalp conditions.

Your doctor might prescribe these treatments for traction alopecia based on your scalp and hair health:

• It is recommended to use antibiotics to avoid any infections in case of open sores.
• To reduce swelling on the scalp, one can use topical steroids.
• Antifungal shampoos can also prove to be helpful.
• Rogaine, a medication containing minoxidil, can be used to restore hair growth.
• Biotin supplements can be taken to strengthen the hair.

Conclusion 

This condition may sometimes go unnoticed as many of us ignore it thinking it’s just a breakage, but with the awareness provided in the above sections, you can take care of your hair and prevent it before it’s too late. The only effective and immediate solution for this condition is styling your hair. So loosen your hair and take gentle care of it regularly to keep it healthy, after all looking hair is the most beautiful accessory a men or women can wear.