There are many reasons that can lead to unusual Hair loss, and one such condition is Traction Alopecia or hair loss caused due to excessive pulling of hair. Hair loss is a gradual recession in the hairline which is triggered by self-inflicted pulling or traction due to styling and is extremely prominent if proceeded for long. It is a worrying situation, in both males and females irrespective of their ages. This post covers traction alopecia, its symptoms, causes and treatments in detail, to help you prevent and treat the condition effectively, in time.

What Is Traction Alopecia?

As the name suggests, traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that is caused due to traction or pressure (that is unusual pulling of hair). It is also known as traumatic alopecia or ballerina baldness due to the distinctive hair styling that is linked to its cause.
Tying a tight ponytail or a hairstyle which causes immense traction can result in unusual hair loss. Though, there could be plenty of other causes as well. Fortunately, it can be fixed by undergoing a dedicated treatment from an expert dermato-trichologist.
When extensive amount of pressure is applied to the hair follicles, it inhibits them from growing. In most of the cases, it is caused by styles like man buns, braids, ponytails, etc. However, other reasons such as wearing helmets and excessive sweating may also lead to traction alopecia or baldness.

What Are The Symptoms Of Traction Alopecia?

Now when you know what is traction alopecia, let’s start by discussing its common signs. Unlike the other kinds of alopecia, traction folliculitis might not depict evident signs at first. Therefore, you should closely look for the following symptoms –
• Thinning of hair
• Unwanted breakage of hair
• Itching on the scalp
• Bald patches
• Discomfort on the scalp from sweating
• Instant relief after taking out braids, buns or ponytails
• Constant headaches
• Inflammation of the hair follicles
• Redness on the scalp
• Bumps and blistering on the scalp (sometimes filled with pus)

What are the Causes of Traction Alopecia?

• Wearing headbands for a long time
• Wearing hair clips and certain accessories that can apply pressure to the scalp
• Tight helmets, hats or headgears may also cause traction
• Certain hairstyles like braids, man buns, pigtails, ponytails, dreadlocks, cornrows and weaves
• Extensions and dreadlocks can also be its root cause
• Applying hair rollers overnight
• The habit of pulling up the hair or tightening them constantly

Also Read: What Are The Different Types Of Alopecia?

What Are The Treatments For Traction Alopecia?

Wondering if traction alopecia can be reversed? Let’s find out here.
Even though Traction hair loss can be aggressive, the good news is that it can be cured and recovered effectively, if suitable treatment is proceeded on time. In the early stages, the best treatment to start with is avoiding tight hairstyles and leaving the hair lose, also avoiding chemicals and heat to style your hair. However, if you have a moderate to severe traction alopecia, you are recommended to consult a dermatologist to undergo an appropriate reversible (hair growth) treatment. Here are some of these solutions –
1- PRP treatment – One of the most advanced and popular treatment, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can treat traction alopecia and other common hair loss problems effectively. It is a therapeutic and non-invasive procedure, where patients own blood is extracted and is then put to centrifuge which is a USFDA approved machine. Centrifugation separates the plasma with activated platelets, from the patient’s own blood and it is then injected back into the scalp regions with scanty hair growth. Micro needles are used to inject the PRP into the scalp. This PRP is rich in protein and growth factors which stimulate the follicles and helps in natural hair re-growth and restoration. This procedure has no serious side effects and is suitable for both men and women.
2- Medication – If the traction hair loss is mild, then your dermatologist will recommend suitable topical medicines, shampoos or creams to stop the hair fall and promote natural growth again. It is suggested that you take the prescribed medicines only in order to prevent any side effects.
3- Biotin treatment – If traction alopecia has started causing some damage to your scalp, then you can also get a biotin treatment. Biotin (Vitamin B7) can regulate blood pressure as well as heal traction folliculitis. Your doctor can prescribe a suitable dose of biotin supplement that can heal the damaged follicles. Besides taking biotin supplements, your physician can also prescribe some antibiotic medicines for a holistic treatment.
4- Steroids – Depending on the nature of the hair loss, a dermatologist may also suggest an intralesional or topical steroid treatment. In this, steroids are injected right under the skin to strengthen the follicles. It immediately boosts hair growth and is mostly applied to the bald patches. Topical steroids can heal the swelling or redness of the scalp as well.
5- Hair transplant – One of the most effective ways to restore areas that have been significantly damaged is through hair transplant treatment by grafting hair follicles in areas where thinning or balding is most prevalent. If you have visible scarring due to traction alopecia, then you can also go for a hair transplant. In a transplant surgery, healthy hair follicles are taken from donor areas and then harvested. These are then put on the bald patches which triggers new hair growth. The donor area is usually the back of the head, where hair growth is quite thick. On the basis of its technique, it can be classified as punch harvesting, excision or strip harvesting.

Also Read: PRP Vs Other Treatments For Hair Fall – Which Is Better?

How To Prevent Traction Alopecia?

If you are depicting early signs of traction alopecia, then you must take the necessary steps to rectify it. To start with, follow these suggestions to learn how to prevent traction alopecia –
• Try to style your hair in a more natural way without applying too much pressure. Leave your hair down and avoid making a tight bun or a ponytail
• Only wear wigs, extensions, or weaves for a few hours instead of all day long
• Don’t wear hats, helmets or head gears for more than the required time
• Avoid the use of rollers or hair accessories that can cause damage to your scalp
• Prefer not to have any harsh chemical based hair treatment
• Don’t comb your hair when it is wet or apply too much force while combing them
• Hair dryers, steamers or hair irons can also cause this problem. You should keep the heat level from minimum to medium while using dryers. The heat from these devices removes moisture from hair and causes them to be dry, rigid and brittle
• Instead of cotton, use silk or satin pillow covers
• Keep changing the location and the styling of your ponytail or man bun
• As soon as you see the first signs of traction alopecia, visit an experienced dermatologist and get a dedicated and timely treatment.

Also Read: What Causes Of Hair Loss In Men & Women?

FAQs

Can traction alopecia be reversed?

Yes, Traction Alopecia is reversible. Firstly, you need to undergo a dermato-trichologist treatment. PRP, hair transplant, oral/ topical medications and biotin are some common ways to prevent and treat the condition. Also, to avoid infection, you can get an antibiotic course as well. Afterward, follow the necessary prevention measures and maintenance appointments to reverse traction alopecia in the long run.

How do I know if I have traction alopecia?

If you are facing an evident amount of hair loss and have started developing bald patches due to pressure on your hair, then you might have traction alopecia. Look for the major signs and symptoms stated above. It is associated with a sore scalp, headaches and physical tension on the scalp due to numerous reasons.

What are the clinical features of traction alopecia?

Itching, redness on the scalp, pus-filled blisters, bumps, soreness, headache and scaling are some common clinical features of traction alopecia.

Does PRP treatment work for traction alopecia?

PRP is one of the best treatments for hair loss that also works for traction alopecia. It can help you regain your lost hair line without causing any evident damage to your body. Though, after getting a PRP treatment, you should avoid triggers that can stimulate traction alopecia. It will help you recover from this condition in the long run.

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