Have you ever undone a ponytail and found your scalp feels sensitive to the touch? Does your scalp itch after you’ve had braids or a weave put in? Have you ever taken painkillers because your hair is secured so tightly it’s giving you a headache?
If you answered yes– these are signs that your hair is under way too much tension. Your head is trying to tell you something…it’s time to listen!
Traction Alopecia (traction hair loss) is a type of hair loss that stems from a variety of factors that lead to the hair being pulled. The constant tension in the affected area either pulls out the hair’s roots completely or causes the hair follicles to become inflamed. As time goes by, the damage to the follicles causes them to be fibrosed…and if you don’t put a stop to this, they will reach the point where they no longer produce hair, leading to permanent hair loss.
Anyone can be affected by traction alopecia – young or old, male or female. However, we do see it more often in certain ethnicities of the population, as they are more likely to use some of these cultural and historical hairstyles. For example, African American women and young girls are more likely to notice the problem due to braids and weaves. Watch Dr. Yazdan help actress Countess Vaughn with traction alopecia on The Doctors in Los Angeles, California.

What Are the Causes of Traction Alopecia?
Traction Alopecia is gradual and happens over time. It’s caused by putting the hair under constant strain or tension and is typically caused by one (or more) of the following:

• Tight ponytails or braids
• Tight cornrows
• Dreadlocks
• Hair extensions
• Hair weaves and wigs attached with glue, clips or tape
• Headbands worn day after day
• Tight headgear such as helmets worn frequently that tend to rub or pull on the same area
• Trichotillomania – an emotional condition of repeated pulling of the hair with hands

If you use or do any of the above, then you may find yourself heading down the road of traction alopecia- if you’re not already there.
Typically, you’ll start to see areas of thinning around the temples, behind the ears and even the crown. You also may start to notice that the part in your hair looks ‘wider’ than it used to be.  If that’s the case, you are likely one of the many whom suffer from this type of hair loss.
Can Traction Alopecia be Reversed?
Yes and no.
If traction alopecia is identified soon after the first hairs are lost, then regrowth can often occur-provided the hairstyle that caused the traction is stopped immediately. Sometimes, the hair can grow back entirely on its own, other times you may need to give your hair an extra boost with a treatment such as PRP.

On the flip side – if the hair follicles have been so badly traumatized over a long period of time, no need to load up on the Biotin pills or Minoxidil because unfortunately, the hair will not be able to grow back. The reason for this is when you’re in the advanced stages of traction alopecia it is associated with the formation of scar tissue under the scalp. In this case, you’ll need to start thinking about a surgical hair restoration. Look for a board-certified surgeon specializing in hair transplants to discuss the options available to you as you may be an excellent candidate for an FUE or FUT/Strip transplant procedure in order to restore your hair to a healthy state. You and your hair are worth it!

For questions or to schedule a consultation, call one of our offices conveniently located in Irvine, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas at 888-717-5273 or contact via our website at contact Modena Hair Link