Traction Alopecia: Prevention and Treatment
Traction Alopecia Can Be Prevented
Traction alopecia is a hair loss issue where the sooner you come to terms with it, the easier and faster the treatment.
Early detection and making the appropriate changes is the key to overcoming traction alopecia. Because it is a type of hair loss called "traumatic alopecia", you need to remove the source of the trauma, which is proven to be certain hair care practices and styling techniques that put African American women at risk. Doctors and hair loss experts agree that you can cause irreparable damage if you ignore the signs and symptoms of traction alopecia.
Why are my braids too tight?
Everyone has different hair root tolerance. Some scalps can accommodate the tension of a hairstyle and some can't. The follicles will react negatively right away, or gradually over time. "But it's not the actual hair style, or braids, that's the problem," explains Diahna Husbands, a hair replacement expert and owner of Diahna Lynn Hair Studio in Maryland, "It's the tension used by the person braiding if they are pulling too tight that causes the problem." She also advises any hair loss clients to see a dermatologist just to make sure of the reason for the hair loss. "A proper diagnosis is also the key to success with any hair loss issue."
Not only can the dermatologist tell you why you're losing your hair, "but in the case of traction alopecia we can suggest a course of action that includes changing your hairstyle immediately, possible medications, and in severe cases of prolonged traction where follicles are dead, hair transplant surgery," explains Dr. Valerie Callender, M.D., a board certified dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, specialist in African American women's hair and skin disorders, and Director of the Callender Skin and Laser Center in Washington D.C.
Loosen up your hairstyle!
In the case of traction alopecia caused by hairstyling that is pulled continuously too tight, the areas of hair loss are usually symmetrical and occur along the temples and the above the ears, explains Dr. Callender. When caught early enough, switching away from a damaging hairstyle can halt the condition from becoming permanent. In most cases of traction alopecia, patients will notice small red bumps on their scalp and they can see their hair beginning to thin or break around the hairline and in between the braids. In this case, experts agree the treatment is first and foremost, removing the braids and finding a more relaxed hairstyle to remove the stress so follicles can normalize.
This process of re-growth can take anywhere from three to six months or even longer and you will need to work with your hairstylist to determine some new styles you can wear. You may decide to cut off the damaged parts and go natural and short, or wrap your hair loosely in a hair wrap, or in severe cases of hair loss, to wear a wig. "I'd suggest a wig to any woman who is so frustrated with how bad her hair looks that she just can't bother with it until the damage grows out! I also advise these clients come in for a deep conditioning scalp massage once monthly to help stimulate follicles gently for healthy hair re-growth," says Husbands. Another great tip from Callender is to use a hair pencil. "Most women have some soft hairs still growing around the hair line and you can use a matching hair pencil to fill in the depth. A little colored hair pencil can go a long way to helping you feel and look a whole lot better during the transition!" says Callender.
Medications that can help
For more stubborn cases involving infected follicles and prolonged traction, along with changing your style immediately, the most common course of action from the dermatologist is oral and topical antibiotics followed by either cortisone injections and/or topical cortisone cream to reduce the inflammation that is damaging the follicles, explains Callender. "After that, we may prescribe Rogaine to stimulate quicker re-growth at 2% generally or 5% depending on the amount and severity of the hair follicle trauma. And the great thing about Rogaine for traction alopecia is that once follicles regain their health and start growing, Rogaine will no longer be necessary. It's one time we can prescribe Rogaine for temporary results that last!"
Hair transplant surgery
If follicles are damaged beyond repair and the traction of your hair style has been going on a very long time, hair transplant surgery may be necessary to restore your hair line or any missing patches, says Dr. Callender, who specializes in performing the surgery for African American women. "Just because you have never seen advertisements on TV or in magazines for surgical hair replacement services showing African American women does not mean it is not for you. This surgery can restore an African American woman's healthy hairline and self-esteem." But, advises Dr. Callender, "it is very important to find a hair transplant surgeon skilled and experienced in working with African Americans because of the different hair texture, keloid formation tendencies regarding scarring, and the different race-specific original reasons for the hair loss."
Prevent traction alopecia
Change hairstylists if they constantly braid so tight you need a painkiller after a visit.
Let your hair down and switch up your styles regularly to give follicles a rest.
Get a scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment once a month to help stimulate follicles.
Traction Alopecia: Prevention and Treatment
By: Naomi Mannino
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