What is Traction Alopecia?
Traction Alopecia (TA) is a type of hair loss that occurs when the scalp is repeatedly exposed to certain hairstyles or hair treatments that pull at the hair follicles. Over time, these pulls lead to inflammation and scarring which stop new hair growth. Common causes of TA include tight braids, extensions, weaves, cornrows, and high pony tails – all of which can pull at the scalp and cause hair follicles to weaken. Common signs of TA are thinning or balding at the front of the head, especially around the temples, forehead or edges of the hairline.
How to Safely Wear Your Hair Up
Many people wear their hair up in order to keep it out of their face or for a fashionable look. But for those with TA, it’s important to ensure that your hairstyle does not cause further damage to your hair follicles. Here are some tips for wearing your hair up without exacerbating Traction Alopecia:
1. Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles such as braids and extensions can cause more harm to your hair follicles. Even if you don’t necessarily have a “tight” hairstyle, it’s important to be mindful of how tightly your hair is pulled and make sure it’s not too tight.
2. Loosen hair at night: Overnight, our scalp experiences a lot of moisture and sweat that can cause our hairstyles to become tighter. Loosening the hair at night can help prevent this from happening and keep your hair follicles healthy.
3. Try low-tension hair buns and ponytails: Low-tension styles are a great alternative to tight hairstyles, as they allow the scalp to more freely move and prevent intense pulling of the hair follicles. Try a low-tension bun or ponytail for a easy, no-commitment hairstyle.
4. Use protective styles: Protective styles such as wigs, hats and scarves can be a great way to protect your hair from further damage. Not only can these styles keep your hair safe from further stress, but they can also help to maintain the shape of your hairline.
5. Give your hair time to rest: Allowing your hair time to rest is an important part of keeping it healthy and preventing further damage. Try to give your hair two days of rest between styling, and make sure to massage your scalp with oils or a moisturiser to help keep it hydrated and healthy.
Taking Care of Your Scalp and Hair Health
Traction Alopecia can be avoided by taking care of your scalp and hair health. Avoiding tight hairstyles, wearing protective styles, and giving your hair adequate time to rest can all help to maintain healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Additionally, scalp massage, healthy diet and scalp treatments such anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger and capsaicin can also help promote hair growth and prevent further damage. Consult with a dermatologist if you’re worried about Traction Alopecia and make sure to take proper care of your hair if you have it.
