Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the hair. It is one of the most common reasons women with textured hair come to see us, and the most frustrating one, because it is almost entirely preventable.
Where it comes from
Every hairstyle that pulls on the root can cause it: tight braids and cornrows, sleek ponytails and buns, weaves sewn too tight, wigs fixed with glue or combs that always sit in the same place, heavy locs, and extensions left in too long. The pulling inflames the follicle. At first the hair grows back thinner. If the tension continues for months or years, the follicle scars and stops producing hair altogether.
The early signs
- Small bumps or redness along the hairline in the days after a new style.
- Headaches or a scalp that feels tight when the style is fresh.
- Short, broken hairs around the temples and the nape that never seem to grow.
- Edges that look thinner every time you take a style down.
- A hairline that is slowly moving back, often more on one side.
If you recognise two or more of these, your follicles are already telling you something.
What still works at this stage
The good news: as long as the follicle is not scarred, the hair can grow back. The first step is always the same, and it is not a product. It is to stop the tension. Loosen styles, ask your braider to leave the edges out, give your hair real breaks between installs, and switch to glueless wigs that do not rely on the same pressure points every day.
Then comes the care: a gentle scalp routine, no heavy build-up on the edges, and targeted products that support growth. Which ones depends on your scalp, which is exactly what a trichology diagnosis tells you.
When to worry
Smooth, shiny patches with no visible hair follicles, or edges that have not changed in over a year despite loose styles, may mean the follicles have scarred. At that point we will tell you honestly what care can and cannot do, and refer you to a dermatologist if needed.
Not sure what you are seeing?
That is what our diagnosis is for. We look at your hairline and scalp closely, go through your styling habits, and build a routine that protects what you have while it grows back.
Discover our trichology service or book your diagnosis on WhatsApp.
