Understanding

Traction Alopecia

Preventing Hair Loss from Tension

Wig Medical provides personal telehealth sessions with a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist to help you manage Traction Alopecia and reach your hair goals.

What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by constant pulling or tension on the hair follicles. 

 

This condition is particularly common among individuals who frequently wear tight hairstyles or use hair styling practices that exert excessive force on the scalp. 

 

Although this condition can be distressing, there are ways that individuals can prevent traction alopecia. 

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Most of our clients who need a medical wig or hair prosthetic are covered by insurance.

Causes of Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia occurs when the hair follicles are subjected to prolonged and repetitive tension, leading to damage and eventual hair loss. 

 

Common causes and contributing factors include:

 

Tight Hairstyles: Wearing hairstyles such as tight ponytails, braids, buns, cornrows, or extensions can exert constant tension on the hair follicles, especially along the hairline and crown.

 

Hair Accessories: Using hair accessories such as clips, barrettes, or headbands that pull on the hair can contribute to traction alopecia, particularly if worn for extended periods.

 

Hair Treatments: Chemical treatments such as relaxers, perms, or hair straightening procedures can weaken the hair shaft and make it more susceptible to breakage and traction alopecia.

 

Improper Hair Care: Vigorous brushing, combing, or styling of the hair, especially when wet, can increase the risk of traction alopecia by putting strain on the hair follicles.

“The Wig Medical team of Cranial Prosthesis Specialists are dedicated to helping solve your hair loss challenges.”

Symptoms of Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia may initially present as tiny bumps on your scalp, as well as redness. 

 

Once the condition begins to progress, the main symptom that presents itself is missing and broken hairs. The front and sides of the scalp are most commonly affected. 

 

Traction alopecia may also cause soreness, tingling, itching, folliculitis, and blisters.

 

While the condition could be reversible, if traction alopecia goes on for too long it could permanently damage the hair follicles, preventing them from producing new hair. 

Prevention Strategies for Traction Alopecia

To prevent traction alopecia, it is important to wear your hair down or only use loose hair style accessories. 

 

A few other methods include changing your hairstyle every few days, as to let your hair follicles relax from being pulled on. 

 

Try to steer away from chemical relaxers or any other products that would be stressful on your hair. When using heat tools, try to use lower settings or use heat protectants. 

How a Medical Wig can Help with Traction Alopecia

A medical wig is also referred to as a cranial hair prosthesis. 

 

They are specifically designed for patients that lose their hair due to alopecia or other conditions. Medical wigs are typically prescribed by a doctor for a patient in order to improve their quality of life. This is due to the vast differences in the construction of medical wigs versus fashion wigs. 

 

Speaking with a medical professional can help you determine whether or not you are a candidate for a medical wig. 

Traction Alopecia FAQs

Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition that occurs due to prolonged or repeated tension on the hair roots, often resulting from specific hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, dreadlocks, or the use of extensions. 

 

This type of alopecia can also arise from habitual hair pulling or the frequent wearing of tight headgear. 

 

The condition is characterized by gradual hair loss, primarily around the hairline and the areas most subject to tension.

The constant pulling on the hair stretches the hair follicle, leading to damage over time. Initially, this may cause redness, itching, and even small pimples on the scalp. 

 

If the tension continues, it can lead to scarring of the hair follicles and permanent hair loss. 

 

Early stages of Traction Alopecia are often reversible if the cause of tension is removed, but prolonged tension can lead to irreversible damage.

In its early stages, Traction Alopecia can often be reversed by simply removing the source of tension. 

 

Hair regrowth can be encouraged with the cessation of harmful hairstyles, practices, and the application of topical treatments to improve scalp health. 

 

However, if the condition progresses to scarring of the hair follicles, hair loss can become permanent, and options like hair transplantation might be considered.

The primary treatment for Traction Alopecia involves lifestyle changes to eliminate the source of tension on the hair. 

 

Avoiding tight hairstyles, reducing the use of harsh chemicals, and minimizing heat styling can all help. For those experiencing symptoms, treatments may include topical or injected steroids to reduce inflammation, antibiotics for any infection, and minoxidil (Rogaine) to stimulate hair growth. 

 

For permanent hair loss, surgical options like hair transplantation can be explored.

Managing the appearance of hair loss due to Traction Alopecia involves both treating the underlying condition and exploring cosmetic solutions. 

 

In the short term, changing hairstyles to distribute tension evenly and using hair fillers or concealers can help camouflage thinning areas. For more permanent hair loss, cranial prostheses or wigs offer an effective solution for covering affected areas and restoring a natural appearance. 

 

Engaging with a hair loss specialist can provide personalized advice on hair care practices and potential treatments to support scalp health and hair regrowth.

Understanding Traction Alopecia

Understanding Traction Alopecia and its causes is essential for preventing further hair loss and encouraging regrowth. 

 

By addressing the mechanical causes of this condition and providing support through both medical and cosmetic solutions, specialists can significantly impact the well-being of individuals experiencing this form of hair loss.

Comprehensive Cranial Prosthetic Services at Wig Medical

Our team of specialists is here to support you every step of the way on your journey to finding the perfect cranial prosthetic solution. 

 

Take control of your confidence and well-being by scheduling an appointment with us today.

 

Reach out to our team to learn more about our range of services and start your transformation with Wig Medical.

Take your next step towards getting help!

Let us help you with your Traction Alopecia challenges.

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