by
Black Girl With Long Hair
Supermodel Naomi Campbell suffers from traction alopecia
By Audrey Sivasothy, author of The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care
Traction alopecia is a form of gradual hair loss that is caused by tension, stress, and pulling on the scalp and hair fibers. Though traction alopecia can occur in any race, it is most common among women of color who wear their hair pulled back in braids, or in other tight styles, away from the face. Traction alopecia usually occurs as a result of our desire to get that sleek, super neat hair appearance around the hairline. Both children and adults battle with traction alopecia, but the condition is most prevalent in children and young adults.
Traction alopecia does not occur when the hair is worn in a sleek, stressful, pulling style only occasionally. It only results when there has been regular pulling stress over several months or years. Traction alopecia most commonly affects the frontal hairline, especially the temple area and parts just above the ears. Occasionally, traction alopecia will affect the nape area.
Traction alopecia is caused by cosmetic hair stress. Styles that frequently pull the hair back tightly in one direction, such as braids, twists, locs, weaves, and cornrows, are the most common traction alopecia instigators. Hair accessories like headbands are also major traction alopecia culprits. Chemical relaxer products and excessive heat use can also encourage traction alopecia. Individuals who frequently part their hair in the same orientation can also trigger a widening of the part which is related to traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia begins with mild scalp irritation and swelling in the area of tension. A common, early sign of traction alopecia is the formation of tiny bumps or even scabs on the scalp. Hair breakage in the area then becomes apparent. If this strain continues over the next few months or years, scarring may occur to and around the hair follicles. Hair loss is gradual, with a thinning of the actual hair fibers occurring first until total hair loss takes place. Once scarring to the follicles has taken place, and hair loss has occurred, neither follicles nor hair will ever grow again.
The good news about traction alopecia is that it is reversible in its earliest stages if the sufferer changes the stressful habit or hairstyle. It may take several months for traction alopecia to reverse, and if the strain has been allowed to go on for too long, the hair may never return. If you experience any scalp tenderness of soreness, this may be an indication that its time to loosen or switch up your style.
The best prevention against traction alopecia is to avoid styles that place strain on the hair and scalp. Vary your hair style occasionally to shift tension and stress on the hair and scalp in a new direction every so often. Loose, free flowing hair styles are the best against traction alopecia. For those who protective style the hair, traction alopecia should always be in the forefront of your mind as you prepare the hair. Protective styling, or regularly pulling the hair back and out of sight, can increase your likelihood of having a problem with traction alopecia hair loss.
Weaves that require tight braiding to secure the hair should be loosened. Avoid harsh glues and weave tracks that pull on the hair near the roots. The weight of this hair can place tension on the delicate hair beneath.
Cornrows, twists, and braids should be braided loosely initially, rather than letting them “loosen” over time.
Those who wear their hair slicked back often like dancers, athletes, and others should consider either loosening these styles or allowing some “free-flowing” hair to remain near the vulnerable temple areas.
Make sure that there is a little slack between your ponytail and head. Try to stay away from daily use of headbands or hats that can rub the hair out.
Avoid combing or brushing dried gel or hair sprays out of the hair. Similarly, avoid sleeping with your hair in tight, bound styles like ponytails or roller-set arrangements. These habits can also damage the fragile edges of hair.
Keep in mind that once the hair and scalp have had too much, the hair follicle permanently shrinks, scars, and dies– never to produce hair again. For this reason, traction alopecia should be prevented at all costs. The missing patches of hair traction alopecia can leave behind can have devastating effects on sufferers.
Ladies, have any of you suffered traction alopecia? How were you able to remedy the situation?
Audrey Sivasothy is a Houston-based freelance writer, health scientist and author of The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care (available on Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble.com).
For more insight from The Science of Black Hair— relaxed, natural or in between, visit us on the web atwww.blackhairscience.com and on facebook & twitter.
References
Hantash, B. Traction Alopecia. Emedicine.com
Other Alopecias: Traction Alopecia. Keratin.com
42 Responses
My sister’s doctor told her it can be caused by stress and anxiety
The best way to avoid “track” Alopecia is to stop wearing these phony weaves. “You can achieve without a weave”. Let your scalp breath and enjoy the hair that God gave you! I have not seen many wigs or weave that look natural. It feels wonderful to comfortably swim in a pool or just walk in the rain! Free yourselves!
Then that’s you. Stop judging others
You were not judging. You were encouraging. She probably has a horrible head of ” hair ” and got defensive about her crappy situation. Amen, Olivia. Amen.
Than you for all of the great comments and advice. I suffered a set back after trying to weave a weave to protect my hair for my impulsive actions (my hands in my hair). The braided braided it too tight. When I took it down after 6 weeks a quarter size patch of hair from my scalp came with it from the front of my hairline. A little deflated & frustrated I thought it was over. See I have a scar on the other side from an accident that I can camouflage rather well. After reading this post and your comments I’m going to give the peppermint oil & JBCO a shot. I’ll keep you informed on any progress.. 🙂
*Thank you
I need help ladies! Thanks I don’t know how my hair got to this state but pleas what can I do to revive it? [img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/image-7.jpg[/img]
you have to stop purring tension on it. No more full sew-ins. I don’t know if your hair is beyond repair though. you have to see a dermatologist for him/her to do a thorough exam on your hair follicles/scalp.
I was make sure I don’t get hair braided tight . They keep saying it will last longer .u get my loose so I can feel comfurble. I do leave my some if front out
My iron was extremely low and caused my hair to fall out in patches,which the dermatologist called Areata Alopecia. My hair started coming out from the roots just by touching it. Because of that I cut all my hair off to allow it to grow back healty. I had no problem wearing sporting the clean look but because it came out in patches that didn’t work out. I started wearing wigs, now that my hair is on the road to growing back I want to rid myself of the wings. Problem is my hair came back in some places white and I want to straighten my hair. Any advise??
I used castor oil with great success to regrow my edges! I blogged my regimen, and result pics here: http://napturalnicole.com/2012/07/21/27667512368/
Thanks for bringing attention to this major issue for the black community!
(Attached pic shows results after just 4 months of my regimen!)
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/PhotoGrid_1353851621196.jpg[/img]
Thank you for this information. For me it seems like the culprit is these weaves, and extensions that require tight braiding in order to secure them in order for them to hold for weeks at a time.
The best resolution is to wear your free flowing natural hair with pride!
http://www.revealyourcrown.com!
Has anyone tried the at home laser combs for traction alopecia?
I went natural because my hair was beggining to thin. Luckily I stopped the weaves and braids before there was any permanent damage. I wore tight weaves and tracks for about 6 months straight. I didn’t realize how much damage I had done to my hair!!
Ladies peppermint oil those temples and the nape. Everything I’ve done on my hair repair wise I’ve kept it 100% natural. Peppermint oil really work I had devastated damage to my edges..from of course the devil reincarnated as a weave. Peppermint oil will be your best friend, and bring that hair back!!!
that’s how my hair line is in the middle of my head toI just don’t know what to do about it
I’m 18 years old and I have suffered of this for as long as I can remember. I have had numerous relaxers, braids, and tight pony tails in my hair growing and it has taken a huge toll on my hair. I cannot wear any hairstyle without feeling insecure or worried that my thin spots are showing. It was definitely difficult when I went natural almost a year ago, but my jamacian black castor oil is slowing working to help me. If anyone has any other tips tp give please email me at in********@***oo.com, for hairstyle or motivation tips. Thank you!
I had a hair transplant at True & Dorin in NY. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Hi Robin, I am scheduled to have my hair transplant on 1/27/12 and would love to speak with you about your experience. I did meet with Dr. Gorin but decided on another doctor whose fees were more affordable (Dr. Ross with Nuhart). I have so many questions and would love to speak with you. My email is de*****@*ol.com and I look forward to your contact.
Denise
THE BEST ADVICE , LET YOUR HAIR REST AND GET A WIG ! No point in trying to achieve what you dont have , waste of time , invest in a good wig and allow it !!
let your hair grow naturally , if PUSH comes to shove , just again , get a damm WIG !
I had tractio alopecia and that was the main reason I stop transitioning and just wore my natural hair,I probably was a boxbraid away from permanent traction alopecia. Then my edges grew back amazingly, sucks for me though cause all of my other hair is 21 months natural my edges are 9 months natural
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/comparison.jpg[/img]
In this pic u can kinda see my edges from July to december, but my edges were worse then that in April they were legit bald
I suffer with this as well and recently started using Dr. Miracles nape and temple balm,no results just yet but i have had rave reviews about it so i’m patiently waiting to see, it says in a month i would see results.
Dr. Miracles smell bad, but his products work really well. I used Nioxin Cleanser, Scalp Therapy, Follicle Booster, along Dr. Miracles products. This work wonders for me every time. My mother uses this same regime and her hair is passed her shoulders, she also takes the daily vitamins from Nioxin.
Dr Miracle broke up my hair and did more damage than good. I’ve heard about Jamaican Black Castor oil being about to restore thickness and hair growth – anyone else knows about this?
I worked as a hair stylish in a salon to put myself though college. Mine was not as bad as Cambells but I suffered from it, as a kid my mother put rubberbands in my hair, which caused tension. I came accross a product after on 2 seperate occassions some cancer survivors came into my shop. One who was completely bald 6 months prior with a hair full of hair.
The product is called Organic root stimulator, which is VERY inexpensive. I started using the templebalm, since I had a perm, and after like 3-4 months my hair was back. My sides are still weak but whenever they come out I massage them nightly and:or buy the product. Its crazy my husband, who is white started loosing his hair. I told him about the product, he didnt believe that something so cheap could do anything because he tried basically everything. He started using the serum I think its like 2oz not sure but anyway,massaging 2-3 drops 2 times a day did the trick. It didnt bring all his hair back but it stopped it from falling out. ITS THE BOMB LADIES!!! Try it out, and until you can find it start by massage your hairline to increase the bloodflow!!
I recently got a weave which followed box braids which followed cornrows. So I have small traces of it, but right now I’m wearing my hair out and oiling the damaged area with Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Can you do an article on hair loss as a result of Lupus DLE? I have this huge bald spot on the top of my head because of it and is forced to wear wigs.
Cara, I am with you… I also have bald spots from Lupus. I had a lot of redness and scabbing. At times, it would get so sore I couldn’t bare to touch it; that is when I wear wigs. I use headbands to hide the spots. Luckily my hair is so thick it isn’t too noticeable.It is getting better, but I know if it weren’t for the lupus I would be bald free.
Hey KJ and Cara,
I was diagnosed with SLE last year and they say I have a deficiency in Vitamin D and Iron. Literally the day after I’ve taken my weave out I have noticed a few bald spots around the middle section of my head – no pain around the area though, but just redness. I am on a lot of medication so obvisously my first thought was that, but then I do know there was a lot of tugging and pulling going on whilst taking my weave out. Whatever the real cause, I’m going to try taking a few vitamin supplements to see if there are any results – hopefully I have noticed it in its ‘early stages’. I’ll find out any additional info from my doctor as well, because surprisingly there isn’t much info online about this…especially for lupus sufferers.
[img]https://bglh-marketplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/photo-2.JPG[/img]
I have Lupus too… 7 years this December.. I have had most of my life shoulder length hair somewhat thin hair but a nice head of hair. I am 61 now so over the years I have had weaves,braids perms etc. surprise I have any hair at all.I decided to stop it all, my hair had the length but spots of baldness ,decided to cut it all the way down and start all over and begin some treatments and see what is the out come.
Rub a combination of All natural castor oil and coconut on your affected areas. Do this nightly right before bed. You should also add the a few drops of the castor oil to your shampoo and/or conditioner. This process coupled with a Vit. E supplement should start a healthy rejuvenation of the dead follicles. Remember when your body is healthy it always has the capacity to reset itsself. Be blessed.
Every time I see the issue of Alopecia discussed no one every addresses nutrition. What you eat and drink is the main reason for hair damage because it directly effects your hair make up. The digestive system, specifically the liver, has a profound effect on skin, hair and nails. If the liver is not functioning properly you will have dry skin, dull hair and brittle nails. I suffered from Traction Alopecia (as do many of the women in my family)from a stressful lifestyle and not eating enough fruits, veggies, herbs and spices. I had been diagnosed with being boarder line diabetic, had a poor functioning thyriod (two very common diseases in the African-American community) and had been wearing my hair natural for 6 years at the time. I don’t discount that over using heat styling tools, over braiding and using hair products with all kinds of chemicals doesn’t damage one’s hair, but if your hair is brittle to begin with anything will damage it. Eat more real, local food fresh from the earth and I guarantee you’ll see improvements in your hair structure. And don’t just take my word, look it up yourself! Knowledge Is Power!!!
I had suffered from alopecia around my hair line from wearing braids then putting them into a pony tail when I was transitioning. Another thing that caused alopecia for me was tying my satin scarf too tight at the back of my head. What has helped is not wearing braids or styles where I have to pull my hair back. Massaging my temples with oil like Bee Mine Growth Serum and instead of a scarf I wear a bonnet and have a satin pillow case in case it falls off in the middle of the night. It has taken several months for my edges to grow back but I don’t mind just happy to be seeing results when I thought my edges were permanently damaged.
Jc, could you spare a few words on the use of products to remedy hair loss, whether partial or total? There continues to be this notion that nonprescription products such as castor oil, etc. can make hair grow back. I don’t believe there’s any real science behind that…is there?
+1
JC, I could definitely benefit from some information on this. I, too, had mild traction alopecia, which what actually prompted me to go natural in the first place. I visited a trichologist and had no thickened/accelerated growth on my hairline for about six months. My trichologist was certain that my hairline could grow back because I had no scarring and my hair follicles hadn’t been killed off. I was then prescribed Minoxidil (it isn’t a natural product) to use. I applied it to my scalp for a month and at the end of that month I had some growth. My hairline is still not as thick as it used to be, however, my hairline is definitely filling in. If you have tried everything else short of hair transplants, then Minoxidil is something you could look into bearing in mind the possible side effects.
One needs to realise that hair loss is not a bad thing , as if you are destined to lose , you will !! I wish people would start accepting you either have hair or you dont , otherwiwse , I would strongly advise to invest a good weave or wig , and stop being tight , invest in your self as , not being funny , the uglier you are , the more effort you must make !!!!!!!!!!!! Ta
Growing up getting my hair braided that was one of my biggest fears was loosing my edges. My mother would always make sure that they were not too tight. I see so many people with beautiful hair styles but the edges pulled too tight but they say that what makes the style last long.
Unfortunately, my hair follicle surrounding my temple are permanently damaged and look very similar to Naomi Campbells hair. This was definitely due to years of uneducation about my natural hair and those gorgeous yet harmful box braids and cornrows. I am about to invest in the costly ($7000) hair transplant procedure so I can eventually enjoy of all my new natural hair and discard the headbands to hide my hideous bald spots. 🙁
Hi Denise! I use to work for Bosley in Beverly Hills, CA. I know for a fact that hair transplants work ESPECIALLY for black folks. Just be sure its a reputable company that knows how to place the new folicles in a natural pattern or else u’ll be looking like one of them old-timey baby dolls by the head.
Some may think $7k a lot of money for ur hair but women of all races spend much more than that annually on weaves & such.
Good luck!
Good luck! Hope it works out.
you should look up alexyss k tylor hair products on youtube. you can call her office and speak with her directly and she will create a custom hair system for you and she has grown back the edges of all the women who have come to her with that problem. her hair products heal all hair problems!!!! and it wont cost you anywhere near 7000 dollars!