- scaling
- folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles)
- pus-filled blisters on your scalp
According to Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation (CARF), ultimately the hair follicles can become so damaged and scarred that they can’t produce new hair. The symptoms of traction alopecia are different from those of other forms of alopecia. In other types, the hair loss occurs in patches all over the scalp. In traction alopecia, usually just the hair that’s been pulled is affected.
“Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people but ironically, some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage,” Dr. Crystal Aguh, an assistant professor of dermatology at Hopkins, said in a university news release.
The findings show the need for dermatologists to learn more about these potentially damaging forms of hairstyles and to advise patients about the risks and alternatives, the researchers suggested.
Traction alopecia is preventable and early intervention can stop or reverse it, the researchers said. Alternating hairstyles, and avoiding those that constantly pull at the hair roots may help, they noted.
“We have to do better as care providers to offer our patients proper guidance to keep them healthy from head to toe,” Aguh said.
How Can You Prevent It?
To prevent traction alopecia, wear your hair down. If you have to pull it up into a ponytail or bun, keep it loose and low on your head. Switch up your hairstyle every couple of weeks, you can alternate between braids and wearing your hair down to relax the hair shaft. When you pull your hair up into a ponytail, try not to use rubber or elastic bands to hold it in place. They often pull out your hair when removing them.
Avoid chemically processing your hair and using hair relaxers. If you use weaves or braid your hair, once it’s time to braid it is more prone to break because of the thinness. The chemicals can damage your hair, making it more likely to break when braiding. If you have weaves or extensions, wear them for only a short period of time and take a break between your next install.
When braiding your hair, make sure the braids are thick. Thinner braids pull more tightly. Don’t sleep in rollers. Wrap your hair instead. If you wear wigs often, choose one with a satin wig cap. Satin caps don’t pull as hard on your scalp and prevent your hair from snagging on the material.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins University, news release, April 27, 2016