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Traction alopecia
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Traction alopecia is the hair loss that shows up when hair is pulled with sustained force, or pulled over and over day after day, until the follicles, the small pockets of skin each hair grows from, finally give out. Early on the follicle is still there in place, and if the pulling stops the loss can improve.
When the tension doesn't let up, the area becomes inflamed and fibrosis appears, scar tissue that takes over the spot and no longer makes hair; at that point the loss becomes permanent. The map of the loss gives away where it came from, because the hair is missing exactly where it's being pulled. It's common to see it along the hairline, and the pattern shifts from one side to the other depending on the hairstyle or the practice applying the tension.
In brief
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by prolonged or repeated tension on the follicles.
Early on, the follicle is still intact, and the hair loss may improve if the pulling stops. Ongoing tension can cause inflammation and fibrosis, leading to permanent loss.
First the follicle is inflamed but present; with repeated damage, scar tissue may take its place.
Hair loss occurs in the areas under tension, such as the hairline, and varies with the hairstyle or practice causing the pull.
Sources (2)
- American Academy of DermatologyHairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss
- National Library of MedicineTraction AlopeciaPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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