Can Traction Alopecia Cause
Serious Hair Loss?

This page explains that, whilst traction alopecia does not cause permanent hair loss, it can make any existing hair loss problem worse.

This type of hair loss (which is also known as friction alopecia) can affect both men and women but is not a medical or genetic condition. (Unlike almost all other types of hair loss, it has no connection with hormones).

Friction alopecia is caused when things like hats and other hair accessories constantly rub against the scalp or tug against the hair. Braids, clips, even excessive brushing or combing can take its toll on the human head of hair.

Traction alopecia in men Men can experience traction alopecia if a hat, helmet, baseball cap, etc, is worn regularly (i.e., for a prolonged period every single day). It's most probably the front or back of the scalp that's affected because that's where most abrasion occurs. But, such hair loss is likely to be only very localised (e.g., perhaps a small area of loss caused by a hat that's too close fitting).

Such localised loss might only result in minimal thinning of the hair. However, it is possible that more severe hair loss may be experienced and a small bald spot could develop.

However, the belief, or observation, that those professions that involve wearing helmets (e.g., fire fighter) can actually cause male pattern baldness is, in fact, wrong.

Finally, can excess combing cause traction alopecia? It is possible - and this is especially true of men (who usually keep the same parting year after year, whereas women tend to change their hairstyle more frequently).

Traction alopecia in women In today's world, hair is very much seen as a fashion item, or sign of health and beauty. And so, by accessorising it, this "indicator of vitality" can be enhanced. But, in evolutionary terms, that's not what hair is all about! Hair gives us some protection from the rain, UV radiation, bugs, falling debris, etc. In the past, it might also have given babies and infants something to cling on to whilst being carried by the mother.

So, the purpose of hair today is very much different than it was in the past. Whilst hair might still help to indicate health and attract a partner, it's often brutalised by chemicals and accessories in order to serve its cosmetic purpose.

Continuous chemical treatment of hair (using dyes, peroxides, etc) may, over time, produce problems. However, this is most likely to be thinning rather than extensive baldness.

"Thinning" simply means that the outer layer of the hair shaft (cuticle) is stripped away to some extent. Learn more about the structure of hair:
Hair and hair growth - the facts.

(Note: Whilst chemical treatment of hair does not really fall into the category of friction alopecia, it has been included in this section because it is similarly cosmetic in nature to the braids, clips, etc, that do cause this condition).

Women tend to change their hairstyle much more often than do men. But, whilst this may reduce the risk of localised hair loss (by removing or changing the position of your parting) the continuous use of braids, clips, cornrows, ponytails, even excess brushing or combing can, over time, begin to take its toll.

Eventually, noticeable hair loss may be experienced, and a small bald patch could develop.

Dealing with traction alopecia

First of all, it's important to recognise what type of hair loss you have. Remember, traction alopecia is not a genetic or medical condition. As such, the "male pattern" associated with hereditary hair loss cannot be caused by traction alopecia.

However, because traction alopecia most often involves localised loss, it could resemble the patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata.

Friction alopecia can also contribute to these other types of hair loss. If you already suffer some form of hair loss, and wear a hat or hairpiece to cover it up, the irony is that you might only be making things worse.

This is not only due to traction alopecia, but also because it can get very hot and sweaty underneath a hat if worn for a long period of time (especially if, say, a baseball cap is worn whilst playing an active sport). Such a hot, wet environment for the scalp is not really healthy or hygienic.

To deal with traction alopecia you should, quite obviously, start by trying to identify the cause. (You probably have a pretty good idea of where the problem lies if you regularly use hats, helmets, caps, clips, etc). Next, you've got to stop excessive use of these things (or, even avoid them altogether) at least until your hair has started to grow back. (If you do need to wear a hat, make sure that it's loose fitting).

Keep your hair clean - the subject of hygiene does have a part to play in the hair loss process.

You might want to look at your diet too. Try to avoid junk food. This also includes "comfort" eating (i.e., to relieve the stress you might feel from your hair loss). A junk food diet is not going to help you restore healthy hair growth and can even make it worse.

To find out how food and hygiene can contribute to hair loss,
click here - Diet, hygiene and hair loss.

Doing all these simple things will help restore some vitality to your hair and give it a chance to grow back.

Finally, if you want to do more than just sit and wait (and hope) for your hair to regrow, why not try the Top Hair Loss Remedy?

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