Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Traction alopecia is also known as “nurse’s cap” or “hot comb” alopecia. It is a hair loss condition that is usually caused by strong tensional forces exerted on the hair as a result to some ethnic, traditional or modern practices of hair styling. It is often associated with the use of hair rollers, twists, locks, braids, extensions, etc. Typically women are the ones who suffer with traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is usually localized. Prolonged tensional forces on hair can lead to damaging of its roots and follicles and to the development of permanent hair loss. To prevent irreversible hair loss, the condition needs to be recognized in it’s early stages.

In 1907, young women from Greenland who preferred to style their hair in tight ponytails, were the first people reported to suffer with this condition. The same hair loss pattern was also described in traditional Japanese females wearing particular hairdos. Indian men who observe Sikhism, are prone to traction alopecia because they grow their hair long and pull it tightly into a bun. Todays modern fashion of some types of hair extensions and dreadlocks is mostly associated with this condition in young people.

The prolonged trauma exerted on the scalp hair causes it to gradually loosen from its roots and develop secondary inflammation and subsequent atrophy. Hair loss is usually symmetrical and affects frontal or temporal areas of the scalp. The initial stages are excessive scaling and seborrhea, then the degeneration of hair that starts growing thin, short and fine instead of thick and long. If the tension is not removed, folliculitis develops which leads to irreversible balding.

There are different degrees of traction alopecia depending on the styling practices which created it. Marginal alopecia is usually due to the use of rollers or curlers in children which provoke hair loss in the temporal area of the scalp. Another contributing factor could be strong and repeated facial muscle contractions. Another type of traction alopecia called chignon, or non-marginal alopecia, usually happens in the occipital area and is due to the styling hair into a tight bun.

Traction alopecia exists in many regions of the world. In the US, the most affected categories are African American women, who straighten their hair or style it into braids. Female atheletes, cooks and nurses, who secure their hair tightly for the sake of hygiene or comfort can find themselves dealing with this condition. Sikh men and Japanese women also suffer with traction alopecia.

If traction alopecia can be caught in the early stages, before permanent damage to the roots has developed, it is possible to turn it around. Letting hair stay loose is the best solution for the problem. However, if irreversible hair loss has occurred, one of the Hair Replacement Specialist at Fantasia would love to help you find a solution. Amy’s Presence Cyberhair Wigs are fabulous and come all kinds of styles and textures, including an ethnic line. Call today to schedule your free consultation.