What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction Alopecia: A Beginner’s Guide
Traction alopecia term is a form of gradual hair loss due to pulling forces applied to the hair.  This commonly results from certain hairstyles such as braids, tight ponytails and pigtails.  

African American females are more commonly noted to have traction alopecia, though all genders and races can be affected.  Certain professional and work choices may also be more commonly affected depending on the nature of how the hair must be worn.  Gymnasts, swimmers, and tennis players are particularly prone with the hair pulled back.   
What Causes Traction Alopecia?Traction alopecia can be caused by repetitive stress resulting from tight hairstyles.  This includes braids, weaves, cornrows, tight pony-tails, heavy locks, hair rollers. The constant tug on the hair causes damage to the hair follicles.   Long term repeated stress can scar the follicles leading to gradual and even permanent hair thinning and loss.  

What Are the Symptoms of Traction Alopecia? Traction Alopecia can be associated with:
  • Scalp tenderness
  • Broken hairs
  • Patchy hair or thin hair near the hairline
  • Bumpy lesions on scalp where hair follicles are stressed
Early awareness of these symptoms is key when hair loss can be prevented or permanent damage can be avoided.   In most cases, hair loss can be prevented with reducing the stress on your hair. A hair loss specialists may recommend additional treatments such as minoxidil, topical steroids and nutrient supplementation.  The concerned client should be aware this can be a very patient process as the hair follicles heal themselves. 
Once scarring has taken place, a hair restoration expert will most likely need to consider additional treatments including PRP or hair transplant.

What Treatment for Advanced Traction Alopecia?
FUE (follicular unit extraction)FUE (follicular unit extraction) in Neograft Philadelphia area involves securing individual hair follicles and re-implanting into the desired areas under simple local anesthesia.  This procedure does not require any significant incisions and thus there is less healing and little risk for scarring. 
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injectionsPRP for hair loss stands for platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is taken from your own blood and contains growth factors to repair hair follices and promote hair growth.  The plasma is directly injected into your scalp in a single setting.

Stem-cells injections
Stem cells for hair loss are the new rage in medicine and will have a large impact on hair restoration for the future.  Exosomes are new territory in regenerative medicine and represent powerful growth signals harnessed from mesenchymal stem cells.  The treatment has been highly promising in both men and female pattern hair loss.
Final Thoughts
Traction alopecia is an alarming and anxiety inducing concern.  Fortunately, with early awareness and intervention, permanent damage can be avoided.  However, if you have noticed that hair loss is not improving then consider consultation with some of the best experts at hair restoration NJ for your needs.   There are numerous ways now both minimally-invasive and non-surgical to treat advanced hair loss. 

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