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Experts in This Article
is a certified trichologist and hair colorist.
I loved the freedom they gave me.
I no longer had to invest 20 minutes daily carefully detangling and styling my multi-textured hair.
I had my box braids professionally redone every eight to ten weeks.
However, after 18 months of getting braids consistently, I noticed that my edges were thinning.
is a certified trichologist and hair colorist.
What is traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia is hair loss sparked by repeated pulling or tension on the scalp.
What causes traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia can be due to any hairstyle that excessively pulls or places tension on the scalp.
They are no longer deemed protective when done improperly, Hill says.
Theyre more so styles of convenience as they can cause more harm than good when done tightly.
Be mindful when adding hair to your style that it isnt heavy or carries significant weight, she warns.
What are the signs of traction alopecia?
How to treat traction alopecia?
is a certified trichologist and hair colorist.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help minimize hair loss and improve your overall hair health.
It happens over time.
There is nothing you’re able to do to reverse it at that stage, she tells us.
Hence, a hair transplant may be your only viable option if that is the case.
What can we do to prevent traction alopecia?
The best way to avoid traction alopecia is to avoid tight hairdos altogether, advises Dr. Truesdale.
Opt for looser styles to reduce tension on the hair instead, suggests Hill.
Thankfully, traction alopecia is preventable and reversible in many cases, especially if you act fast.
Will I ever cop back to the convenience of protective styling again?
Most likely, yes.
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