Hair Loss News

Having hair extensions or braids is very fashionable and desirable these days, but many people don’t know that they can result in permanent hair loss.

This type of hair loss is called Traction Alopecia and results from a constant strain being put on the hair that has been tightly woven or twisted.   This constant pulling of the hair puts a stress on the hair follicles and if left long enough can cause the hair follicles to be permanently damaged.

If you have braids or hair extensions and your scalp is inflamed or sore, you should have them removed as they may be too tight and therefore could result in you suffering permanent hair loss.

Even if you don’t have any problems you could still be causing damage to your hair follicles.   The problem with wearing braids or extensions for a long period of time is that you may not notice the damage being caused because it can get covered up by the braids or extensions themselves.  Once you remove them after a long period of time, you may notice thinning or balding areas that were previously hidden, but by that time it could be too late.

According to this study below this condition receives minimal attention in medical literature and because of that, a lack of attention in the mainstream media.

Braids and hair extensions, while they look good, can in fact be very damaging to your follicles, so you should think twice about having braids or hair extensions that are woven into your hair.

  Traction folliculitis: an underreported entity.

Cutis. 2007 Jan;79
Fox GN, Stausmire JM, Mehregan DR.
Medical University of Ohio, Toledo, USA. 

Traction folliculitis is a component of traction alopecia syndrome and has received minimal attention in primary source medical literature. The popularity of hairstyles that produce hair traction and the knowledge that early intervention improves prognosis amplify the importance of recognizing this entity. Traction folliculitis presents as perifollicular erythema and pustules on the scalp in areas where hairstyles produce traction on the hair shaft. In addition to the traction, concurrent hair care practices may play a facilitatory role in the development of traction folliculitis.

Treatment involves immediate removal of traction on hair and temporary alteration of the facilitatory hair care practices. In more severe cases, topical or systemic antibacterial therapy and, occasionally, topical corticosteroid therapy may be necessary. Failure to discontinue traction-producing hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia and irreversible hair loss. Cultural considerations often are paramount in hairstyle choices and hair care practices that cause predisposition to traction disorders. Thus, culturally competent counseling requires understanding the significance of the hairstyle and hair care practices to the patient (or caregivers), discussing the recommendations in a culturally sensitive manner, and negotiating mutually acceptable alternative practices.