Studies have shown that certain scalp pulling hairstyles are common among African Americans and may lead to the development of traction alopecia. Traction Alopecia is a gradual hair loss caused by damage to the hair follicle from prolonged and repeated tension on the hair root. This is the most common form of hair loss among African American women. Tight ponytails, braids, knots and buns are some hairstyles that might be your favorite but these hair styles may cause long term damage. Traction Alopecia is entirely preventable and if stopped early you may be able to reverse it with treatments and therapies and preserve the hair.
Hairstyles
Some higher-risk hair styles are braids, dreadlocks, weaves and extensions, especially when applied to chemically straightened hair are more likely to result in hair loss. These styles are popular among African American women because they are low maintenance but the constant pulling of the hair in one direction, the tight locking pattern and added weight can result in significant breakage and eventually lead to traction alopecia.
What can you do?
The first thing to do is so see a specialist to prevent and manage hair loss. Start by loosen up the braids and other high-tension styles, as well as weight on the follicle permanently or periodically. Also alternate your styles, mainly reducing or avoiding tension, to allow follicles to recover from the stress.
Contact the hair specialists at Unique Hair Concepts to learn more.
