Traction Alopecia as a Cause of Hair Loss  

Some people get used to wearing a particular hairstyle for a very long time.  It is possible to know people that never changed their look since they were kids.  No harm right?  One likes what one likes.  That however, is not entirely true.  There is definitely something to be said about moderation in everything, because wearing one’s hair the same way for too long, especially if in a ponytail, can lead to an increasingly common hair loss condition called traction alopecia.

   

 

  

Women from Greenland were the first to be diagnosed in 1907.  These women, who constantly tied their hair back in a ponytail, suffered damage in the dermal papilla and hair follicles.  This was due to the constant tight pulling of the hair in one direction.  Currently, there are many African American women that suffer from traction alopecia due to styles that rely heavily on braids.  Amish women also tend to develop this type of hair loss due to their hair being pulled back into tightly held buns.  Because of this very same style, ballerinas tend to develop this condition as well.  This is the reason why traction alopecia is also called ballerina baldness.

 It is not uncommon then for people that have a traditional hairstyle to experience hair loss.  Obviously, women are not the only ones that suffer from ballerina baldness.  In fact, men are more prone to parting their hair a particular way, and this simple act is a risk factor.  Jobs that require men to wear hats, helmets and other headgear are also causes for this kind of alopecia.  The levels of heat and sweating that occur within these cranial accessories isn’t good for hygiene and hair health.  Speaking of hair health, chemicals such as bleaches and dyes weaken hair strands and make them brittle.  Hair fall due to these conditions is also considered traction alopecia.

There is no medical treatment for ballerina baldness.  Once diagnosed however, constantly using relaxed hairstyles will reverse the condition within months.  On an extreme note, if hair loss is at an advanced stage, not much can be done to reverse the malady.  There is only one solution left and that involves hair transplantation.  People that have undergone hair transplants, however, tend to be quite satisfied with the results.  Although potentially expensive, it is a decent answer to the problem.  Using wigs and hair weaving to conceal baldness in this instance is ironically counter-productive as these methods further contribute to hair loss.

If you really must wear a hat, do so sparingly.  People look better with their beautiful hair exposed though, so use head gear only when absolutely required.  Also, it is understandable if tradition and culture calls for a particular hairstyle to be worn everyday.  One really doubts however, that a higher being will punish somebody for wearing their hair down.  For women constantly changing their hairstyles, keep up the good work.  Remember, nobody wants to have hair plugs.  Simple acts like parting your hair differently on a regular basis can help maintain your treasured locks.

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