{"id":1697152,"date":"2026-01-23T11:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T08:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1697152"},"modified":"2026-01-23T11:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T08:15:00","slug":"how-to-spot-and-stop-traction-alopecia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1697152","title":{"rendered":"How to Spot\u2014and Stop\u2014Traction Alopecia"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

How to Spot\u2014and Stop\u2014Traction Alopecia<\/h1>\n

It may be time to give your pony a break.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
By<\/span><\/p>\n
Loren Savini<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Loren\"Loren<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nLoren Savini\n<\/div>\n
\nLoren Savini is a journalist and editor based in Queens, NY. Her coverage of beauty, lifestyle, and culture has been featured in publications including Allure, Boston Magazine, The Washington Post, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Published on January 23, 2026 06:15AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n
    \n
  • \n
    What It Is<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    Causes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    Symptoms<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    Treatments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    Prevention<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  • \n
    The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"woman\"woman<\/div>\n<\/div>
    <\/p>\n

    @justinemarjan\/Instagram<\/p>\n

    <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \n
    \n

    Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

    \n
      \n
    • Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling on the hair.<\/li>\n
    • It can be caused by tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and weaves.<\/li>\n
    • The best treatment for traction alopecia is preventing it all together, so rethink your tight styles if you experience symptoms like scalp soreness and hair loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Scalps are like gardens: It takes a lot of care and minding to keep them lush and healthy. It\u2019s a delicate ecosystem. And while healthy plants\u2014or strands, in this metaphor\u2014are hardy, it’s only to a point. If you pull anything by its roots, you risk damaging the plant and<\/em> the soil.\n<\/p>\n

      Seriously. A healthy scalp leads to strong hair, but repeated stress and pulling can damage the whole system. If you\u2019re a devotee of braids, tight ponytails, or weaves\u2014you may be noticing hair loss or alopecia.\u00a0Alopecia comes in many forms, but traction alopecia (keyword traction<\/em>\u2014referring to pulling) is specific to the stress of tight hairstyles. \u201cProlonged mechanical stress on hair can lead to permanent damage and loss of follicles,\u201d says board-certified dermatologist Andy Goren, MD. Unfortunately, says Goren, once traction alopecia is noticeable, it\u2019s irreversible.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      Thankfully, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doomed to hair loss. If you catch traction alopecia early enough, you can prevent further damage. And if you\u2019re already experiencing it, you still have a few options. To crack the case, we asked Goren, board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, and trichologist Zoe Passam how to identify traction alopecia and stop it in its tracks (no pun intended).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      \n

      Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

      \n
        \n
      • Zoe Passam is a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.\u00a0<\/li>\n
      • Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson and Beverly Hills.<\/li>\n
      • Andy Goren, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Daniel Alain.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        What Is Traction Alopecia?\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n

        \u201cTraction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling forces on the hair,\u201d says Passam. \u201cThis places undue trauma on hair follicles, which, if sustained over a long period of time, can lead to permanent hair loss.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        When you pull tightly on your hair, the follicles become inflamed, damaged, and eventually scarred. \u201cIn the early phases, hair can grow back. However, chronic forms over several years can become scarring, and that is permanent,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

        What Are the Causes of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Traction alopecia doesn\u2019t happen overnight. It\u2019s kind of like coastal erosion\u2014it happens gradually. If you\u2019re repeatedly putting your hair into tight styles over several years, you may notice your hair thinning and possibly not growing back.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        Passam says she often sees it in Black women who come to her clinic since tight hairstyles (like braids and cornrows) are often introduced in early childhood. Sew-in hairstyles, tight ponytails or buns, and wigs can also cause stress on hair follicles. \u201cOthers include those who pull their back in a bun daily\u2014especially while the hair is wet,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

        What Are the Symptoms of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Hair loss is the number one\u2014and potentially the most obvious\u2014symptom of traction alopecia. \u201cIt\u2019s most often seen at the hair margins, where pulling forces tend to be greatest, but it could occur anywhere depending on the hairstyle,\u201d says Passam. \u201cTypically, recession of the frontal hairline will occur, and sometimes the hair loss may be preceded by soreness, itching, and bumps on the scalp,\u201d she adds. Take the soreness and irritation symptoms as warning signs that traction alopecia could occur and jump right into prevention.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        It\u2019s also usually fairly easy to tell traction alopecia apart from another form of hair loss. If you\u2019re losing hair but don\u2019t have a history of wearing it in tight styles, you probably don\u2019t have traction alopecia. You\u2019ll want to see a dermatologist as soon as possible about other causes.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        How to Avoid Traction Alopecia <\/span><\/h2>\n

        To avoid traction alopecia, you\u2019ll want to rethink any tight styles (or at least give your scalp a break from those styles now and again). \u201cTraction alopecia is most frequently induced by hair styling, so avoiding hairstyles that damage hair follicles such as ponytails, tight braiding, flat ironing, and hair extensions reduce the risk of developing traction alopecia,\u201d says Goren.\n<\/p>\n

        \u201cAvoiding chemical treatments, such as color and relaxers, will help to make the hair less susceptible to breakage, and therefore maintain as much hair length as possible,\u201d Passam adds. \u201cMaintaining a good diet, with plenty of protein, will also help to support healthy hair growth.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

        How Traction Alopecia Can Be Treated <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Prevention is the name of the game for traction alopecia. \u201cIt usually develops over several years and is often irreversible unless treated at an early stage,\u201d says Goren. That\u2019s why you want to treat your scalp as kindly as possible and stop the tight styling while you\u2019re ahead. If your scalp is sore, now is a good time to give your hair a break.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        If you\u2019ve already lost hair, recovering it will be a bit harder, if not impossible. \u201cThe possibility of the hair recovering from traction alopecia depends very much on the time since the onset of the hair loss,\u201d says Passam. \u201cIf this is more recent, it is possible that some recovery will be possible, but if it\u2019s more long-standing, it is likely that scarring will have occurred in the follicle, which will, therefore, be unable to regrow a hair.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        Those in the later stages of traction alopecia can see a dermatologist about good old-fashioned topical minoxidil, which is the best bet (although not guaranteed), along with regenerative support like Omi Hair Growth Peptides Capsules.\n<\/p>\n

        The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

        The good news? Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail occasionally will not cause permanent hair loss, and you\u2019ll likely notice some soreness and irritation before you experience irreversible damage. If you avoid those styles or at least give your scalp a long, healthy break, you may be able to prevent traction alopecia and possibly even regrow some of your lost hair. \u201cYou want to see your dermatologist sooner than later,\u201d says Farhang.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        The bad news is that if you\u2019re already experiencing hair loss from tight styles, you\u2019ve likely scarred the follicle, meaning it may not grow back. At that point, your best option is to see a dermatologist about prescription topicals or steroids.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        \n
        Read more:<\/div>\n
          \n
        • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
          \n

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              <\/main><\/p>\n

              \n
              \n
              \n

              If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

              How to Spot\u2014and Stop\u2014Traction Alopecia<\/h1>\n

              It may be time to give your pony a break.<\/p>\n

              \n
              \n
              \n
              By<\/span><\/p>\n
              Loren Savini<\/p>\n
              \n
              \n
              \n
              \"Loren\"Loren<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \nLoren Savini\n<\/div>\n
              \nLoren Savini is a journalist and editor based in Queens, NY. Her coverage of beauty, lifestyle, and culture has been featured in publications including Allure, Boston Magazine, The Washington Post, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              Published on January 23, 2026 06:15AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              \n
              \n
              \n
              In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n
              \n
              View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n
                \n
              • \n
                What It Is<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                Causes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                Symptoms<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                Treatments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                Prevention<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
              • \n
                The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                \n
                \n
                \n
                \n
                \"woman\"woman<\/div>\n<\/div>
                <\/p>\n

                @justinemarjan\/Instagram<\/p>\n

                <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                \n
                \n

                Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

                \n
                  \n
                • Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling on the hair.<\/li>\n
                • It can be caused by tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and weaves.<\/li>\n
                • The best treatment for traction alopecia is preventing it all together, so rethink your tight styles if you experience symptoms like scalp soreness and hair loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                  Scalps are like gardens: It takes a lot of care and minding to keep them lush and healthy. It\u2019s a delicate ecosystem. And while healthy plants\u2014or strands, in this metaphor\u2014are hardy, it’s only to a point. If you pull anything by its roots, you risk damaging the plant and<\/em> the soil.\n<\/p>\n

                  Seriously. A healthy scalp leads to strong hair, but repeated stress and pulling can damage the whole system. If you\u2019re a devotee of braids, tight ponytails, or weaves\u2014you may be noticing hair loss or alopecia.\u00a0Alopecia comes in many forms, but traction alopecia (keyword traction<\/em>\u2014referring to pulling) is specific to the stress of tight hairstyles. \u201cProlonged mechanical stress on hair can lead to permanent damage and loss of follicles,\u201d says board-certified dermatologist Andy Goren, MD. Unfortunately, says Goren, once traction alopecia is noticeable, it\u2019s irreversible.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                  Thankfully, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doomed to hair loss. If you catch traction alopecia early enough, you can prevent further damage. And if you\u2019re already experiencing it, you still have a few options. To crack the case, we asked Goren, board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, and trichologist Zoe Passam how to identify traction alopecia and stop it in its tracks (no pun intended).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                  \n

                  Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

                  \n
                    \n
                  • Zoe Passam is a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.\u00a0<\/li>\n
                  • Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson and Beverly Hills.<\/li>\n
                  • Andy Goren, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Daniel Alain.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    What Is Traction Alopecia?\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    \u201cTraction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling forces on the hair,\u201d says Passam. \u201cThis places undue trauma on hair follicles, which, if sustained over a long period of time, can lead to permanent hair loss.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    When you pull tightly on your hair, the follicles become inflamed, damaged, and eventually scarred. \u201cIn the early phases, hair can grow back. However, chronic forms over several years can become scarring, and that is permanent,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

                    What Are the Causes of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Traction alopecia doesn\u2019t happen overnight. It\u2019s kind of like coastal erosion\u2014it happens gradually. If you\u2019re repeatedly putting your hair into tight styles over several years, you may notice your hair thinning and possibly not growing back.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    Passam says she often sees it in Black women who come to her clinic since tight hairstyles (like braids and cornrows) are often introduced in early childhood. Sew-in hairstyles, tight ponytails or buns, and wigs can also cause stress on hair follicles. \u201cOthers include those who pull their back in a bun daily\u2014especially while the hair is wet,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

                    What Are the Symptoms of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Hair loss is the number one\u2014and potentially the most obvious\u2014symptom of traction alopecia. \u201cIt\u2019s most often seen at the hair margins, where pulling forces tend to be greatest, but it could occur anywhere depending on the hairstyle,\u201d says Passam. \u201cTypically, recession of the frontal hairline will occur, and sometimes the hair loss may be preceded by soreness, itching, and bumps on the scalp,\u201d she adds. Take the soreness and irritation symptoms as warning signs that traction alopecia could occur and jump right into prevention.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    It\u2019s also usually fairly easy to tell traction alopecia apart from another form of hair loss. If you\u2019re losing hair but don\u2019t have a history of wearing it in tight styles, you probably don\u2019t have traction alopecia. You\u2019ll want to see a dermatologist as soon as possible about other causes.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    How to Avoid Traction Alopecia <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    To avoid traction alopecia, you\u2019ll want to rethink any tight styles (or at least give your scalp a break from those styles now and again). \u201cTraction alopecia is most frequently induced by hair styling, so avoiding hairstyles that damage hair follicles such as ponytails, tight braiding, flat ironing, and hair extensions reduce the risk of developing traction alopecia,\u201d says Goren.\n<\/p>\n

                    \u201cAvoiding chemical treatments, such as color and relaxers, will help to make the hair less susceptible to breakage, and therefore maintain as much hair length as possible,\u201d Passam adds. \u201cMaintaining a good diet, with plenty of protein, will also help to support healthy hair growth.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

                    How Traction Alopecia Can Be Treated <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    Prevention is the name of the game for traction alopecia. \u201cIt usually develops over several years and is often irreversible unless treated at an early stage,\u201d says Goren. That\u2019s why you want to treat your scalp as kindly as possible and stop the tight styling while you\u2019re ahead. If your scalp is sore, now is a good time to give your hair a break.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    If you\u2019ve already lost hair, recovering it will be a bit harder, if not impossible. \u201cThe possibility of the hair recovering from traction alopecia depends very much on the time since the onset of the hair loss,\u201d says Passam. \u201cIf this is more recent, it is possible that some recovery will be possible, but if it\u2019s more long-standing, it is likely that scarring will have occurred in the follicle, which will, therefore, be unable to regrow a hair.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    Those in the later stages of traction alopecia can see a dermatologist about good old-fashioned topical minoxidil, which is the best bet (although not guaranteed), along with regenerative support like Omi Hair Growth Peptides Capsules.\n<\/p>\n

                    The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

                    The good news? Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail occasionally will not cause permanent hair loss, and you\u2019ll likely notice some soreness and irritation before you experience irreversible damage. If you avoid those styles or at least give your scalp a long, healthy break, you may be able to prevent traction alopecia and possibly even regrow some of your lost hair. \u201cYou want to see your dermatologist sooner than later,\u201d says Farhang.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                    The bad news is that if you\u2019re already experiencing hair loss from tight styles, you\u2019ve likely scarred the follicle, meaning it may not grow back. At that point, your best option is to see a dermatologist about prescription topicals or steroids.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n
                    \n
                    Read more:<\/div>\n
                      \n
                    • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
                      \n
                      \n
                      \n
                      \n
                      \"woman\"woman<\/div>\n<\/div>
                      <\/p>\n

                      @justinemarjan\/Instagram<\/p>\n

                      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                      \n
                      \n

                      Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

                      \n
                        \n
                      • Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling on the hair.<\/li>\n
                      • It can be caused by tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and weaves.<\/li>\n
                      • The best treatment for traction alopecia is preventing it all together, so rethink your tight styles if you experience symptoms like scalp soreness and hair loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                        Scalps are like gardens: It takes a lot of care and minding to keep them lush and healthy. It\u2019s a delicate ecosystem. And while healthy plants\u2014or strands, in this metaphor\u2014are hardy, it’s only to a point. If you pull anything by its roots, you risk damaging the plant and<\/em> the soil.\n<\/p>\n

                        Seriously. A healthy scalp leads to strong hair, but repeated stress and pulling can damage the whole system. If you\u2019re a devotee of braids, tight ponytails, or weaves\u2014you may be noticing hair loss or alopecia.\u00a0Alopecia comes in many forms, but traction alopecia (keyword traction<\/em>\u2014referring to pulling) is specific to the stress of tight hairstyles. \u201cProlonged mechanical stress on hair can lead to permanent damage and loss of follicles,\u201d says board-certified dermatologist Andy Goren, MD. Unfortunately, says Goren, once traction alopecia is noticeable, it\u2019s irreversible.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                        Thankfully, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doomed to hair loss. If you catch traction alopecia early enough, you can prevent further damage. And if you\u2019re already experiencing it, you still have a few options. To crack the case, we asked Goren, board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, and trichologist Zoe Passam how to identify traction alopecia and stop it in its tracks (no pun intended).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                        \n

                        Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

                        \n
                          \n
                        • Zoe Passam is a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.\u00a0<\/li>\n
                        • Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson and Beverly Hills.<\/li>\n
                        • Andy Goren, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Daniel Alain.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                          What Is Traction Alopecia?\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n

                          \u201cTraction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling forces on the hair,\u201d says Passam. \u201cThis places undue trauma on hair follicles, which, if sustained over a long period of time, can lead to permanent hair loss.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          When you pull tightly on your hair, the follicles become inflamed, damaged, and eventually scarred. \u201cIn the early phases, hair can grow back. However, chronic forms over several years can become scarring, and that is permanent,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

                          What Are the Causes of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

                          Traction alopecia doesn\u2019t happen overnight. It\u2019s kind of like coastal erosion\u2014it happens gradually. If you\u2019re repeatedly putting your hair into tight styles over several years, you may notice your hair thinning and possibly not growing back.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          Passam says she often sees it in Black women who come to her clinic since tight hairstyles (like braids and cornrows) are often introduced in early childhood. Sew-in hairstyles, tight ponytails or buns, and wigs can also cause stress on hair follicles. \u201cOthers include those who pull their back in a bun daily\u2014especially while the hair is wet,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

                          What Are the Symptoms of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

                          Hair loss is the number one\u2014and potentially the most obvious\u2014symptom of traction alopecia. \u201cIt\u2019s most often seen at the hair margins, where pulling forces tend to be greatest, but it could occur anywhere depending on the hairstyle,\u201d says Passam. \u201cTypically, recession of the frontal hairline will occur, and sometimes the hair loss may be preceded by soreness, itching, and bumps on the scalp,\u201d she adds. Take the soreness and irritation symptoms as warning signs that traction alopecia could occur and jump right into prevention.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          It\u2019s also usually fairly easy to tell traction alopecia apart from another form of hair loss. If you\u2019re losing hair but don\u2019t have a history of wearing it in tight styles, you probably don\u2019t have traction alopecia. You\u2019ll want to see a dermatologist as soon as possible about other causes.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          How to Avoid Traction Alopecia <\/span><\/h2>\n

                          To avoid traction alopecia, you\u2019ll want to rethink any tight styles (or at least give your scalp a break from those styles now and again). \u201cTraction alopecia is most frequently induced by hair styling, so avoiding hairstyles that damage hair follicles such as ponytails, tight braiding, flat ironing, and hair extensions reduce the risk of developing traction alopecia,\u201d says Goren.\n<\/p>\n

                          \u201cAvoiding chemical treatments, such as color and relaxers, will help to make the hair less susceptible to breakage, and therefore maintain as much hair length as possible,\u201d Passam adds. \u201cMaintaining a good diet, with plenty of protein, will also help to support healthy hair growth.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

                          How Traction Alopecia Can Be Treated <\/span><\/h2>\n

                          Prevention is the name of the game for traction alopecia. \u201cIt usually develops over several years and is often irreversible unless treated at an early stage,\u201d says Goren. That\u2019s why you want to treat your scalp as kindly as possible and stop the tight styling while you\u2019re ahead. If your scalp is sore, now is a good time to give your hair a break.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          If you\u2019ve already lost hair, recovering it will be a bit harder, if not impossible. \u201cThe possibility of the hair recovering from traction alopecia depends very much on the time since the onset of the hair loss,\u201d says Passam. \u201cIf this is more recent, it is possible that some recovery will be possible, but if it\u2019s more long-standing, it is likely that scarring will have occurred in the follicle, which will, therefore, be unable to regrow a hair.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          Those in the later stages of traction alopecia can see a dermatologist about good old-fashioned topical minoxidil, which is the best bet (although not guaranteed), along with regenerative support like Omi Hair Growth Peptides Capsules.\n<\/p>\n

                          The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

                          The good news? Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail occasionally will not cause permanent hair loss, and you\u2019ll likely notice some soreness and irritation before you experience irreversible damage. If you avoid those styles or at least give your scalp a long, healthy break, you may be able to prevent traction alopecia and possibly even regrow some of your lost hair. \u201cYou want to see your dermatologist sooner than later,\u201d says Farhang.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                          The bad news is that if you\u2019re already experiencing hair loss from tight styles, you\u2019ve likely scarred the follicle, meaning it may not grow back. At that point, your best option is to see a dermatologist about prescription topicals or steroids.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                          \n
                          \n

                          Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

                          \n
                            \n
                          • Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling on the hair.<\/li>\n
                          • It can be caused by tight hairstyles like ponytails, buns, and weaves.<\/li>\n
                          • The best treatment for traction alopecia is preventing it all together, so rethink your tight styles if you experience symptoms like scalp soreness and hair loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                            Scalps are like gardens: It takes a lot of care and minding to keep them lush and healthy. It\u2019s a delicate ecosystem. And while healthy plants\u2014or strands, in this metaphor\u2014are hardy, it’s only to a point. If you pull anything by its roots, you risk damaging the plant and<\/em> the soil.\n<\/p>\n

                            Seriously. A healthy scalp leads to strong hair, but repeated stress and pulling can damage the whole system. If you\u2019re a devotee of braids, tight ponytails, or weaves\u2014you may be noticing hair loss or alopecia.\u00a0Alopecia comes in many forms, but traction alopecia (keyword traction<\/em>\u2014referring to pulling) is specific to the stress of tight hairstyles. \u201cProlonged mechanical stress on hair can lead to permanent damage and loss of follicles,\u201d says board-certified dermatologist Andy Goren, MD. Unfortunately, says Goren, once traction alopecia is noticeable, it\u2019s irreversible.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                            Thankfully, that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doomed to hair loss. If you catch traction alopecia early enough, you can prevent further damage. And if you\u2019re already experiencing it, you still have a few options. To crack the case, we asked Goren, board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, and trichologist Zoe Passam how to identify traction alopecia and stop it in its tracks (no pun intended).\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                            \n

                            Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

                            \n
                              \n
                            • Zoe Passam is a consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley.\u00a0<\/li>\n
                            • Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Tucson and Beverly Hills.<\/li>\n
                            • Andy Goren, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer of Daniel Alain.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                              What Is Traction Alopecia?\u00a0 <\/span><\/h2>\n

                              \u201cTraction alopecia is a type of hair loss which occurs as a result of repeated, prolonged pulling forces on the hair,\u201d says Passam. \u201cThis places undue trauma on hair follicles, which, if sustained over a long period of time, can lead to permanent hair loss.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              When you pull tightly on your hair, the follicles become inflamed, damaged, and eventually scarred. \u201cIn the early phases, hair can grow back. However, chronic forms over several years can become scarring, and that is permanent,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

                              What Are the Causes of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

                              Traction alopecia doesn\u2019t happen overnight. It\u2019s kind of like coastal erosion\u2014it happens gradually. If you\u2019re repeatedly putting your hair into tight styles over several years, you may notice your hair thinning and possibly not growing back.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              Passam says she often sees it in Black women who come to her clinic since tight hairstyles (like braids and cornrows) are often introduced in early childhood. Sew-in hairstyles, tight ponytails or buns, and wigs can also cause stress on hair follicles. \u201cOthers include those who pull their back in a bun daily\u2014especially while the hair is wet,\u201d says Farhang.\n<\/p>\n

                              What Are the Symptoms of Traction Alopecia? <\/span><\/h2>\n

                              Hair loss is the number one\u2014and potentially the most obvious\u2014symptom of traction alopecia. \u201cIt\u2019s most often seen at the hair margins, where pulling forces tend to be greatest, but it could occur anywhere depending on the hairstyle,\u201d says Passam. \u201cTypically, recession of the frontal hairline will occur, and sometimes the hair loss may be preceded by soreness, itching, and bumps on the scalp,\u201d she adds. Take the soreness and irritation symptoms as warning signs that traction alopecia could occur and jump right into prevention.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              It\u2019s also usually fairly easy to tell traction alopecia apart from another form of hair loss. If you\u2019re losing hair but don\u2019t have a history of wearing it in tight styles, you probably don\u2019t have traction alopecia. You\u2019ll want to see a dermatologist as soon as possible about other causes.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              How to Avoid Traction Alopecia <\/span><\/h2>\n

                              To avoid traction alopecia, you\u2019ll want to rethink any tight styles (or at least give your scalp a break from those styles now and again). \u201cTraction alopecia is most frequently induced by hair styling, so avoiding hairstyles that damage hair follicles such as ponytails, tight braiding, flat ironing, and hair extensions reduce the risk of developing traction alopecia,\u201d says Goren.\n<\/p>\n

                              \u201cAvoiding chemical treatments, such as color and relaxers, will help to make the hair less susceptible to breakage, and therefore maintain as much hair length as possible,\u201d Passam adds. \u201cMaintaining a good diet, with plenty of protein, will also help to support healthy hair growth.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

                              How Traction Alopecia Can Be Treated <\/span><\/h2>\n

                              Prevention is the name of the game for traction alopecia. \u201cIt usually develops over several years and is often irreversible unless treated at an early stage,\u201d says Goren. That\u2019s why you want to treat your scalp as kindly as possible and stop the tight styling while you\u2019re ahead. If your scalp is sore, now is a good time to give your hair a break.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              If you\u2019ve already lost hair, recovering it will be a bit harder, if not impossible. \u201cThe possibility of the hair recovering from traction alopecia depends very much on the time since the onset of the hair loss,\u201d says Passam. \u201cIf this is more recent, it is possible that some recovery will be possible, but if it\u2019s more long-standing, it is likely that scarring will have occurred in the follicle, which will, therefore, be unable to regrow a hair.\u201d\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              Those in the later stages of traction alopecia can see a dermatologist about good old-fashioned topical minoxidil, which is the best bet (although not guaranteed), along with regenerative support like Omi Hair Growth Peptides Capsules.\n<\/p>\n

                              The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

                              The good news? Wearing your hair in a tight ponytail occasionally will not cause permanent hair loss, and you\u2019ll likely notice some soreness and irritation before you experience irreversible damage. If you avoid those styles or at least give your scalp a long, healthy break, you may be able to prevent traction alopecia and possibly even regrow some of your lost hair. \u201cYou want to see your dermatologist sooner than later,\u201d says Farhang.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              The bad news is that if you\u2019re already experiencing hair loss from tight styles, you\u2019ve likely scarred the follicle, meaning it may not grow back. At that point, your best option is to see a dermatologist about prescription topicals or steroids.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                              Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/traction-alopecia-causes-prevention-and-treatment-11890471<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. How to Spot\u2014and Stop\u2014Traction Alopecia It may be time to give your pony a break. By Loren Savini Loren Savini Loren Savini is a journalist and editor based in Queens, NY. Her coverage of beauty, lifestyle, and culture has been featured in publications including […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1697153,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1697152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1697152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1697152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1697152\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1697153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1697152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1697152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1697152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}