Are your Hair Extensions causing Traction Alopecia? What is Traction Alopecia? “Alopecia” is a general term for “hair loss”. So what specifically is traction alopecia?
Traction Alopecia is hair loss that is caused by placing repeated stress on a particular hair area or follicle which will in time weaken the actual hair follicle (or follicular funnel) causing the hair to break, shed, or stop growing completely. Some of the most common causes include tight ponytails, braids, and certain hair extension attachment methods.
In some cases, Traction Alopecia can correct itself once the stress on the hair follicle is removed, but in other cases, the hair loss may be permanent and non-reversible. Traction Alopecia occurs most often around the hairline or where hair is already thin or sparse.
Women looking to enhance their hair with hair extensions should inform themselves of the different attachment methods and which ones might lead to Traction Alopecia.
It’s important to know that Traction Alopecia does not always show up as a “bald spot” or patch. Other signs of Traction alopecia include:
- small pimples on your scalp
- redness and itching on your scalp
- widening hair part
- patches of thin or broken hair where the hair has been under strain
- patches of shiny and scarred skin
Hair Extensions and Traction Alopecia
Not all hair extension attachments are created equal, some are a much healthier option for women with fine thin hair looking to avoid losing any hair to Traction Alopecia. When looking for a hair extension attachment that will preserve as much of your own hair as possible it’s important to look for a brand that is weighted to hair replacement standards. A thin lightweight tape-in panel will give your own natural hair the most protection and can even guard the health of your hair during a growing out process.
Other extension methods such as hand-tied and natural beaded row aren’t as forgiving on the hair that is fine or thin. Because hand-tied and natural beaded row extensions aren’t weighted to hair replacement standards, and they are generally placed in the same place every single use, using these methods may place unnecessary stress on fragile hair follicles and in some cases may lead to permanent traction alopecia.
When researching hair extensions, it’s important to find a method that will not damage your natural hair. For most women, the goal is thicker, fuller, more healthy hair, not hair loss! Find a method that works for you and your hair type. Hair Extension Magazine has a ton of resources from our Reviews to our Methods.
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