Regardless of age, it’s normal to want to sport the latest fashion trends and styles. Wearing hats, beanies, headbands, and certain hairstyles can lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss is called Traction Alopecia. What causes Traction Alopecia? Added pressure, pulling, strain, and tension on hair, and hair follicles, causing hair to become stressed. Hairstyles that cause Traction Alopecia are:
Buns
Both men and women can sport buns. When tied tight, this hairstyle causes stress and tension resulting from constant tugging and pulling on hair roots. Regularly worn, this hairstyle can lead to the scalp becoming itchy and red, leading to hairs breaking off. When sporting a bun, go easy on the tightness.
Dreadlocks
Known as dreads, the earliest use of dreadlocks can be dated as far back as the Minoan Civilization. Dreads are formed by matting and braiding using the “twist and rip” technique along with backcombing and rolling, forming locks, or dreadlocks. Hair follicles can become clogged over time. Increased tension and stress can be caused because of the pressure put on hair due to the way this hairstyle is styled. Hair follicles becoming clogged increase the risk of infection due to oil build up.
Cornrows
This hairstyle can be traced as far back as 3000 B.C. Cornrows are also known as canerows in the Caribbean. Cornrows are braided and woven very close to the scalp. This hairstyle causes hair and hair follicles to become stressed because of the pressure that is put on hair. Hair follicles may become clogged and can lead to infection.
Weaves
Made through use of hair extensions. Used to thicken, extend, or even make hair appear shorter. Hair extensions are glued, woven or taped and anchored directly onto hair or the scalp. Daily use of weaves may be useful for styling, but daily use damages the scalp adds stress and pressure to hair, strains hair, and can cause scarring. Weaves worn daily can also lead to permanent alopecia.
Braids
Braids are formed by interlacing or weaving multiple hairs together to create a braid. The intricate interlacing and weaving of hair together for styles like the French Braid can add stress and tension to hair caused by hair being pulled back to form this style, adding traction.
Ponytails
This may be the easiest way to tie hair together, and the most convenient to maintain. If tied back tight, ponytails add stress and tension to hair caused by hair being pulled back.
Although each hairstyle may lead to traction alopecia, permanent alopecia can be avoided by wearing hair loose, avoiding chemicals and heat that will damage hair, and washing your hair regularly to avoid clogging of hair follicles.
