Everyone loves styling the hair, isn’t it? But, no one loves the idea of suffering from conditions that become a nightmare. Traction alopecia is one of the common conditions that are responsible for causing hair loss. It happens due to the repeated that pulling force exerted On The Hair. Besides, it happens over time and is often unidentifiable until one suffers from a severe hair loss condition. So you must be wondering about how to figure out traction alopecia when is it too late.
The signs with permanent traction alopecia are like excessive hair fall and soreness in the scalp. Pain after releasing the hair from a tight bun or ponytail is common. Prominent and severe follicle damage, redness, inflammations are some additional symptoms.
You must be of the habit of wearing the hair in the form of the braid or also that tight ponytail. But you have never thought about how it can damage the hair, and in this regard, sometimes it happens to start suffering from traction alopecia.
Highlight on traction alopecia and the causes
The question traction alopecia when is it too late has a simple answer. When there is repeated tension and pulling on the hair over time, it causes mechanical damage to the hair follicles and dermal papilla. Such a condition is responsible for loosening the hair shaft from the follicle resulting in a gradual hair loss. This condition is referred to as traction alopecia and is common among people who are habituated to wearing tight braid ponytails or buns. It leads to High Tension pulling as well as hair breakage.
The causes associated with traction alopecia:
There are numerous causes responsible for inviting traction alopecia.
- Wearing the same hairstyle over a long time like the cornrows, weaves, braids, tight ponytails
- The frequent use of hair rollers, hair bands, hairpins, clips, and other such accessories
- The utilization of the tight headgears and the helmets for the longest time
- Long and heavy locks weigh down the hair, thus leading to the pulling effect on the follicles
- The habit of twisting the hair tightly. Besides, a similar condition is common among men who keep twisting their beard
- Tightly pulling hair repeatedly with the hands due to the compulsive disorder is referred to as trichotillomania
Now, let’s jump to the most important section.
How do you know its traction alopecia when is it too late?
There a sudden symptoms that you will have to consider as a warning sign.
- You will have headaches due to the tightness of the hairstyle.
- There will be the chances of white bumps or small flesh-colored eruptions on the scalp around follicles in the earliest stage.
- Redness of the scalp
- Prolonged inflammation on the scalp is also referred to as folliculitis.
- Tenderness, scaling, itching of the scalp
- Scalp sensitivity after untying the hair
- Symmetrical and gradual hair loss usually around the front and side hairlines
A highlight on the stages of traction alopecia
Traction alopecia in the early stages involves affecting the hair follicles being pushed into the telogen resting state alongside localized trauma to the hair follicles. All such conditions happen as a result of hair shafts being forcibly pulled. Again, you will notice that the hair follicle ceases to grow in the telogen phase, and localized alopecia results from it.
Traction alopecia early stages
wanting answers for early stage traction alopecia when is it too late? Typically, traction alopecia in the early stages presidents conditions like affected hair follicles being pushed into the telogen resting state. Besides, you can also notice the localized trauma to the hair follicle. This is the condition that happens as a result of hair shafts being forcibly pulled. Again, you can notice that the hair follicle ceases to grow when it comes to the telogen phase. Besides, it also comes with the involvement of the localized alopecia results.
Late-stage traction alopecia
Late traction alopecia ends up with the end-stage traction alopecia scarring. The problem that happens as a consequence is that it is frequently non-diagnostic. Therapy for alopecia at such a stage is prevention. Patient education in the form of the steps for reducing hair and scalp tension is essential.
Early diagnosis and prevention can help at times. But sometimes, it becomes too troublesome to recover. Late-stage Tension Alopecia undergoes difficulty in the permanent traction alopecia treatment, and most medical experts consider it irreversible.
Is it possible to notice the primary signs?
Sometimes, it takes longer than usual for the traction alopecia to appear before you notice any hair loss. Traction alopecia usually happens slowly. So it may take time for you to notice that the hairline is starting to recede. Whenever you notice the thinning in the frontal hairline, especially around the ears, make sure that you take care of it.
Always be aware of the changes to the thickness, texture as well as strength of the hair. The warning signs of traction alopecia are something that you always can’t feel. Other warning signs will be coming up with it. It happens right around the target area, and small bumps on the blisters on the scalp are common. Sometimes you may notice the whitehead-looking pustules.
Pro-tip that can manage the complexities
How to stop traction alopecia? Notice signs of traction alopecia and prevent it from getting worse.
- First of all, make sure that you change your styling habits that are leading to the damage. Do not apply the weighty extensions or also the friction in using accessories. Once you stop doing that, make sure to work properly, clean the scalp, and minimize the additional strain.
- Topical minoxidil has always performed as a good medicine that can help traction alopecia regrowth of the hair. It is the FDA-approved treatment formula, especially for female pattern hair loss. Besides, it is beneficial for the promotion of hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia.
- Again during the treatment of the condition, you can go to the Dermatologist who can give you the low dose steroid injection. It helps in soothing down the inflammation that is responsible for the sensations.
- The management of the symptoms before it is too late can give you good benefits.
- The good news that you can prevent the traction alopecia from happening
- The first step is to identify when a broadening hairline is becoming irreversible. Make sure that you stay away from the tight braid. Do not ignore the itching on the scalp.
- Whenever you’re wearing the hair, always make sure to prevent traction alopecia by not encouraging the wrong hair care methods. It can give the additional shield to long-term or permanent damage.
- Also, make sure about minimizing the tugging on the hair follicles even if you have protective styles like the braids of the sew-in weaves.
How long does it take traction alopecia to grow back?
Traction alopecia finds a solution within six months if treated early. There may be chances of it taking as long as one year for a damaged scalp to regrow hair in severe cases. Badly traumatized hair follicles are over a long period, and scar tissue generation lessens the chances of hair growing back by itself.
So now the question is traction alopecia reversible?
The simple and truthful answer is, NO, NOT ALWAYS! Whenever the hair is repeatedly pulled tight and in the same manner, it will be leading to damage and stress. You cannot stop that from happening unless you’re taking care of it. Usually, people neglect the repeated symptoms. You cannot expect traction alopecia to happen in a day. Prolonged neglectful behavior towards the warning signs is responsible for fostering the damage.
However, you can keep away this damage and stress to the hair follicle if you don’t want the gradual and permanent traction alopecia.
Keep natural and lose hair
Women who always wear tight ponytails, Ballerina Bun, extensions, braids, or weaves should stop doing their hair very tightly. Give the hairs and the scalp a break from the tension and the pulling. Look for protective hairstyles that can reverse the condition of the traction alopecia. Choose the styles that will be natural and lose and won’t be ruining your scalp.
Use medicated treatment solutions.
You can keep away the conditions with the help of looking for alternate styles. Also, look for the thinning of The bald spots and apply the medicated treatment formulas. This will give relief to the hair follicles against extensive stress.
Opt for hairstylist care
Do not opt for ponytails, buns, braids, or hair extensions. Also, it’s worth taking the expert assistance regarding what kind of hairstyles will be suitable for reversing such conditions. The hairstylists will give you the practices to hide the traction alopecia while also minimizing the repeated insult to the hair follicles. Sometimes Sporting the ponytail is ok but remember that you cannot wear it through the day.
No repeated strain on the hair
Whenever you allow it to stay in position for the day, you are allowing more of the tension. Never sleep with the hair pulled back. Rather allow the gentle hair ties to alternate wearing the hair up and down. Whenever your head is loose and natural, it gives the option to breathe and relax from the repeated friction and strain.
remove buildup
When choosing the hair care products, make sure that you’re cleaning the scalp and washing it away from the Residue and the buildup. This will be making sure up improving the signs. Remember that you can give a stop to the styling hairstyles that continuously pull your hair. Wearing the head loose and natural is one of the best ways for reversing the traction alopecia. That said, one of the best tips and tricks for styling hair for people suffering from traction alopecia is to go ahead with cutting bangs or getting the Bob cut, or using the hair fibers.
say “NO” to chemical treatments
Traction alopecia also happens due to the chemically processing of the hair. Certain chemical treatments like a permanent and semi-permanent hair color, chemical straightener, or bleachers can be responsible for that. Relaxers also worked for disrupting the The follicle structure. That said, the hair becomes fragile and brittle, leading to scalpel irritation and the hair fall out.
Besides ponytail that stresses the hair or maybe the non-professional installation of the hair extensions is the prime element leading to the traction alopecia. Improper installation is responsible for wearing down the hair, thus leading to traction alopecia. Sometimes it happens so that the gap between the professional hair extensions and the do-it-yourself kind of chemical applications can be responsible for it.
Some people are of the habit of using the extensions and the wigs immediately without following instructions. But they do not have an idea regarding how it can harm their head. Besides, the Glue that they apply to the hair while fixing the extensions is also responsible for the condition. For avoiding the pitfalls of the unsafe techniques that your hair is facing is always good to consult a professional hairstylist who can install the extensions property.
Besides, you need to inform the hairstyles regarding how you are suffering from traction alopecia. Consult the Dermatologist for the later stages about what are the prominent signs of permanent traction alopecia.
When does it become very necessary to consult the doctor?
In case you notice that none of these options works out, you should talk to the doctor. No need to panic! The dermatologists’ opinion can work wonders. Again, if you’re noticing that you are following all the remedial practices while also taking herbal medications and it’s not working, it’s worth visiting then Dermatologist and doctor. At such times, the doctor will perform the tests like the biopsy to identify the other possible causes for the hair loss.
There are many solutions for helping you transition away from the thin and the damaged hair back to natural and healthy hair growth. Some dermatologists will also let you know regarding the PRP hair treatment regarding the treatment of traction alopecia. This is one of the ideal treatments that utilize minoxidil as the prime treatment formula. This is effective but also needs to follow other care options.
The other option for curing traction alopecia is a hair transplant. If you notice that your problem has become permanent, you can switch to a hair transplant. Most hairstyles typically apply tension to the hairline as well as a crown. Balding is quite common in such times, and it becomes critical for your appearance. Implants into the balding areas can also prove to be the best. The remarkable part of the transplant is that you will be getting the permanent solution with a natural-looking appeal. Besides, it will also be giving you the natural-looking and long-lasting Shine.
There is many alternative treatment Formula that can treat alopecia. They are as follows:
- Topical application of the minoxidil for traction alopecia leads to the Regrowth of the hair.
- Topical applications of the steroids for the reduction of the scalp inflammation
- Antibiotic ointment alongside the antifungal shampoo for the prevention of the occurrence of the scalp infections
- Follicle strengthening elements like the biotin supplements
FAQs
How long does it take to get traction alopecia
How to get traction alopecia treatment at home?
What is the span that it takes for the hair to grow back?
Can traction alopecia be reversed?
You can reverse the traction alopecia, and the hair starts going back to its normal way, but this is possible only when you stop pulling the hair while preventing it from any kind of causative factor. When your query is, can you reverse traction alopecia, make sure that there is no application of the stress on the hair shaft. But you will have to consider identifying it in time. If you haven’t identified the condition correctly and acted upon it soon enough, then there may be the highest chances of hair loss, and it becomes completely permanent.
Final words
You’ve got the answer to the query traction alopecia when is it too late. So, if you have been noticing similar signs lately, stop overlooking them and start taking the necessary steps. The steps can ensure that you can be free from the chances of traction alopecia. Besides, you’ll get the possibility to get the hair back never take the symptoms lightly. Rather always look for the steps that can help in the maintenance of hair health.