Traction Alopecia: How to Spot It and Protect Your Hairline

Traction alopecia is a common, yet often misunderstood, its type of hair loss sneaks up on many of us without warning. It’s the result of repeated tension on hair follicles over time, and it typically happens along the hairline or areas where hair is pulled tight. It's commonly seen in dancers and gymnasts who wear their hair up regularly. Understanding what causes it and making a few tweaks to your routine can help prevent it or even reverse it if you catch it early enough.

What Causes Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia happens because of constant pulling on the hair follicles. Tight hairstyles are the main culprit here, and some common styles associated with this type of hair loss include:

• Tight ponytails or buns: Pulling hair back too tightly, especially in the same style day after day, puts excessive strain on the roots.
• Braids and cornrows: While they look beautiful, tight braiding or cornrows (especially if extensions are added) can cause prolonged tension on the follicles.
• Extensions and weaves: The added weight from extensions and the glue or bonding materials can stress the scalp and lead to hair loss, especially if they’re worn frequently.

Traction alopecia can impact anyone, but people with delicate or fine hair are more prone to experiencing it. The scalp simply cannot handle continuous tension without eventually reacting.

Things to Avoid if You Want to Protect Your Hairline

If you’re noticing signs of traction alopecia, like tenderness on the scalp or small bumps (signs of inflammation), it’s time to take action. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Loosen up your styles! Giving your scalp a break with looser hairstyles like low ponytails, loose buns, or “wash and go” styles can relieve unnecessary tension.

2. Skip Extensions for a While: Give your natural hair time to breathe, especially if you’ve been using extensions frequently. Your follicles will thank you for the break. 

3. Say No to Glue and Tight Bonds: Gluing extensions directly onto the scalp or using tight bonding methods stresses the hair and makes it harder to maintain scalp health. Opt for alternative styling options if possible. But if it's something you use as a security, always see an experienced extension specialist to avoid damage.

4. Limit Heat Styling: Using excessive heat on already stressed areas can weaken the hair further, increasing the risk of permanent loss. Stick to air drying when you can, or use low heat settings and dry without tension from brushes.

Can Traction Alopecia Cause Permanent Hair Loss?

Yes, it can. If left untreated, the constant tension can damage the follicle permanently, causing hair not to grow back in the affected areas. The longer the traction continues, the more likely it is for permanent hair loss to occur. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs early and give your hair and scalp the TLC they deserve.

What To Do If You’re Noticing Hair Loss

If you’re starting to see thinning along the hairline or notice areas that look sparser than usual, here are some steps to consider:

1. Switch Up Your Style: As suggested above; Give those follicles a break! Opt for styles that don’t pull on your roots and alternate between different hairstyles to spread out any tension or better yet, wear your hair loose.

2. Scalp Care is Key: A healthy scalp encourages healthy hair growth. Treat yourself to regular scalp massages using nourishing oils. Look for oils rich in antioxidants, like argan or vitamin E, stimulating oils like castor or rosemary and healing oils like hemp seed which can be gently massaged into the scalp to increase circulation and stimulate the hair follicles while providing a healthy environment to grow strong hair.

3. Look for Hair Strengthening Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and treatments containing ingredients like protein, biotin, and peptides can help strengthen weakened hair.

4. Look for vasodilating properties: Treatments to help aid in circulation, increasing blood flow to the follicle to help with nutrient delivery.                     

5. Consider Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): LLLT can be an effective treatment for hair loss, including traction alopecia. The gentle red light therapy penetrates the scalp, increasing energy to produce ATP through cellular activity; stimulates hair follicles, promoting healthier, stronger hair growth.

6. Consult with a Trichologist: For more persistent cases, a trichologist can help you develop a customized treatment plan and guide you on the best next steps. Early intervention can make a big difference in the results.

Keeping Your Hair Healthy While Avoiding Traction Alopecia

Maintaining a healthy hair care routine is essential. Here are some additional tips to keep your hair strong and resilient:

• Protect Your Hair While Sleeping: Use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction, which is gentler on both your scalp and hair.
• Avoid Overloading on Products: Excessive use of styling products, especially those with harsh chemicals, can weaken the hair over time. Look for products that are free from sulfates, silicones, and drying alcohols to keep your scalp balanced and hair strong.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet: The foundation of healthy hair begins within. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods rich in vitamins A, E, and omega 3s can support healthy hair growth from the inside out. Check out our blog from nutrition from within to learn more.

Hair routine for re-growth

If you’re ready to boost your hair’s growth and strength, this plant-based routine will be your go-to! Our products, with vasodilation properties, support healthier hair from root to tip, promoting blood flow and nutrient absorption. Here’s a step-by-step routine that you can follow regularly for optimal results:

Step 1: Nourish and Stimulate Your Scalp with Nourished by Oil

Begin by applying Nourished by Oil to your scalp. This nourishing oil is packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that help balance the scalp and encourage a healthy foundation for growth. Here’s how to do it:

• Apply Nourished by Oil to the scalp, focusing on any areas where you’ve noticed thinning or hair loss.
• Massage the oil into the scalp for 5–10 minutes. Scalp massage is key here—it helps stimulate blood flow and increases the product’s effectiveness.
• Let the oil sit for a few minutes, allowing it to deeply penetrate and soften any build-up on the scalp before cleansing.

Step 2: Cleanse Gently with Stimulate and Strengthen

Next, it’s time to cleanse the scalp and hair to remove any buildup while retaining moisture.

• Wet your hair thoroughly and apply a small amount of Stimulate and Strengthen cleanser to your scalp.
• Massage gently to avoid any unnecessary friction that might stress your hair.
• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to avoid stripping your scalp of natural oils.

Step 3: Apply Reinforcement to Enhance Blood Flow and Nutrient Absorption

This step helps create the ideal environment for hair growth by boosting circulation to the scalp and enhancing nutrient absorption.

• After washing, apply Reinforcement directly to your scalp and hair.
• Massage it in lightly, focusing again on areas where you’re noticing hair loss or thinning.
• Reinforcement increases blood flow, bringing essential nutrients to the hair follicles to encourage growth.

Step 4: Incorporate Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

For a little extra boost, consider using LLLT therapy in your routine. This gentle, non-invasive red light therapy can penetrate the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles for improved growth results.

• Use your LLLT device according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 10–15 minutes.
• For best results, do this 2–3 times per week. It’s a great time to relax and unwind!

Step 5: Daily Care with Revitalise Serum

This is your leave-on treatment, designed to continue working throughout the day.

• Apply Revitalise Serum directly to areas of the scalp that need extra care and attention.
• Gently massage it into the affected areas. This serum works as a daily treatment, so no need to rinse it out—just let it work its magic as you go about your day.

After-Care Tips

To support the effectiveness of this routine, as suggested above, here are a few tips to follow:

• Avoid tight hairstyles that can create tension on the scalp.
• Sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction and protect fragile hair.
• Stay hydrated and nourish your body with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support hair health.

With consistent use, this routine can give your hair the best chance to grow stronger, healthier, and fuller. Stick with it, and let your hair thrive naturally!

Final Thoughts

Traction alopecia doesn’t have to be a long-term issue if you spot it early and take steps to reduce the strain on your hair follicles. Simple adjustments to your styling routine, some scalp care love, and giving your hair breaks between tension-heavy styles can go a long way.