Traction Alopecia on Temples

Hair loss due to severe traction alopecia may respond to medical treatment (such as Steroids, minoxidil) , while advanced cases that have resulted in scarring alopecia would not respond to medical treatment.  If you notice the peripheral thinning early on, the hair may have a chance to grow back. I advise that you first stop braiding your hair. Traction alopecia can worsen, and hair loss can spread from the temples to the entire anterior and posterior hairline. Next, I advise you to consult a dermatologist for a closer look. If the trauma from your traction alopecia is severe, you will need a hair transplant.

Traction alopecia may be treated with hair transplant surgery. See a doctor for a proper exam.  Hairs usually do not grow back on its own.

Your alopecia (hair loss) may or may not be permanent.

Permanent hair loss is the result of permanently damaged hair follicles which may occur after years and years of braiding your hair.  The tight pulling may lead to repeated trauma to the follicle and ultimately killing the follicle and permanent hair loss.  Once the trauma from braiding is stopped, then there shouldn't be anymore hair loss (however it would be unusual to regain any of the lost hair).

There are two things you can and should do right now:

1) I agree with the other answers here – you (or anyone) who suspects this type of hair damage from braiding, especially the kind that results in a tight braid, should immediately stop. 

2) See a hair loss specialist as soon as possible to assess the damage and decide on the best course of action.  If the hair follicles are not damaged, then topical minoxidil may help. If the follicles are permanently damaged, then surgical hair restoration may be your only option.  Modern surgical hair transplant techniques, however, create excellent natural looking results, so don’t despair if in fact you’ve accidentally, permanently damaged your hair.

 

Using tight braids for years can cause permanent hair loss. Looking at the photo you provided looks like you have some scarring alopecia from your tight braids. The only real solution to this is hair transplantation. Contact a hair transplant specialist to get options on treatment,
Dr. Robert Jones

Prolonged tension on the hair follicle can lead to scar tissue that replaces the hair follicle leading to permanent loss of hair.  Common areas involved are located on the periphery of the scalp where the tension is greatest in those patients who wear tight braids.  The best treatment is removing tension to avoiding scarring.  Before scarring occurs, intralesional or topical steroids can be helpful.  If scarring has occurred, hair transplantation can help fill in the involved areas.  Consult with your dermatologist to determine if there is permanent loss of hair. -Dr. Keaney