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

Reversibility of traction alopecia depends on the extent to which scarring has set in, in the affected area. If there is not much of scarring, topical applications would be useful. But if scarring has already set in, it may be better to consider options like hair transplantation.Good luck!

For women with traction alopecia from tight braids the first step is to remove the braids. Minonoxidil can soemtimes help promote hair growth in follicles that were injured (but not permanently damaged)In many individuals with long lasting hair loss, the only definitive means to improve hair is with a hair transplant. Be sure to have a thorough scalp examination to ensure you don't have any other hair loss conditions which would reduce the chances of success of a hair transplant.

Hair loss associated with tight weaves and braiding is known as traction alopecia.  This is very common and is easily treatable with hair  transplantation surgery.  Depending on the area of hair loss, grafts can be placed that will appear natural and undetectable.  The donor site scar also heals remarkably well.  Most onlookers will never know that you had this procedure.  I have been impressed with our treatments using micorgrafting techniques. 

Traction alopecia is sadly very common amongst Black patients of all descents, as well as any persons who exact a lot of tension on the hair, such as ballerinas who pull their hair in a tight bun.  Unfortunately, it is poorly recognized, and we must do more to educate each other about the problem.  If caught very early, before follicles are scarred, a degree of hair growth may be achieved.  If the follicles have scarred over, it will not be possible to regain the hair growth in these areas.  This can be determined by your dermatologist.

As far as treatment options, just as Dr. Rogers suggested, we often recommend minoxidil and do scalp injections of Kenalog to reduce inflammation and stimulate hair growth.  Sometimes scalp massage may increase blood flow to the area and help somewhat.

Traction, and most types of alopecia, are not only dependent upon taking care of the root, but also maintaining the hair shaft as well.  Moisturizing shampoos, regular conditioner and hot-oil treatments are definitely a plus.  Some may take hair vitamins, such as biotin, to stimulate hair growth.  Decreasing to eliminating the major stressors on the hair is also key.  I would avoid braids, weaves, tight buns, and other stressful styles, and I often discuss with patients hairstyles that they can use to minimize hair damage.  Too frequent and strong chemical relaxers may also be a problem, and discussing transitioning to natural hair (which may or may not include texturizing as a bridge) may be in your future.  This can be done in a way that optimizes your sense of style and minimizes stress on the hair follicle and shaft.

I would definitely talk this over with your dermatologist, sooner rather than later, because all too often patients approach us after much damage has been done.  There are also other types of alopecia to be considered alongside traction, so an evaluation is necessary.  Best of luck.

Traction alopecia is a real problem for many African American women. It results from prolonged tension on the follicle, and can be worse in patients who have used relaxers for many years. You can start by seeing a dermatogist for injections of anti-inflammatory medicine (Kenalog) in the affected areas. Also topical minoxidil can help. Give these methods 6-12 months and if you are still not happy consider hair transplatation. And in the meantime steer clear of damaging relaxers and tight braids!!