Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by prolonged tension or pulling on the hair, often resulting from tight hairstyles, hair extensions, and frequent use of chemical treatments. Many high-profile celebrities have openly discussed their experiences with traction alopecia, shedding light on the condition and their journeys towards recovery.
Here are some notable figures who have dealt with traction alopecia and the treatments they've incorporated to address their hair loss and damage.
Naomi Campbell
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been candid about her struggle with traction alopecia, which she developed after years of wearing hair extensions and weaves required by her career. Naomi has discussed the damage these styling choices have caused to her natural hair. She has since turned to wigs to give her scalp a break from constant tension. In her recovery journey, Naomi has recently been seen wearing flattering, natural-looking wigs.
Ariana Grande
Pop star Ariana Grande is well-known for her high ponytail, a signature look that she wore often during her early career. However, this iconic hairstyle may have contributed to traction alopecia, as well as frequent hair dye use. Ariana has mentioned in interviews that dyeing her hair red every other week for her role on Sam & Cat led to severe hair breakage and thinning. To combat this, she has stopped with the hair dyes cold turkey. Ariana favors essential elements like coconut and lavender oils to stimulate hair growth.
Christina Aguilera
Singer Christina Aguilera has faced traction alopecia, likely due to the extensive use of hair extensions and bleaching her hair blonde for performances and public appearances. Over the years, Part of her recovery includes incorporating keratin and protein treatments into her routine. She often wears wigs to give her hair a break from hair extensions and hydrogen peroxide.
Khloe Kardashian
Good American co-founder Khloe Kardashian noticed hair fall and bald patches during COVID-19. Stress on her hair follicles from the frequent use of hair extensions and tight hairstyles certainly didn’t help the situation. Khloe has revealed her efforts to repair the damage and help grow her hair back, such as collagen powder from DIY mayo hair masks and products from New Zealand-based Dose & Co, for which she is a global spokesperson.
Lady Gaga
Pop icon Lady Gaga has been open about her struggles with traction alopecia, which resulted from frequent use of from extensions, wig glue and pins, and breakage from over-bleaching and constant heat styling, often worn to achieve her eclectic and dramatic looks. She has spoken about the toll these styles have taken on her natural hair and recently cut her hair short, a “chemical haircut,“ due to all the damage from dyes. Gaga has embraced Rogaine (Minoxidil) to improve her overall hair health.
Victoria Beckham
Fashion designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham has overcome traction alopecia. Known for her sleek ponytails and intricate updos, Victoria experienced hair thinning and breakage over the years. Victoria now prefers gentler styling practices to prevent further damage. She has been recently seen sporting her long, flowing locks, not the tight, slicked back hairstyles of earlier years. She goes light on products but does use high-quality shampoos, conditioners, and the Milbon Repair System for restorative treatments.
Lili Reinhart
Lili Reinhart, the talented actress known for her role on "Riverdale," has openly shared her enthusiasm for red light therapy, describing it as her "best friend" in her beauty and wellness routine. Lili credits laser therapy for its benefits in promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy skin. She has spoken about how incorporating this non-invasive treatment into her daily regimen has helped her combat hair thinning and enhance her overall skin and scalp health.
Recommended Treatments
Traction alopecia is preventable and often curable with the right know-how and can be treated effectively by taking immediate action.
Hair Styling Tips
The first step is to switch up your hairstyle. Avoid extensions, weaves, and tight styles that tug tightly on your scalp for hours. Avoid harsh chemicals, heat styling, and go easy when brushing the affected areas. Opt for high quality hair care and routinely use hair masks and deep conditioners.
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins and supplements are essential for supporting hair regrowth by providing key nutrients. Biotin, silicon and magnesium biotinate play crucial roles in hair health. Silicon enhances hair strength and elasticity, while magnesium biotinate supports cellular metabolism and protein synthesis. Together, these ingredients help address nutritional deficiencies, fostering robust hair growth and vitality.
Actonis® increases hair growth in as little as 3 weeks and hair thickness in 12 weeks
Medical Intervention
For relief, anti-inflammatory treatments like corticosteroids in liquid, ointment, or oil form can help reduce scalp swelling caused by traction alopecia. In addition, over-the-counter treatments like Rogaine (minoxidil) can be beneficial. Rogaine helps stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth, making it a popular choice for those dealing with traction alopecia.
Laser Therapy
Consider red light therapy gadgets like combs, caps, or laser bands. They're designed to boost hair growth and improve scalp health, offering an at-home, affordable option for managing the condition.
Hair Restoration
In more severe cases where hair loss is extensive, treatments like micro-grafting, mini-grafting, and follicular unit transplantation could be on the cards. These procedures involve moving hair follicles to the affected areas, kickstarting new growth and restoring your hair's natural look.
Summary
By making these adjustments, trying out treatments, and possibly opting for more advanced procedures, you can tackle traction alopecia head-on. Take action early and stick with a plan - it can make a big difference in preserving your hair and promoting healthy regrowth.
Early intervention and ongoing care are key to preventing further hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth in the affected areas.
