Traction Alopecia

Traction Alopecia can occur due to continual pulling or tugging on the hair by mechanical means, for example braids or hair extensions (see other forms of hair loss section). When hair is continually pulled in a particular area, the follicles slowly degenerate and eventually give up any further growth as the follicle dies.

Black hair tends to suffer a lot more with Tractional Alopecia than European hair due to the frequent use of braids, hairpieces, weaves, extensions, bonding, and hot combing etc. Certain areas of thinning hair will be seen after a while in places like the crown, top and frontal areas, while the scalp can also become quite tender and sore.

Tight braiding can also cause flaky or pustular (spotty) scalp.