All about traction alopecia
Today, our discussion is serious: I need to talk about a problem that many people (men and women) face: hair loss. It can really shake our self-esteem, can't it? After all, our hair isn't just strands, it's also a reflection of who we are, of what we want to convey.
It's normal to lose about 50 strands of hair a day, but when we start seeing "holes" on our head, our vigilance needs to become extremely high! And there are SEVERAL reasons why this happens.
Alopecia, which is general hair loss, can be caused by several factors and can be a sign of more serious problems. WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT!
First, we need to understand what alopecia is.
Alopecia is the thinning, reduction, loss, or absence of hair or body hair. 
It can be caused by various changes in the body, such as: nutritional and hormonal deficiencies, lifestyle changes, genetic traits, and those acquired through trauma or injury.
There are several types of alopecia that have been divided into two main groups:
Cicatricial alopecia (when atrophy or destruction of the hair follicle occurs) and non-cicatricial alopecia (when the hair follicle has undergone changes but retains its integral structures and is able to produce again).
Additionally, the way we treat our hair can make it fall out more than usual. This is known as traction alopecia.
Have you heard about this?
Traction alopecia occurs when there is excessive tension in the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Traction alopecia is caused by excessive tension when styling your hair.
Traction alopecia has several causes to watch out for:
Tight hairstyles, such as buns and ponytails.
Braids, such as box braids, dreadlocks, twists, and other afro hairstyles that tighten the strands.
Hair extensions, such as weaves, thread extensions, keratin extensions, and any other extensions that pull the hair.
Tight clips and elastic bands that stress hair and follicles.
To find out if this is your case, pay attention to these signs:
Weak hair that falls out a lot.
Itching, redness, or sores on the scalp.
Sparse areas, revealing the scalp.
Treatment is not easy, but it is possible!
The first thing is to stop anything that tightens your hair: hairstyles, extensions, heat and chemical tools (bleaching, too light colors, relaxers, straightening...)
I know that these treatments enhance our hairstyle and consequently increase our self-esteem, but it is important to remember that the health of our hair must come first!
In severe cases, where the follicle reaches an extreme degree of inflammation and dies, PERMANENT CICATRICIAL ALOPECIA is observed, and this is irreversible.
Because exaggerated and constant tension causes the start of the inflammatory process in the hair follicle and eventually pulls out the strands, interrupting the natural hair life cycle.
Traction alopecia mainly affects Black women who wear so-called protective hairstyles like braids and twists.
These women, in addition to having extremely tight hair, tend to keep their hairstyles for long periods.
Some also use materials that are too heavy, 400 or 500 grams of hair extension strands, dreadlocks, braids, beads... and increase the tension.
There are two forms of traction alopecia:
– Acute traction alopecia: occurs when hair falls out abruptly or is pulled out, such as in car accidents or physical assaults. It is generally considered irreversible.
– Chronic traction alopecia: caused by excessive tension on hair strands due to certain behaviors, such as wearing very tight hairstyles. This is the most common type of traction alopecia and is considered reversible.
In less severe cases, removing the hairstyle and subjecting the scalp to stimulating treatments can help.
I must emphasize that the problem will NOT be resolved immediately once the hair has already fallen out.
Treatment for hair loss usually involves STIMULATING NEW HAIR GROWTH. It is recommended to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to your specific case.
But to aid the process of stimulating and strengthening new hair, ES - Emy et Stefan offers the Bio Amazonia range. Enriched with natural stimulating and strengthening active ingredients that HELP treat and prevent hair loss, it is a line composed of a fortifying growth shampoo and a tonic that leaves hair strong and healthy. To address this type of problem, solutions like therapeutic shampoos are recommended.
