Tight styles can cause traction alopecia

Within recent times, I have been seeing an increase in traction- related hair loss. Traction alopecia, or gradual hair loss, is caused primarily by a pulling force, being applied to the hair.

This commonly results from the frequent wearing of hair in particularly tight ponytails, pigtails, braids, or weaving.

I did an interview recently and the interviewer asked if this type of hair loss was because of all the bad hair styling practices.

My answer was that this is sometimes a factor in hair loss. I added that this kind of hair loss can be permanent, if professional assistance is not obtained in a timely manner. I always say that hair loss must be first analysed to determine the cause, that’s the only way that it can be treated successfully.

Trichotillomania (TT M) is caused by a compulsion to pull out, twist and or break one’s own hair. The word “trich” means hair: “tillo” means to pull and “mania” means excessive excitement.

TT M is not only concentrated on scalp hair but can include eyebrows or eyelashes or even chest, arms or legs.

Some people pull out their hair when experiencing some level of stress. Hence it is seen as a psychological problem. It is associated with situations where the hands are idle but the brain is occupied. This is not a disorder that is specific to adults, it is commonly seen in children. It is most evident in children who are doing exams and studying long hours. It is also seen in people who have recently experienced tragedy in their lives. There is also the case of a taxi driver who found himself pulling out his hair while in bed, just before falling asleep. Some people even engage in trichotillomania while watching television. The end result can be permanent hair loss.

Generally, parents tend to treat their children’s acts of pulling out hair as trivial not recognising that it can be a serious issue.

Those afflicted may use their fingers or even tweezers and there are always reasons why this plucking takes place. Some complain of uncomfortable sensations in the specific area, from which they receive pleasurable relief by the plucking. They often play with the strand of hair before discarding or swallowing it.

The traumatised follicle with the hair stub appears as a dark dot on the scalp or skin. It can become infected. The overall effect is irregular bald patches, or hair of varying lengths in a particular area. If these signs and symptoms relate to you, you need to seek psychological help in order to identify the underlying cause. There are several people in TT , and by extension the Caribbean, who may be suffering from TT M and I hope that this article will assist them in recognising that they need professional assistance.

* You must identify the stimulus that is causing this response.

* You must learn to relax (meditation is one way) * You must practice positive hair care If you cannot do it alone, please seek professional help.

As a trichologist, I can say that this problem is commonplace in our society. Some cases are classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Eventually the hair follicles may be permanently destroyed.

There are autoimmune issues and other health-related challenges, with hair loss as a side effect. See a trichologist to help you identify your hair loss issue.

Do not wait until it’s too late.

Transplanting of hair can be the only option when the easy recovery fails. Transplanting is the method where hair is removed from the back donor area and planted to the areas exhibiting hair loss. Seek help! Germaine Williams Beckles is a doctor of trichology (DT T?CT) and nutrition consultant (NC) http://www.geesexclusive.com, 627-4659 or email us your questions at queries@geesexclusive.

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