Hair loss in young people

TODAY’S TOPIC is in direct response to several questions that I have had for explanations on the increased frequency of children and young adults with receding hairlines. On many occasions, this is the result of what is called “Traction Alopecia.” It is seen in both children and adults and is caused mainly through stress to the hair shaft. Do you remember how, as a child, your hair was brushed or combed and plaited in two, three or even six plaits. The plaits were then decorated with ribbons.  Well, hairstyles have changed.  The trend now is for the hair to be vigorously brushed and yanked into a ponytail using gels and rubber bands to keep it in place.  It is pulled so tight that you can even see the raised pores on the children’s scalp. This results in hair loss, not only from breakage, but also from the scalp, leaving the child with traction alopecia. This is most common in the temporal areas, behind and in front of the ear.  The frontal and occipital areas can also be affected.

If the traction is continued long-term, permanent Alopecia may develop and hair will not grow on the affected areas. This becomes quite evident by early adolescence, especially among those who frequently have their hair tightly braided using synthetic hair; yellow pustules may also be seen around the hair bulb. This may be the result of Traction Folliculitis caused by these tight hairstyles. The approach to how you dress your hair, will always play a major role in the development of some of these scalp disorders. Even persons who wear religious head coverings may suffer from localised Traction Alopecia. I have also seen some nurses who show signs in the area where the cap is pinned on to the hair.  The use of hair pins in the same area over an extended period can result in traction. 

This is so whether they are used for creating buns, chignons or for keeping other styles in place.  Men and women who wear their hair very long may also suffer from traction since the weight of the hair can become too much for the fragile follicle from the point of the most weight on the scalp.  The pressure damages the follicle and Alopecia will be permanent. Patchy Alopecia may be seen in very young children, particularly those attending nurseries. When playing with each other they may accidentally or intentionally pull on the hair or they fall and bump their heads. This may also be seen in adults who use wide hair paths, rollers with brushes in the middle and poorly constructed weaves. Educating yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of your hairstyles are vital and the only way to prevent Traction Alopecia.