Traction alopecia is hair loss that is caused due to constant tension pulling of the hair shafts. This happens when constant pressure is exerted on the hair. This pressure may be due to different types of hairstyles, tight rubber bands, or uneasy hair accessories. The hair may weaken due to chemical treatments or excessive heat given in hairstyling processes too.
It is mostly caused in the Afro-Caribbean community because of the creative hairstyles done by them. The tight braids and weaves over-strain the hair and eventually lead to uncontrollable hair loss.
It is a significant area of concern, especially for women who are very sensitive to their beauty and hair. Traction alopecia should be treated as soon as possible. As soon as its symptoms are recognized, one must stop doing all such activities that are causing hair loss. One must switch to different hairstyling patterns and stop using hard chemicals.
Women often switch over to contemporary techniques of using hair extensions or using wigs, but this temporarily causes discomfort. Men can opt to become bald totally, which is not an option available to women.
A hair transplant is one of the best available treatments if scarring is visible on the scalp.
What Is a hair transplant?
Hair transplant is a surgical treatment in which hair follicles are removed from one part of the body, called the ‘donor site,’ and grafted to a bald portion known as the ‘recipient site.’ Hair transplants work in cases where hair loss has been caused naturally or due to an injury. 10% to 80 % of the transplanted hair grow back in an estimated 3 to 4 months.
The hair transplant procedure involves taking a strip of tissue that contains follicles from the back of the scalp and transplanting it to the affected area. FUE technique is one of the most promising hair transplant procedures followed by the surgeons.
A piece of advice for the Afro-Caribbean hair
People seeking this surgery are advised to consult with a reputed and experienced team of professionals. Also, one must be fully aware of the procedure involved, the precaution and post-surgery care to be taken, and its side effects.
Especially the Afro-Caribbean people must be cautious while opting for this surgery due to their hair’s genetic makeup. They have very thick curls over as well underneath the head scalp skin too. The surgeon must be very cautious while extracting the graft and then infusing it at the right place with perfection to ensure graft survival and achieve desired results. Also, he must be well versed in the unique hairline shapes of the Afro-Caribbean people.
The clinic should be specialized in treating Traction alopecia with a long history of successful surgeries and in-depth knowledge about the hair growth patterns of the Afro-Caribbean people.
Hair is the critical ingredient of beauty, and its treatment must be done only after a detailed study and by choosing the best hair transplant agency.