Did you know that frequently wearing your hair in tight buns or ponytails can cause a condition called traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss. It is caused when you repeatedly pull on your hair. Although tying your hair may feel convenient to keep it in place, but not knowing its consequences may have a lasting effect on the hair.
The below are effective methods to avoid and fix traction alopecia.
How to Treat Traction Alopecia?
Changing your hairstyle
Never go for tight hairstyles when you get any symptoms of traction alopecia. If you require tying your hair, ensure you keep it loose. Allow your hair to rest; avoid clutches, clips, or bands. Try new hairstyles every few days. It can prevent strain on a specific area of your scalp.
Limit chemical usage
Reduce your usage of chemicals on damaged hair as it will worsen the condition. Instead, go for plant-based remedies or cosmetics. It can provide you visible results and protect your hair from chemicals.
Hair growth products
Hair growth products will help you in this condition. Research indicates that almost forty percent of people use minoxidil to regrow hair. You can try minoxidil to treat traction alopecia after speaking with your doctor. There are many other methods as well which you can use to boost your hair growth.
Use anti-inflammatories
Traction alopecia makes your scalp swell, which can be painful. The swelling may be accompanied by irritation and redness. An anti-inflammatory cream can decrease swelling and pain. Consult your doctor before using any medication.
Seek medical help
If you do not see new hair growth after some months of getting preventive measures, you should seek medical attention. Your follicles may probably be damaged, and your hair may not grow back if there is any scarring.
Speak with your doctor to get the correct medication for yourself. Severe traction alopecia cases may require hair transplant surgery.
Home Remedies for Traction Alopecia
Add protein to your diet
For hair growth, your body needs protein. Some healthy dietary protein sources are eggs, fish, beans, lean meats, nuts, and seeds.
Not everybody requires the same amount of protein as it varies based on muscle mass and physical activity.
Increase iron intake
Iron is yet another important nutrient that your body requires to build new hair. If you get hair loss, your diet should comprise foods such as lentils, pumpkin, spinach, tofu, seeds, and white beans.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy helps to stimulate your hair development. Essential oils such as lavender, tulsi, cedarwood, thyme, and rosemary can help treat traction alopecia.
When you use essential oils on the scalp, blend only a few drops into a base oil such as coconut oil.
Massage your scalp
Massage your scalp with oil as it can help stimulate the flow of blood to your follicles, promoting hair growth.
A study showed that 4 minutes of scalp massage per day could result in thicker hair in six months. You may use your fingertips to massage the scalp in a circular motion or purchase a massage device to perform the work
How to Prevent Traction Alopecia?
Keep your hair down as it is the best method to avoid traction alopecia. If it is required to tie your hair, wear it in a loose hairstyle.
The following are a few things you can do to avoid the condition:
- If it is possible, change your hairstyle each week. You can substitute between braids or ponytails.
- Do not tie your hair when it is wet.
- Do not use elastic or rubber bands to hold your hair in place. They pull out many hairs when untying.
- Do not get chemical hair treatments, particularly if you wear weaves or braids. The chemicals may harm your hair while making it weak.
- Avoid keeping your weaves or extensions for long periods.
- Prevent hair relaxers as much as possible.
- If you have a hairdryer, set it at a low temperature.
- Do not sleep with hair rollers on.
Your hair will mostly be in a vulnerable state, even when you heal from traction alopecia. It can help if you got proper care of your hair post-recovery. Use gentle hair care ways, have a healthy diet, and control your stress.