What is traction alopecia?
The average person loses around a hundred hairs a day, and more on days that their hair is washed. Most people don’t notice much of this hair loss, only really thinking about it when cleaning out their hairbrush or unclogging their shower drain. However, a small number of people undergo rapid hair loss for another reason, and this loss is usually more noticeable.
These people experience traction alopecia, or hair loss due to certain tight hairstyles. Tight ponytails and braids, cornrows, hair relaxers, and even athletic helmets can cause hair loss. Athletes are often seen with this sort of hair loss. Helmets and hairstyles athletes that wear to keep their hair out of their faces are usually worn for long periods of time. Not only does this result in a sweaty, sore scalp, it may result in bald spots.
When these styles are being worn the majority of the day, the scalp does not have time to relax properly. The added stress on the scalp causes the hair to be pulled out at a higher rate than normal.
Although many forms of hormonal alopecia are permanent, traction alopecia is typically only temporary, thanks to it being due to an external cause and not a hormonal issue. Proper care of the damaged hair and scalp will almost always allow for thorough scalp healing and hair restoration.
Solutions to traction alopecia
Avoid overly-tight hairstyles. High ponytails and other styles in which the hair and scalp are being pulled tight for a long period of time should not be worn by people with traction alopecia. If it’s impossible to avoid wearing this style, limit the time spent wearing it. Low ponytails and loose braids are alternatives that still keep your hair pulled back but don’t increase stress on the scalp.
Limit exposure to harsh chemicals. The chemicals found in many relaxers have led to increased risk of traction alopecia. African-American women who relax their hair often experience traction alopecia often, as the relaxer weakens the hair to the point where even loose hairstyles can cause irritation.
Be wary of hair extensions and weaves. These are attached to the existing hair after it has been braided. Doing this even once is traumatic to the scalp and hair. But, because the natural hair is still growing, the extensions require frequent upkeep. As such, the natural hair is frequently unbraided and re-braided to maintain a natural appearance, causing the hair to weaken and fall out.
Scalp micropigmentation. This is a more long-term solution if someone is concerned about the bald spots and patchy areas. Scalp micropigmentation, or SMP, involves depositing ink on the scalp in such a way that it has the appearance of one’s own hair. This is great for somebody who’s already taken the measures to reduce scalp traction but still wants their hair to look great no matter what. More information regarding this type of procedure can be found here: https://www.advancedsmp.co.uk/smp/
The Impacts of Hair Loss
It’s not a risky statement to say that most people would rather keep their hair on their heads and avoid hair loss at all costs. Unfortunately, whether by a medical issue or simply genetics, life doesn’t always work out that way. Many people find themselves losing their hair, even before they reach the ages that are typically associated with hair loss.
Hair loss can have a big impact on our lives. If you or a loved one are dealing with significant amounts of hair loss, it is important to know what these impacts may be so that you can look at them. Keep reading below to learn more!
Self-Esteem Hit and Its Effects
Whether we think about it or not, hair is a big part of our identity and changes in our appearance can take a huge amount of time to get used to. Before we get used to our new appearance, our self-esteem can take a massive hit.
If left untreated, this can lead to more serious issues such as anxiety and depression. If you notice your self-esteem post hair loss becoming a huge issue, you may want to reach out to a licensed counselor as soon as possible.
This self-esteem hit can also lead to issues socially, as it may lead you to be uncomfortable talking to others. If you’re trying to get out on the dating scene, your concerns over your hair could impede your success.
What to Do
You have a variety of ways to get your hair full again, such as medicines or even scalp micropigmentation — a process that fills in your receding or sparse hairline with pigments. Check out more examples of scalp micropigmentation to see if it is right for you. No matter what you choose, you can get your hair looking like it used to.
Can a Sunburn Lead to Hair Loss?
I get at least one bad sunburn per summer. As with most people, I have to deal with itchy, irritated skin that eventually peels off. Sunburns come with a host of problems that most people know about.
In addition to being painful and ruining vacation photos, sunburns put people at an increased risk of developing melanoma or other form of skin cancer.
Burned scalps are notorious for being one of the most infuriating sunburns out there. If your hairline or part is burned, washing your hair becomes an excruciating task. On top of this, wearing a hat to protect your head from further damage is painful and can rub on the burn.
But, can a sunburn have lasting effects on the scalp?
Peeling skin and shedding hair
When a sunburn is at its peak, you might notice peeling skin. Here, your body is shedding damaged skin to make room for healthy new skin. Sometimes, hair might fall out as a result. While this hair loss is certainly frustrating, it is not likely to be permanent. Once your skin is healthy again, the hair should grow back in no time!
Compensating for temporary loss
Just because your hair will grow back later doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of your scalp now. A moisturized scalp that’s washed daily with a mild cleanser should provide a good base for hair to grow back on.
If you’re looking to cover up hair loss in the summer, hats and scarves are good options for doing so while also protecting your head against receiving another burn. Rejuvenate SMP also recommends looking into scalp micropigmentation if you’ve experienced particularly noticeable hair loss. Micropigmentation evens out any sparse areas you may have while the hair is regrowing.
Rejuvenate SMP
47 East Fort Union Blvd
Salt Lake City
UT 84047
(801) 702-3209
How to Create a New Look
If you’re tired of the same old, same old, it may be time for you to rethink your current style. I recommend a style overhaul to anyone who feels like they’re long overdue for change. Revamping your look can help break up your routine and after all, variety is the spice of life.
However, it’s true that a lot of changes can be expensive. I recommend opting for more inexpensive changes before making any pricey changes to your appearance. Here are three ways to completely change your look without breaking the bank!
- Shave your head. Going bare will certainly turn heads in no time! You can go completely smooth or leave some shorter hair on top. If you decide to shave your head, My Hair Loss Solutions says that getting your scalp micro-pigmented can even out any spots on your head that aren’t quite even throughout. Scalp micropigmentation is long lasting and one treatment can polish off a look with minimal cost and effort.
- Opt for a new piercing. A nose ring or cartilage piercing can add some edge to your everyday look without requiring too much effort on the daily. If you don’t think you’re ready to commit to a piercing, a clip-on piercing is a way to test out the look with no commitment! If you like how you look with a clip-on piercing, then that’s generally a good sign that you should go for the real deal.
Revamp your closet. Life’s too short to spend it window shopping. A few new pieces can transform your closet without being too expensive. Consider going to a thrift store and check out the steals there before going to a trendy store- this can help save money in the long run.
Stress and Hair Loss
Many of us know that stress is a big factor in hair loss, but avoiding stress can be easier said than done. Keep reading to learn more about how exactly stress can cause our hair to fall out to prevent baldness in the future.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is one form of hair loss caused by stress. In this condition, stress manipulates hair follicles into a resting phase. Over time, the hair falls out, leaving bald spots in its place. Hair may also fall out when you brush your hair or take a shower.
In most cases, the hair begins to grow back as soon as the stress is removed from your life. The causes of said stress can be anything ranging from a serious illness or childbirth.
Trichtillomania
Trichtillomania is a mental condition in which an individual has an uncontrollable desire to pull out their hair in response to stress. Hair may be pulled from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or any other part of the body. The condition is more common in females and affects about 1 to 2 percent of the overall population, according to Mental Health America.
Treatment for trichotillomania often includes counselling and the prescription of an antidepressant.
Alopecia Areata
Scientists and medical experts believe that alopecia areata is mainly caused due to genetics, but research has been done to discover if there is a link between alopecia and stress as well. If you are experiencing stress and believe you are developing alopecia, it is best to speak with your doctor. No matter what the cause of your hair loss is, there is a variety of treatment options available. You can take pills or apply topical treatments, use scalp micropigmentation services like the kind offered at Team Micro, or invest in high quality wigs. It’s up to you!