Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the follicle from tight hairstyles, extensions or weaves. Often preventable — and in many cases, reversible with the right treatment.
Traction alopecia occurs when repeated mechanical tension on the hair follicle — from tight hairstyles worn over months or years — gradually damages and destroys the follicle.
Unlike androgenetic (pattern) hair loss, traction alopecia is not hormonal. The cause is physical. That means the single most important treatment step is removing the source of tension.
The good news: if caught in the early stages, before the follicle is permanently damaged, regrowth is possible with conservative treatment. In later stages where scarring has occurred, FUE hair transplant can restore the hairline — but only once the condition has been stable for at least two years.
Itching, tenderness or bumps along the hairline are signs of active traction. At this stage the follicle is being damaged but may not yet be permanently lost — stopping the cause immediately can prevent permanent hair loss.
One of the most common causes. High-tension braiding close to the scalp repeatedly stresses the frontal and temporal follicles.
Glued, sewn or bonded extensions exert constant downward tension. The longer they are worn, the greater the cumulative follicular damage.
Daily tight ponytails — especially worn to the gym or work — create persistent tension along the frontal hairline and temples over years.
The weight and tension of heavy, long dreadlocks can cause traction over time, particularly at the frontal scalp and sides.
Treatment depends on the stage of the condition. Early-stage traction alopecia responds well to conservative management. Late-stage scarring alopecia may require surgical restoration.
The most critical step. Stop or significantly reduce the hairstyling causing the tension. Without this step, no treatment will work long-term — and surgery cannot be considered.
Applied twice daily to the affected areas, minoxidil can stimulate regrowth in follicles that are damaged but not yet permanently lost. Most effective in the early stages of traction alopecia.
If there is active inflammation, topical corticosteroids or intralesional steroid injections can reduce follicular damage and preserve remaining hair. A doctor's assessment is required.
PRP injections deliver concentrated growth factors directly to the scalp, stimulating dormant follicles and improving the hair density in thinning areas.
For patients with established scarring and permanent follicle loss, FUE can restore the hairline by transplanting healthy follicles from the donor area. Requires the condition to be stable for a minimum of two years before surgery is considered.
Yes — but only when specific criteria are met. DrQ assesses each patient individually before any recommendation is made.
No active inflammation, no progressive loss. The cause of traction must have been removed and the hairline must have been stable before surgery is planned.
Healthy follicles from the back and sides of the scalp are required. DrQ maps the donor area during assessment to confirm suitability.
Scarred tissue is less forgiving than normal scalp. Graft survival rates in scarred areas can be lower — DrQ will give you an honest prognosis before proceeding.
No active scalp conditions, no blood thinning medications that cannot be paused, and no contraindications to surgery or local anaesthesia.
Patients with Afro-textured hair require a surgeon experienced in working with curly follicles. Curly follicles follow a curved path beneath the scalp, requiring modified extraction technique to avoid transection. DrQ is experienced in FUE across all hair types and textures.
Send DrQ a photo and he will personally review your hairline and give you an honest opinion on whether your loss is reversible — or whether surgical restoration may be an option.
No consultation fee. No commitment. DrQ responds personally.