Traction alopecia is the breaking of the hair by friction or tension due to vigorous brushing, blow drying, and/or chemical overprocessing.
The area of the scalp most affected tends to be around the hair line. The hair usually regrows fully.
Hair strengthening treatments and hair styling changes are used to help improve the condition.
OTHER COSMETIC HAIR PROBLEMS
Hair loss can occur due to breakage (called traction alopecia), tangles/knots (called trichonodosis), or split ends (called trichoptilosis).
These conditions can be caused by chemical processes such as permanent waves, colors, highlights, and relaxers. The hair, already weakened by these chemical applications, can be easily broken or tangled by friction or tension from vigorous brushing, combing, or blow drying. Traction alopecia generally affects women, however, many men who chemically process their hair also suffer the problem. The good news about this condition is that it is only temporary, and the new hair should regrow normally.
Hair breakage can be treated with a deep conditioning hair strengthener treatment to help give the hair elasticity and so reduce the breakage. Also, it can be helped by the regular use of conditioner after shampooing. The conditioner should be combed through the hair with your fingers and carefully rinsed. Before drying, COMB your hair with a wide-toothed comb from the ENDS to the ROOTS in small partings, this will reduce the chance of the hair knotting. NEVER use a brush to detangle the hair, always comb first and then use a brush to style the hair. When blow drying, make sure the temperature is not too hot and hold it at arm’s length from the hair. One way to know if the dryer is too hot is to put it near your hand, if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your hair (your hair has no nerves in its fiber and so you can burn it without realizing).
To help avoid a problem with hair breakage; if you are in the sun or go to a sun-tanning salon, cover your hair. In addition, trim your hair every 4-6 weeks (the hair grows approximately half an inch a month, so try to have under an inch trimmed if you wish to keep your hair at the same length). Before a permanent wave/relaxer, make sure all the previous process has been cut out. With a color, the color should only be applied to the roots (to enrich the color; have it taken through to the ends less frequently).
