Traction Alopecia Treatments

How to Avoid Damaged Hair Follicles and Keep Hair and Scalp Healthy

2012-11-24T13:17:48Z

Did you know that your hair is made up of completely dead cells? When I say this, I mean the hair strand itself is made up of completely dead cells. The living part of the hair that you see growing on your head and other parts of your body is the hair follicle. The hair follicle is where it all happens – where the pre-programmed cells located in the bulb of the hair follicle determine the future of each hair shaft.

The Hair Follicle

This tear-drop shaped hair follicle contains the cells that determine the type of hair shaft that will be produced – peach fuzz or the thicker pigmented hair shaft. These cells also determine the color and texture of the hair shaft as well as whether it will be straight or curly. There are hundreds of thousands of these hair follicles located in the skin all over your body. It is vital to prevent damage to the hair follicles because these cells also control the growth cycle of the lifeless protein that we call hair and it is pre-programmed to run the growth cycle a specific number of times during your life time. If we experience damage to the hair follicle, the result could be hair loss from many different causes.

How to Keep Your Hair and Scalp Healthy and Avoid Scalp Stress

Hair needs protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A in acceptable quantities for good health. A good way to keep your hair shiny is to feed the hair follicle the necessary nutrients. The hair follicle gets its nutrients from the blood supply in your body. So, by consuming things like salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids, spinach and carrots for the vitamin A, Brazil nuts for selenium and Oysters and cashews for zinc you can feed that precious hair follicle what it needs to produce healthy and shiny hair strands. And, don’t forget that low fat dairy products, whole grains and vegetables are not only good for your hair but also are good for your heart! If you aren’t consuming enough of these good foods, it may certainly be worth taking a hair growth supplement.

Other Ways to Avoid Damage to the Hair Follicles

There are things that we do to our hair, done by both males and females, to make it look presentable can cause hair follicles to be damaged. If you are among the thousands of people who prefer the tightly braided corn rows, pigtails or hairstyles that pull the hair shaft tightly, then you could be setting yourself up for a hair loss condition called Traction Alopecia – which simply means stress hair loss. The tension placed on the hair shaft and the hair follicle beneath the skin for extended periods of time will loosen the grip of the hair follicle on the hair shaft and it will be shed prematurely. As mentioned above, if the hair is shed prematurely and the hair follicle starts the next growing cycle, you could find yourself running out of growth cycles before you would like.

Other ways that we can cause damage to the hair follicle and the hair shaft is by over-styling. You know what I mean – blow drying, flat iron use, coloring and bleaching and even over-brushing can damage the outer layer of the hair shaft. Damage to the hair in this way will result in dry and dull looking hair.

What Can You Do to Change the Cycle of Damage?

You can change the cycle of the damage by changing your hair style or weaving the style more loosely. You can eat the foods suggested above to provide the nutrients needed by the hair follicle for good health.

Download our free ebook to find out what to do when your hair falls out. See the sidebar or click here.

Increased Hair Loss: Could It Be Traction Alopecia?

2012-11-24T14:33:00Z

Are you losing more hair each time you comb or wash your hair than you have in the past? Are you noticing more hair on your pillow in the morning when you awaken from your night’s sleep? Are there thin areas or patches in your hair that haven’t been there before? Do you wear hair styles that pull tightly on the hair shaft? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then your hair loss issues could have their root in a hair loss condition called “traction alopecia”.

What is Traction Alopecia?

The term “alopecia” is simply defined as baldness or hair loss. The term “traction” in this case refers to stress placed on the hair shaft and the scalp — so, the definition of traction alopecia is quite simply stress hair loss. This occurs when the hair shaft is pulled tightly and secured tightly for extended periods of time. There are a number of hair styling techniques that produce conditions that can lead to traction alopecia.

More about the Causes

There are many types of hair loss and, for the most part, we really don’t have much control over the causes of them. Traction alopecia is not one of the types of hair loss over which we have no control. Quite the contrary, the primary cause of this type of thinning hair condition is caused by how the hair is styled or cared for. If you are a person of color, whether male or female, it is likely that a cultural tradition that involves styles that require the hair be pulled back tightly in corn row braids, or pigtails or tightly knit buns for example, is the primary cause of your thinning hair issues.

How Does Traction Cause Hair Loss?

The hair shaft is made up of completely dead cells and is rooted into the hair follicle which contains a bulb at the base. The bulb at the base of the hair shaft contains derma papilla cells that are responsible for growing the hair shaft. The hair strand is securely held by the follicle during the first phase of the growing cycle, called the Anagen phase. As the growth cycle of the hair shaft progresses through the Catagen and Telogen cycles, the hair follicle begins to lessen the grip it has on the hair strand. The total growth cycle can last several years before the hair shaft is finally released from the hair follicle and is shed. During this cycle of hair growth, if you place large amounts of stress or traction on the hair strand, it will be shed prematurely.

The Normal Growth Cycle of Hair

To understand the importance of preventing premature shedding of hair, it is vital to understand, first, how the normal cycle of hair progresses. The hair follicle is loaded with those derma papilla cells which are responsible for growing the hair shaft. The derma papilla cells are pre-programmed to begin to grow the hair strand and move through the entire cycle over a specific period of time. The cells determine what the hair strand will look like in terms of color, texture and whether it is straight or curly. It determines if the hair is to be like that of “peach fuzz” or the thicker strand that grows on various parts of our bodies. The cells are also programmed to begin and complete this cycle a specific number of times throughout our lifetime. If we do something that causes the hair shaft to be shed before it is programmed to do so, then we hasten the end of hair production by the follicle.

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that we can control. By modifying the hair styling techniques and controlling the dyes and bleaches that we use to color, straighten and curl, you can control the thinning hair issues caused by stress hair loss.

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Hair Loss – Traction Alopecia Only One of Many Types

2012-11-24T14:36:30Z

Many people are plagued by the embarrassment of hair loss. This problem doesn’t limit it self just to one gender but rather can present in both males and females and can do so at almost anytime in your lifetime. Most of the types of hair loss have causes that are out of our control – such as genetics, medications we must take for other health situations and other health conditions. But there are a few that we can affect some control. Traction Alopecia is one of them.

Simple Definition of Condition

Traction alopecia, simply defined, means stress hair loss. When the hair shaft is tightly pulled and secured, it creates scalp stress and potential damage to the hair follicle. The excess tension placed on the hair shaft by tightly braided corn rows, pigtails or other tightly woven hair styles can, over time, loosen the hold by the hair follicle on the hair shaft and cause it to be shed prematurely. If the hair shaft is shed too many times, it will not grow back.

Other Causes of This Type of Hair Loss

Damage to the hair follicle can also occur when we over use coloring dyes, bleaching solutions, permanent wave solutions and straighteners without regard to the health of our hair follicle. Over styling with blow dryers, flat irons and the like can also cause damage to the hair follicle and the hair shaft cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft). When this happens, the hair appears dry and dull and brittle, breaking off easily.

Other Types of Hair Loss

Traction alopecia is by no means the only type of hair loss, though it is one over which we have some control. Certain medications can cause hair loss. These medications include, but are not limited to, anti clotting drugs, cholesterol lowering drugs, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), drugs for menopause and birth control as well as antibiotics. Generally speaking, for most of these medications, when the drug is discontinued, the hair generally grows back. However, this is not a guarantee in all cases.

If you take any of these medications, and you are experiencing unexplained hair loss, consult with your medical doctor to see if any of these medications could be the cause. If so, do not stop them on your own but work with your doctor to find a more suitable substitute.

Genetics

Genetics is probably the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. If you are losing your hair or have thinning hair, look at your family members and past generations to see if there is a similarity. If so, you will likely have no control over the thinning hair you are experiencing. You may wish to look into the various hair replacement options.

Here is a list of other hair loss or thinning hair causes, most of which are out of our control:

Autoimmune disorders
Diseases
Nutritional deficiencies
Poisons
Prescription drugs
Chemotherapy drug
Radiation exposure
Stress
Physical trauma to the scalp
Hair loss following childbirth
Psychological

As you can see, some of the above causes are controllable while others are not. The diseases and autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy drugs and radiation exposure, poisons and the hair loss after childbirth are the ones that we will have the least amount of control in regard to prevention or modification. We do have choices in the areas of nutritional deficiencies, stress and physical trauma to the scalp. Hair loss can be a serious issue on levels more than just physical appearance. Don’t let unexplained hair loss go unaddressed by your medical doctor.

The Causes of Hair Loss By Traction Alopecia

2012-11-24T14:40:54Z

Traction alopecia is form of hair loss resulting in bald patches where the scalp has been damaged. It often found in women who wear tight hair styles, which require extensive pulling on hair follicles, and users of hair extensions. While not permanent, the scalp may take months or even years to fully recover from the damage it has received.

The causes of hair loss of this kind are varied, but each type results in the same inflammation of the scalp and damage to the follicles. The main cause of traction alopecia is a deformation of the hair follicles, which occurs due to pulling, tension and excessive weight on the hair.

The natural growth cycle for a hair follicle involves going into a periodic dormant state, during which time the follicle repairs itself. When the follicle is deformed, the dormant state is lengthened; and sometimes becomes permanent. In these situations, the roots weaken and the hair no longer grows.

As a direct result of many follicles going into a prolonged dormant state, bald patches appear. This is known as traction alopecia. In addition, the scalp will often become itchy and inflamed in the area where the damage has been caused; which in itself can lead to further damage due to scratching and rubbing.

Pulling on the Hair Follicles

One of the main causes of hair loss in sufferers of traction alopecia is down to excessive pulling on the hair, and thus on the hair follicles. Hairstyles such as ponytails, which pull hair tightly at the crown, exert a lot of pressure on the hair follicles, which lead them to deform.

Pulling on the hair follicles is also caused by an excessive hair styling regime that requires a lot of combing and teasing of the hair in order to create the right look. When you wear a style like that, consider taking a few days off and letting your hair recover afterwards; to give your hair a chance to recover.

Tension on the hair

Tension on the hair is a major hair loss condition because it actively deforms the hair follicle. Tension is caused by pulling on the hair through tight weaves, and also by adding weight to the hair; as occurs when using hair extensions.

Tight weave braiding, whether for hair extensions or simply as part of a hair style, involves holding each strand of hair under significantly increased tension. This pulls on the roots of the hair and, when the hair grows, the tension is only increased. The tighter the braids and the closer the braids are knit to the scalp, the more tension the hair is under.

This results in damaged hair follicles, weaker hair roots and, eventually, bald patches caused by traction alopecia.

Excessive weight on the hair

Hair follicles are not designed to carry a lot of weight. The scalp sprouts hair that it can carry but any extra weight placed on the hair can overload the follicles in the scalp; which causes deformation of the follicles and thus leads to baldness.

Extra weight is placed on the hair by attaching hair extensions. Extensions can be added using a variety of methods, from traditional beeswax and modern glues; to braiding the extensions into the hair; or even tightly braiding the natural hair and stitching the extensions into the braids. Each attachment method adds weight to the hair, which pulls on the follicles.

Scratching and Rubbing

One source of traction alopecia that is often overlooked is due to mechanical damage to the scalp in the form of scratching and rubbing. Rubbing often occurs where tightly-fitted helmets are worn, such as crash helmets and safety helmets worn in the workplace. These press onto the scalp and rub both the scalp itself and any hair caught between scalp and hat.

Similarly, when the head is scratched repeatedly and on a regular basis, as can happen with an inflamed scalp caused by excessive hair styling, the hair is put under pressure and the damage to the scalp is exacerbated.

The result is that the hair is continually pulled while under pressure, and the scalp is inflamed. As with pulling and tension due to hairstyling, this causes damage to the hair follicles and traction alopecia can occur as a direct result.

The causes of hair loss by traction alopecia are varied but their effects on the scalp are similar. Each of the various causes damages the hair follicles, deforming them and causing their dormant phases to elongate. The hair roots become weaker and the hair will eventually either snap or simply fall out, at which point bald spots begin to appear. The only solution is to give the scalp time to heal itself; a process that can be sped up by using internal and external treatments for traction alopecia hair loss.

Recovering From Traction Alopecia

2013-02-02T21:33:53Z

Traction alopecia can strike anyone at any age. It causes patches of baldness on otherwise healthy scalps due to damaged hair follicles. Just because traction alopecia has struck does not mean hair loss has to be permanent, however. You can recover from traction alopecia by changing how you style your hair, eating a more healthy diet, and practicing good haircare. When applied correctly, the results are spectacular.

What Causes Traction Alopecia?

There are many causes of traction alopecia, ranging from pulling on the hair follicles to damage to the scalp caused by constant rubbing. The end result is always the same however: the hair follicles become misshapen and they enter a dormant phase. Thankfully it is possible to stimulate hair growth again and recover the lost hair.

Scalp inflammation puts pressure on the hair follicles and causes them to become misshapen. The scalp becomes inflamed for many reasons, such as constant rubbing from a tight hat (hard hats worn in the workplace are well known for this) or even a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.

Meanwhile, pressure can be exerted directly on the hair follicles themselves. Tight braiding pulls on the hair roots, causing an incredible amount of damage to hair follicles that are put under intense stress. Wearing hair extensions, especially when they are fastened in using a stitched method, and tying your hair in a tight ponytail are both notorious causes of traction alopecia.

Massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow in the damaged area. If you are uncomfortable with someone massaging your hair, consider gently brushing your hair with a natural-bristle brush instead. This has a similar effect to a massage and will help to encourage blood flow back to the dormant follicles.

In addition to the causes of traction alopecia discussed above, there is also the issue of stress. It has long been understood that extreme stress can cause hair loss, and patchy baldness is stressful in and of itself. As a result, the stress of hair loss combines with the original reason the hair fell out, creating a vicious and self-sustaining circle of misery.

Recovery Time

Recovering from traction alopecia takes time and patience. Nobody can tell you for certain how long it will take for you to repair the damage to hair follicles caused by traction alopecia, but estimates are possible. On average, a mild case of hair loss will take a few months to re-grow once the hair follicles can be coaxed back into operation; whilst a more severe case can take up to a couple of years.

The process can be speeded up somewhat, with modern remedies having been proven to stimulate hair growth earlier than in sufferers who simply let nature take its course. Which hair stimulation method works best for you will depend on your personal circumstances but each method has a proven track record, so it is a good idea to try out a couple and see how you go.

How to Stimulate Hair Growth

Whatever techniques you try, the first thing sufferers should do is use scalp exfoliating lotion followed by a deep conditioning treatment. This will clear away any excess serum on the scalp and hair follicles, which mixes with dirt and dead skin cells to create a layer of grime that sticks to the scalp. This is a breeding ground for bacteria and it will cause inflammation of the scalp; which hinders recovery.

The deep conditioning treatment will then restore nutrients to the hair, improving strength and making the hair easier to style without excess hair products.

Once this is done, look to improve your diet, to ensure you are getting enough protein, iron, zinc, and selenium. Protein is a major component both in hair itself, where it forms keratin and gives your hair strength, but also in the body’s growth and repair process. Without enough protein and the right amino acids, your body can’t heal the damage to your scalp.

Next consider using a hair growth oil such as Bhringaraj oil (eclpita alba), which studies in 2009 demonstrated helps speed

Bhringaraj is an excellent herbal alternative to minoxidil

up the recovery process significantly. Rubbing ointment containing eclipta alba on the damaged areas of the scalp helps stimulate hair growth and brings the hair follicles back out of the dormant phase.

By combining the various techniques for restoring lost hair, you will begin to see results quickly. Remember that once the hair has grown back in, you have to ensure you continue to take care of it. Do not overload the hair follicles with tight hairstyles that pull on the follicles; or by wearing hair extensions all the time. Give your hair time to recover after every severe hairstyle you use and you will find hair loss is a thing of the past.

Treatments for Traction Alopecia

2012-11-24T14:55:31Z

Traction alopecia is a form of pattern baldness that need not be suffered in silence. The principle causes are down to hair care products that irritate the scalp, tight hats that constantly rub on the scalp, and hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles. Each of these causes is avoidable in its own right, but even when the best endeavours are made to limit the damage, hair loss can still occur.

In that situation, it is important to know that traction alopecia treatments do exist and they do work to restore lost hair. There are several different treatment methods you can try and which will give the best results depends largely on the extent of the damage that has been suffered.

Deep Condition the Roots

The hair root connects the strand to the hair follicle, so when the root becomes brittle and damaged, it is only a matter of time before the hair itself snaps or falls out. When recovering from traction alopecia, it is important to ensure that the weakened hair roots have the time they need to repair themselves and become strong again.

Using a deep conditioning treatment on your hair will help to re-hydrate the roots. A deep conditioning restores vitality all through your hair, making it stronger and less prone to snapping — download our free ebook for a list of suitable conditioning treatments. By revitalising the hair that remains, you make it less prone to further damage; which frees up the body to work on repairing the damage to the scalp. In addition, a deep conditioning treatment softens the hair, making it easier to style. This reduces the need to apply strong haircare products that will only cause further damage to your scalp.

Stimulate Circulation

With the hair taken care of, it’s time to look at what can be done for the scalp itself. It may seem a little silly but massaging the scalp helps stimulate circulation in the capillaries that lie just below the surface of the skin. These are the blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, so stimulating the blood flow helps to ensure your scalp gets the materials it needs to grow strong, healthy hair. Download our free ebook for step by step massage techniques to stimulate hair growth.

If you are uncomfortable with someone massaging your scalp and you can’t do it yourself, it is worth noting that brushing your hair also improves blood flow. The gentle pulling on the hair follicles caused by brushing your hair actually stimulates blood flow almost as well as a good massage. For best results, use a natural bristle brush rather than a heavy duty styling brush. Remember not to brush your hair too many times a day however, as all that pulling on the roots can result in more damage to the follicles.

Scalp Exfoliation

Hair nourishment and hydration is an important part of the body’s natural methods of maintaining healthy hair. The scalp produces sebum, a mixture of natural oils, along the hair shaft; to nourish the hair and keep it from falling out. However, the scalp also sheds skin cells like every other part of the skin, and these are not always removed properly.

The dead cells mix with the oils on the hair and build up on the surface of the scalp. This causes irritation of the skin and the scalp becomes inflamed, which is a principle cause of hair loss in women. The problem is only made worse when excess sebum is produced, as happens in people who have naturally more oily skin.

A good scalp exfoliating treatment removes the excess sebum and clears away the dead skin cells. By exfoliating the scalp, you give it a chance to breathe and to recover from inflammation. In addition, regular exfoliation ensures that a build-up never has to occur in the first place; so exfoliating is an excellent method of preventing hair loss.

For best results, exfoliate just before washing your hair with a mild shampoo. This ensures that not only is your hair clean but all the dirt, dead cells and oils that build up on the scalp are washed away.

The effectiveness of each of the various traction alopecia treatments depends on the extent of the damage that has occurred, so it is a good idea to try several treatments before deciding which one you are going to stick with.

When it comes to restoring lost hair, you must also take into account that the effects won’t appear overnight. Each treatment will take time to work and nobody can guarantee results within any given time frame. Everything depends on the extent of the damage to the scalp; how long the hair follicles have been dormant; and also on your body’s own circumstances. Some people heal faster than others, but everyone heals in the end. Patience is the key.

How to Remedy Traction Alopecia Hair Loss With Eclipta Alba

2012-11-24T15:00:39Z

Hair loss is a stressful experience, especially when it is the patchy balding found in sufferers of traction alopecia. The scalp is often inflamed and sore, and this leads to increased stress for the sufferer. Unfortunately stress is a contributing factor in hair loss, so it can quickly become a vicious spiral as more and more hair is lost.

Fortunately modern studies have demonstrated that there are ways to halt and even reverse the effects of traction alopecia. By applying specially-formulated ointments to the affected areas, the scalp is encouraged to heal, and the lost hair to re-grow. Although there have been many hair loss remedies over the years, the most effective treatment has been found to come from traditional Indian Ayurevedic medicine.

What is Eclipta Alba?

Eclipta alba, also known as bhringraj, is a plant that has long been used in Indian medicine to treat hair loss. Its leaf extracts contain powerful chemicals that help to revive hair follicles that have been rendered dormant due to the effects of traction alopecia.

Eclipta alba is an important part of Ayurevedic medicine, the traditional medicine of India. While the extract can be used in several ways for different ailments, such as rubbing into the temples or ingesting, the correct method for treating hair loss is to create an ointment.

The eclipta alba is mixed with an ointment base to form a moisturising treatment of 2% eclipta. The ointment is then rubbed into the area to be treated; allowing the chemicals to quickly reach the area they are to treat. During the course of the 2009 study by Datta, Singh et al., the data collected showed that the eclipta treatment was 147% more effective than other hair loss treatments.

The Effects of Eclipta Alba

Studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in May 2009 showed that eclipta alba is a far more effective treatment for hair loss than a comparable solution of Minoxidil; another popular hair loss treatment. When applied to the affected area, the pattern baldness caused by traction alopecia was significantly reduced.

The eclipta chemicals work by encouraging the dormant hair follicles to move

Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) hair grown oil

out of the telogen phase of their growth cycle and into the anagen phase; the part of the cycle during which hair is grown. More new hair growth was detected when subjects were treated with eclipta alba than on those subjects that were left to heal the damage to their hair follicles naturally.

The result of this research demonstrates that Ayurevedic medicine incoporating eclipta alba moisturing treatment is an effective method of promoting hair regrowth. This is not a miracle cure, of course, so the best results still occur with frequent use but as a method of speeding up the recovery process, it is hard to beat.

Recovering From Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia occurs because the scalp is over stressed and the hair follicles it contains become damaged. The damaged cells deform and stop producing new hair, becoming dormant for long periods while the damage to the follicles is repaired. This process can take months or years depending on the extent of the damage.

When hair follicles stop growing new hair, the hair that has grown already works its way out of the scalp. Three months after the hair follicle has entered the telogen phase, during which no hair is produced, the hair that had already grown will be shed. This is a natural part of the growth cycle and the reason we don’t all go bald for part of the time is because each hair follicle is in a different point on the growth cycle; so we never notice the lost hairs.

When many hairs enter the telogen phase and become dormant, the effects of hair loss become visible very quickly. Hair is shed but no new growth comes through to take its place. The result is patchy baldness, particularly on the crown and around the hairline.

Traditional medicine has been proved to assist in coaxing hair follicles out of the telogen phase and back into the anagen (growing) phase. When applied as a moisturising treatment on the bald areas of the scalp, the body is able to better heal itself, so hair re-grows faster. This makes eclipta alba a worthwhile treatment for hair loss in both men and women.

Feel free to download our free ebook for more tips on how to stimulate hair growth.

The Dangers of Traction Alopecia

2012-11-24T15:05:31Z

Traction alopecia is a condition where damaged hair follicles cannot grow hair. The follicles enter a dormant state and the hair they had been growing falls out over time, leaving bald patches on the exposed scalp. In minor cases this leads to patch balding in only the worst affected areas.

More developed cases can result in complete, or near-complete, hair loss. When this happens, it is important to identify the cause and work to remove it. When the scalp has time to repair the damage to hair follicles, they will often begin to grow hair again. The length of time the healing process takes will of course vary depending on the extent of the damage at the time the stressors are removed, but the body is a remarkable healing machine and the hair will eventually grow back.

Causes of Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia has a number of causes. One major factor is damage to the hair follicles, often caused by continued pulling on hair strands. Wearing hair extensions exacerbates the problem because not only are the extensions themselves constantly pulling on the hair root but the method of attaching the extensions adds pressure too.

In addition to damaged hair follicles through pulling, stress on the scalp can lead to hair loss. Scalp stress comes about through constant rubbing, which occurs most often when tight hats are worn on a regular basis. Hard hats, cycle helmets and crash helmets are all scalp stressors because their close fit causes rubbing that eventually leads to inflammation.

All hair follicles go through a growth cycle that involves a three-month telogen or rest phase. After the telogen phase is over, hair growth resumes. Damaged hair follicles are unable to exit the telogen phrase and instead end up going into dormancy. This is the point when traction alopecia becomes visible, as dormant hair follicles cause visible bald patches.

Stress Hair Loss

When the body is stressed, this can cause hair follicles to enter the telogen phase of the growth cycle. When traction alopecia is present, the hair follicles are deformed and cannot leave the rest phase. As a result, stress hair loss is a significant problem.

Some estimates put the number of follicles that enter the rest phase at up to 70 percent of active hair cells; meaning the results could be highly visible. Hair falls out of the scalp after the follicles have been in the rest phase for three months, but in the majority of cases this is perfectly natural.

You will notice the occasional hair falling out here and there but each hair is at a different stage in the growth cycle so you should retain a healthy head of hair despite a few strands falling out here and there. When you have damaged hair follicles that cannot begin hair growth again, bald patches start to appear. This in turn can lead to more stress, and the cycle repeats itself.

How to Avoid the Dangers

The simplest method of avoiding hair loss is to recognise the causes of traction alopecia and avoid them. Style your hair in a way that allows it to hang loosely. Avoid wearing a tight-fitting hat as often as possible, so you do not have something rubbing against the scalp all the time. Similarly, wash your hair with shampoos and conditioners that do not inflame the scalp or cause itching, as this will stop you scratching. Scratching is a major cause of damage to hair follicles.

If you must wear hair extensions, do so only on occasion and allow your hair a good two to three months recovery time after wearing them. When you tie your hair back in a ponytail, make sure it is a loose ponytail so the pressure on the crown is not as high. Avoid tight braiding, especially when it is close to the hairline for stitching hair extensions into.

By recognising the causes of traction alopecia and adjusting your hair care regime to avoid them, you have a far greater chance of preventing hair loss. Where hair loss does occur, knowing the causes is an important first step in the recovery process. Recovering from hair loss can take months or even a couple of years but when your scalp is given the time to heal without new stressors being introduced, you will see the hair grow back naturally. The recovery time can however be shortened by using formulations that are effective in stimulating hair growth.

Our free ebook, which can be downloaded by joining our mailing list, contains step by step massage techniques for stimulating hair growth. See the side bar to sign up.

How to Stimulate Hair Growth After Traction Alopecia

2012-11-24T15:15:42Z

Traction alopecia is a condition caused by damage to the hair follicles, which

Scalp massages stimulate hair growth

results in patches of hair loss. To recover from this condition, it is not enough to simply stimulate hair growth. You also have to repair the damage to the hair follicles, otherwise any hair that does manage to grow back will not grow strong and healthy. This means eating a healthy diet so the body is strong enough to repair the damage, and making sure the nutrients you ingest are able to reach the parts that need them.

Stimulating the Scalp

If the body is going to repair itself it needs an adequate supply of nutrients and proteins to the affected area, and this means good blood flow. When hair follicles become dormant, they use less nutrients than when they are active. This results in less blood flow being needed, and the scalp responds accordingly.

You can help to boost the blood flow to the hair follicles by stimulating the scalp and encouraging activity back into the capillaries in the affected areas. Brushing your hair two or three times a day with a natural fibre, wide brush helps to do this; although it is best to avoid pulling on the hair follicles too much through vigorous brushing, as this may simply end up with you pulling more weakened hairs out.

Similarly, regular massaging of the scalp helps to stimulate hair growth in a similar fashion. Massaging reawakens the scalp and encourages blood flow through that area of the skin; which brings much-needed nutrients to the area. Try massaging the scalp once a day. You don’t need someone else to do this for you, so don’t worry if you’re shy. It can be done simply by gently kneading the parts of the scalp where you want to encourage hair growth to start again. For step by step massage techniques, download our free ebook from the side bar.

Dietary Supplements

The body needs a healthy diet if it is to work at maximum efficiency, and it needs plenty of protein if is is going to repair itself. Protein is used in growth and repair. Protein forms into keratin in the hair follicles, and keratin means strong, healthy hair.

You will also need to make sure you are getting enough iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc. These are essential chemicals for hair growth and they produce strong, healthy hair. To ensure you get enough of each chemical, eat plenty of dairy, eggs, red meat (if you don’t eat meat, soya contains the same essential nutrients) and spinach.

You may also want to consider taking a dietary supplement specially formulated for healthy hair growth. These supplements contain biotin, which is proven to extend the length of time hair follicles remain in the growing stage. This will help your hair to grow back quicker. Again, our free ebook has suggestions you may find helpful.

Get a Good Night’s Rest

Growth hormone is only produced when you are asleep. If you have ever noticed that when you’re ill, you sleep more, the production and use of growth hormone is the reason. Your body uses growth hormone to repair itself so when you are ill, you sleep more. The same thing is true of rekindling healthy hair growth.

So when trying to overcome traction alopecia and stimulate hair growth again, it is important to get a good night’s rest. Make sure you get to bed at a decent time, so you are refreshed in the morning. It will do your body a lot of good, and it will speed up the recovery process at the same time.

How Long Will It Take?

Nobody can say for certain how long a particular person will take to recover from traction alopecia. While stimulating hair growth will certainly speed up the process (as the Eclipta Alba study proved), an overnight cure is not possible at this point.

Instead we have to look at the natural repair cycle as a guide, and work from there. When left to repair itself, the body can take between two months and several years to fully recover from the damage caused by traction alopecia. The exact recovery time all depends on the amount of hair follicles that have been rendered dormant, and also on how quickly the sufferer’s body usually repairs damage to the skin.

Everybody is different, so your personal recovery time will never be the same as someone else’s even if their circumstances seem identical to your own. It is important to remember that patience is the watchword when it comes to traction alopecia. So for best results, take the dietary supplements and use the techniques discussed above for stimulating healthy hair growth and you’ll get the best results you can, as quickly as possible.

How to Remedy Thinning Hair

2012-11-24T15:30:13Z

Thinning hair and bald patches are often a sign of damage to the scalp rather than the advancement of age. In cases of scalp stress leading to hair loss, it is possible to remedy the problem without having to resort to hair replacement surgery or other medical solutions.

You can remedy thinning hair naturally and enjoy strong, healthy, natural hair again. The methods involved are not arduous, just simple and straightforward solutions to repair the damage to a stressed scalp, and encourage natural regrowth.

Tight Hairstyles Lead to Bald Patches

Whenever a tight hairstyle is worn, the hair is pulled unnaturally taut. This puts incredible strain on the hair root and can often lead to individual strands being pulled out. In addition, the strain on the hair follicles is intense.

When the hair follicles are subject to this level of strain, they quickly deform and become unable to function correctly. The telogen or rest phase of the growth cycle increases as the cells attempt to repair the damage they have received. When the damage is extensive, the cells become dormant and bald patches appear on the scalp.

Tight hairstyles should be avoided for anyone with thinning hair, as they will only make the problem worse. Tight ponytails and extensive braiding are common sources of hair loss; especially on the crown in the case of ponytails. Braiding and weaves are notorious for causing hair loss along the hairline, as that is where the hair roots are naturally weakest.

Avoid Stressing the Scalp

Scalp stress is one of the principle causes of hair loss through traction alopecia. When the scalp is stressed, it becomes inflamed; which leads to rubbing and scratching the inflamed area. This adds to the damage and also causes damage to the hair follicles in the stressed area.

In turn, the follicles become deformed and unable to function correctly. They enter a dormant phase, during which time hair will not grow from them, until the body has time to repair the damage. The repair process can take months or even years, depending on the extent of the damage done.

Scalp stress is caused in two ways. The most common method is through the use of haircare products that cause rashes and irritation. There are many different formulas of haircare product on the market, from shampoos and conditioners to hair relaxants and regenerative lotions. Not every person can use every product, our bodies react to them differently. Find a product that does not cause your scalp to itch or become inflamed.

In addition, avoid using hair relaxants, at least until your hair has fully grown back in. Hair relaxants damage the bonds between the keratin molecules in your hair, permanently weakening the strands and causing the roots to become less strong. As a result, chemically-straightened hair snaps easily, which makes the effect of hair loss more noticeable.

Also, avoid wearing hats that fit tightly to the head. These rub against the scalp, causing more irritation. While it’s not always possible to avoid some hats, such as safety helmets that must be worn when bike riding or hard hats in some workplaces, consider carrying your hat when you are in a place that does not require it to be worn. This will greatly reduce the time the hat can stress the scalp; which shortens your recovery time.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

While it may not seem all that important for hair care, a balanced diet is essential if you want to remedy thinning hair. Hair loss is often caused at least in part by a lack of the nutrients needed to repair the damages of scalp stress, and also because the components of healthy hair are missing from a person’s diet.

Strong, healthy hair requires a lot of protein. Protein is needed to repair the damage to hair follicles that causes traction alopecia, and it is also the main chemical in keratin. Keratin is the chemical that gives your hair its strength, so a low-protein diet results in weak hair that breaks easily.

Eat plenty of protein-rich foods such as eggs and nuts to strengthen your hair the natural way. Your hair also needs plenty of iron, selenium, magnesium and zinc. These are found in abundance in spinach, red meats, eggs, peanuts and fish. Vegetarians should look to mushrooms and soy as alternatives to meat and fish; as these also provide the nutrients essential to healthy hair. The alternative is to take hair growth supplements that contain the right balance of amino acids and vitamins required for healthy hair growth.

By maintaining a healthy diet you will not only improve your hair’s health but your general well being at the same time. Combining this with good general hair care and scalp massages, and using a less intensive styling for your hair will quickly show results. With a new regimen in place, your thinning hair will soon become luscious and healthy once again.

To find scalp massage techniques described in detail, we invite you to request our FREE E-book – see sidebar.