Did you know that continually wearing your hair in ponytails or tight buns can bring a condition called traction alopecia? Many women in Kerala suffer from traction alopecia. Their hair becomes weak due to continuously keeping their hair in a tight ponytail or buns, leading to this condition.
Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss. It occurs when you frequently pull on your hair. Even though tying your hair may be convenient to keep it in place, but not understanding its dangers may have a lasting effect on your hair.
We have discussed in detail some methods you can use to prevent and fix traction alopecia.
How to Treat Traction Alopecia?
Some of the things you can do to treat your condition include:
1. Changing your hairstyle
Never opt for tight hairstyles when you have any symptoms of traction alopecia. If you need to tie your hair, make sure you keep it loose. Leave your hair to rest; do not use clips, clutches, or bands. Adopt new hairstyles after a couple of days. It will avoid strain on a particular area of your scalp.
2. Limit chemical usage
Decrease your usage of chemicals on damaged hair as it can make your condition worse. Instead, get plant-based remedies or cosmetics. It can give you noticeable results and safeguard your hair from chemicals.
3. Hair growth products
Hair growth products can help you in such conditions. Research suggests that around forty percent of people utilize minoxidil for hair growth. You can go for minoxidil to treat traction alopecia after consulting your specialist. There are several other ways as well, which you can take to boost your hair growth.
4. Use anti-inflammatories
Traction alopecia makes your scalp swell, which is painful. The swelling may come with irritation and redness. An anti-inflammatory cream can reduce pain and swelling. Speak with your doctor before taking any medication.
5. Seek medical help
If you do not find fresh hair growth after taking preventive measures after a few months, you need to get medical attention. Your follicles may be damaged, and the hair may not grow again if there is any scarring.
Talk to your doctor to have the right medication for yourself. If you suffer from severe traction alopecia, you may need a hair transplant in Kerala.
Along with the steps mentioned above, you can also adopt some home remedies for treating traction alopecia.
Home Remedies for Traction Alopecia
Some of the home remedies you can use for traction alopecia include:
Add protein to your diet
Your body requires protein for hair growth. Few healthy dietary protein sources include eggs, fish, lean meats, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Not everyone needs the same quantity of protein as it changes depending on muscle mass and physical activity.
Increase iron intake
Iron is also another essential nutrient that your body needs to develop new hair. If you have hair loss, your diet must comprise foods like pumpkin, lentils, seeds, spinach, tofu, and white beans.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy assists to stimulate your hair growth. Essential oils, including lavender, tulsi, thyme, cedarwood, and rosemary, help treat traction alopecia.
When you apply essential oils on your scalp, mix only a few drops into a base oil like coconut oil.
Massage your scalp
Massage your scalp with oil as it helps stimulate the blood flow to your follicles, encouraging hair growth.
A study indicated that four minutes of scalp massage every day could result in thicker hair in six months. You may use your fingertips to massage your scalp in a circular motion or bring a massage device to do the work.
Now that you know how to treat traction alopecia, let us discuss how you can prevent the condition.
How to Prevent Traction Alopecia?
Keep your hair down as it is the best way to prevent traction alopecia. When you must tie your hair, wear it in a loose hairstyle.
Here are some things you can do to prevent the condition:
- If it is possible, try a new hairstyle every week. You may substitute between ponytails or braids
- Try not to tie your hair if it is wet
- Avoid using rubber or elastic bands to keep your hair in place. They pull out several hairs when you are untying
- Do not go to chemical hair treatments, especially if you wear weaves or braids. The chemicals may damage your hair and make it weak
- Do not keep your extensions or weaves for more extended periods
- Prevent hair relaxers as much as possible
- If you use a hairdryer, keep it at a lower temperature
- Avoid sleeping with hair rollers on
Your hair can be in a vulnerable state, even when you recover from traction alopecia. It would help if you took care of your hair even after you have recovered. Use gentle hair care methods, have a healthy diet, and manage your stress.
