Dr. Caroline Robinson, dermatologist and Nioxin expert explains: “this type of hair loss is common, especially amongst those with drier hair types or tight curly hair because those hair types are already prone to damage. We also see it in certain athletes like ballerinas or gymnasts, and certain occupations like military personnel and certain professionals who are required to wear their hair pulled back.”

Hairstyles that are associated with traction alopecia are:

Tight ponytails which can lead to hair loss at the front of the scalp and at the sides
Tight buns, causing hair loss at the sides and the back of the scalp
Wearing weaves of hair extensions can also lead to hair loss
Tight braids, leading to hair loss between the braids
Using tight rollers overnight repeatedly

Wearing tight headgear such as helmets, elastics headbands or hair grips can also damage the hair leading to traction alopecia.

What Are the Signs of Traction Alopecia and How Can You Diagnose It?

There are a few signs you can tell you have traction alopecia:

- You can notice little bumps that look like pimples or redness on the scalp

- Your scalp could be itchy and sore

- You can notice patches of thin, broken hair in the area where the hair has been pulled

- You can notice patches of bare skin¹

If you are worried that you might have traction alopecia you can get diagnosed by a doctor or trichologist. They will look at your medical history and how you style your hair usually, but they can also examine your scalp using a special microscope (trichoscopy). If necessary, they might also take a scalp biopsy.