Don’t lose your hair like Naomi

Naomi Campbell has worn straight extensions over her naturally kinky hair for several years. Experts say this may have permanently damaged her natural follicles. Marilyn Sherlock, from the Institute of Trichologists, which represents hair loss specialists, added: ‘It looks like Traction Alopecia, hair loss caused by the use of extensions.’

Traction Alopecia occurs when the extensions pull on the natural hair causing it to break. It usually affects the hairline just above the forehead or the sides, where the hair is weaker. It can take between three months to a year for hair to grow back in moderate cases, but if the pulling continues the hair will never grow back and the only option is a hair transplant.

Traction Alopecia damages the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs in persons who wears tight braids, especially “cornrows”, weaves and other styles that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair.

This condition is most common in black women and men who braid their hair too tightly. It can be reversible if diagnosed early, but may lead to permanent hair loss if it is left untreated for a protracted period. Hair loss is often in the frontal and temporal regions, but also depends on the hair style. With those who wear cornrows, the area most commonly affected is that adjacent to the region that is braided.

Traction Alopecia can also occur due to overprocessing of the hair. Chemical treatment of hair with dyes, bleaches, relaxers or straighteners disrupt the keratin structure in a manner that reduces hairs tensile strength. The hair can become fragile and heavy fall out can occur with brushing or combing.

The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place black women at high risk for various “traumatic” alopecias.

Studies show one in seven children and a third of women who have these hairstyles suffer hair loss caused by Traction Alopecia.

The key to stopping Traction Alopecia is detecting it early. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for “looser, more gentle hair style. Women who suspect they may be vulnerable to Traction Alopecia should take action immediately to change their hair style and see a trichologist.

Unfortunately, no medical treatment is available to reverse late-stage Traction Alopecia. Hair grafts have been identified as the only practical solution.

So ladies, we need to think of the health of our natural hair while wearing extensions, give your hair a break…let it breathe..let your natural hair out…after all its all yours.