John Hopkins University
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore say they can confirm a “strong association” between certain scalp-pulling hairstyles—many common among African-Americans—and the development of traction alopecia, according to a review study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (Sept. 2016; 75(3):606-611).
In their report where they reviewed 19 studies, the investigators urged dermatologists to better educate themselves about the damaging hairstyles—including tight ponytails, braids, knots, and buns—and advise patients of risks and alternatives. The authors note that an estimated one-third of African-American women suffer from traction alopecia, making it the most common form of hair loss among that group.
“Hair is a cornerstone of self-esteem and identity for many people," said Dr. Crystal Aguh, assistant professor of dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a co-author of the study, in a press release. “But ironically, some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage.”
Traction alopecia, she added, is entirely preventable, and early intervention can stop or reverse it. “We have to do better as care providers to offer our patients proper guidance to keep them healthy from head to toe,” she said.
In their research review, Dr. Aguh and her colleagues categorized hair practices into low-, moderate- and high-risk styles based on the degree to which follicles are exposed to tension, weight, heat, and hair-altering chemicals, such as straighteners.
Moderate-risk styles, the authors said, include some of the same styles noted to be high risk, but because they are performed on natural, unprocessed hair, they are less likely to result in hair loss. Low-risk styles generally included low-tension styles, such as loose buns, and loose-hanging styles, such as wearing the hair down, as well as practices that decrease the amount of friction on the hair and scalp and avoid chemical relaxers.
Highest-risk: braids, dreadlocks, weaves, extensions
Dr. Aguh and her colleagues said the highest-risk styles include braids, dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions, especially when applied to chemically straightened hair. These styles are popular among African-Americans, she said, because they are low maintenance and chemical-free, but the constant pulling of the hair in one direction, the tight-locking patterns and added weight can result in significant breakage and eventually traction alopecia.
Damage can also be done if extensions are affixed with adhesive glue put directly on the scalp, especially when the glued-on hair is removed. Chemical straightening weakens the hair shaft, causing breakage.
In the more moderate risk category are thermal straightening, permanent waving, and use of wigs. Temporary thermal or heat-related straightening of the hair, such as the use of flat irons and blow drying the hair—while not by itself significantly associated with traction alopecia—can weaken shafts, leading to “significant” hair loss when traction is applied, the researchers concluded. Permanent waves made with ammonium thioglycolate to create or alter curl pattern, together with added tension from chemical treatment, do the same. And wigs attached with clips and adhesives to keep them in place can cause significant breakage.
Dr. Aguh also noted that cotton and nylon wig caps that rub the hairline may also weaken hair shafts, while satin ones are less likely to do so. Observations among clinic patients reported in the reviewed studies, Dr. Aguh said, found that loose, low-hanging styles or even updos are low risk for traction alopecia. So are natural styles that avoid chemicals and the use of frequent moisturization with conditioning agents.
Untreated and unprocessed hair, she said, can withstand greater traction, pulling, and brushing, and overall decreases the risk of traction alopecia, regardless of styling.
In their review, the researchers also offered guidelines for dermatologists and other care providers to prevent and manage hair loss from traction alopecia. The first line of therapy, they said, is to loosen braids and other high-tension styles, as well as weight on the follicle permanently or periodically. Braided hairstyles should be in place no longer than two to three months, they said, and weaves and extensions should also be removed for a period of time after six to eight weeks.
The investigators also recommend people alternate styles, mainly reducing or avoiding updos, to allow follicles to recover from stress.
“Dermatologists need to be conscious of the fact that many high- and moderate-risk hairstyles greatly improve hair manageability, and simply telling patients to abandon them won’t work for everyone,” said Dr. Aguh. “Instead, physicians can educate themselves to speak with patients about making the best hairstyling choices to minimize preventable hair loss.”