Traction Alopecia

Abstract

Alopecia is common in women of African and Caribbean descent and is multifactorial in origin. Hair loss is
cosmetically unacceptable to many as suggested by the volume of hair care products available for hair loss in the
market. Hairgrooming methods have been implicated as an important factor for hair loss in women of African
descent. Traction alopecia is the commonest form of alopecia seen in Nigerian females. Recent reports suggest
that there is an increase in its prevalence and it is also seen in the younger age group. As the name suggest,
trauma from traction plays a great role in its development. It is commonly associated with hair care practices
such as tight hair styles, wrong use of hair extensions and heavy beads. Unfortunately chronic or repeated
traction leads to irreversible loss of hair follicles. Surgical intervention may be helpful but is out of the reach of a
lot of women in this environment. There is a need to educate women of African descent on the factors that lead
to traction alopecia and how to prevent its onset.
Key words: Chronic traction, folliculitis, irreversible hair loss.