Traction alopecia is hair loss from chronic tension on the hair: tight ponytails, braids, cornrows, buns, weaves, extensions, or turbans worn the same way for years. It shows up first at the most-pulled areas — the hairline, temples and behind the ears — often with tiny bumps or broken hairs early on. It's one of the few hair-loss types that's largely self-inflicted and therefore preventable.
Caught early, it recovers once you ease the tension: looser styles, varying where the pull falls, and avoiding chemical relaxers plus tight styling together. But if the pulling continues for years, the follicles scar and the loss becomes permanent — so don't wait. Minoxidil can help regrowth in the reversible phase. If your hairline is receding from tight styles, change them now and see a dermatologist if there's redness, bumps or no regrowth.
Try the free self-check →Sources: AGA review (CCID) ↗
FAQ
Is traction alopecia permanent?
Not at first — it's reversible if you reduce the tension early. But years of pulling can scar the follicles and make it permanent, so act as soon as you notice thinning at the hairline.
How do I prevent traction alopecia?
Wear looser styles, change where the tension falls, avoid combining tight styles with chemical relaxers, and give your hair breaks. Stop a style that hurts or leaves bumps.
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⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child