While traction alopecia is not tied to a disease, it can still lead to permanent hair loss if a person wears certain hairstyles resulting in long-term scalp pulling. The good news is avoiding certain hairstyles treatment can usually reverse hair loss caused by traction alopecia.

Traction Alopecia Causes

Traction and friction related to certain hairstyles, combing/brushing hair too vigorously or tugging at it over time can cause traction alopecia. Persistent gentle pulling is typically painless and may go unnoticed until bald spots or alopecia starts to appear. Any of the following can cause stress and tension to one’s hair:

Very tight ponytails or pigtails
Tight braids or cornrows
Dreadlocks
Extension (single) braids
Hair weaves or wigs attached with glue, clips, or tape
Headbands (even fabric ones) worn day after day
Tight hairpieces
Frequent use of hair pins, hair bands, and clips (especially day after day in the same hairstyle)
Tight headgear worn frequently or for long stretches of time that tend to rub or pull repeatedly on the same area of hair (e.g. cycling helmets)
Repeated use of hair rollers
Repeated pulling of the hair with the hands (a condition called trichotillomania)

People with thin, strait hair...have a bigger chance of cornrows damaging their hair.