TRACTION ALOPECIA AND EXTENSIONS
Traction Alopecia can occur from constant pulling on the follicles from an external source, such as tight braids, or extensions.
Both are a wonderful accessory. You can try a short or long style without cutting your hair. You can try different colors without the commitment.
This article is not to bash hair extensions. I personally love them; however, as a hairstylist I am noticing women suffering from this condition. I also speak to my fellow stylists who report the same thing. Education is needed. Not only for the client but for the stylist as well.
There are many methods for installing hair extensions.Either on the weft or off the weft.Wefted hair is hair that is sewn onto a thin track with thread. Bulk hair is hair without a weft and generally used for strand by strand methods.
Bonding, Sewing on Braids, Micro Beads (strand by strand), Braidless sew in
Fusions/Malaysian (strand by strand), Tree Braids, Per track sewing (in between client’s hair), Invisible ponytail, and crochet Braids.
All of the extension methods are ok to do. Whats important is the tension that is placed on the natural hair. Tension during braiding and sewing.Tension from too much bulk on your natural strands.
You must have proper installation and removal of the extensions.
I have listed some ways to avoid this condition.
1.Go to a reputable salon and stylist with experience.
2. Ask questions. Whatever you may have concerns about.
3. If your stylist starts to braid your hair and you feel it is too tight, let him or
4. Maintain your hair weave with shampooing and conditioning. It’s important to take care of your scalp as well.
5. I personally recommend a take down at the 3 month mark with sew-ins. In many hair textures, the hair will tend to lock past that 3 month mark. At that point you are defeating the purpose of the weave, which for most women is to grow their hair while giving their natural hair a break. You will find it you have left your hair in too long that it is tangled and lots of hair comes out when combing.
6. After your take down get your scalp treated. Get a trim and treatment.
7. With bonded weaves, ask your stylist to use a protective gel that acts as a barrier for the glue. You can even bring it to the appointment with you. (If you are not sure that he/she provides it)
8. Give your hair a break!!! Don’t just get back to back weaves constantly. know.
This is not a joke and should not be taken lightly. This is a real condition and many women are suffering from this.
If you are one of them and it has just started, the first thing for you to do, is STOP. Stop doing the same thing. If tight, close together cornrolls caused it, don’t get them. If a tight braided weave cause it, don’t get it. If you already have hair broken from the follicle don’t cause added stress on your hair strands.





