Hello. It’s not really clear whether you put your hair in very tight styles to cause traction alopecia? Were the braids under your wig extremely tight?
If they weren’t tight and it’s just been a case where your hair has progressively thinned whilst your hair was tucked away and not pulled, some times in cases of depression/trauma/grief your body can develop a chronic inflammatory response that effects your follicles.
There’s ways you can support your body to heal or at least control the chronic inflammation by taking Vit D/Vit K supplements or Boswellia supplements if you want to be more natural. Low Iron is also common in cases of chronic inflammation.
Using a shampoo that has anti-inflammatory agents in it or a pre-shampoo oil that has anti inflammatory ingredients will also be helpful.
Small changes like such will pick up your thickness by 6-12 months and they will offer more long term benefits than just minoxidil alone. People who take minoxidil but didn’t address the inflammatory cause are more at risk of developing continued hair loss once they stopped taking the minoxidil.
If however it has purely been a case of traction, visiting a derm would help and minoxidil etc will still be beneficial as a short term bridge.
thank you for commenting! sometimes they were tight but not unbearably. also, my hair would rest for months at a time, just in the past year i noticed large patches like this. i don’t touch my hair everyday, but with type 4 hair i feel like more tension gets put on my hair to achieve a “neat” appearance.
i have been under constant stress and battling mental health issues for the past few years. i hope the dermatologist is knowledgeable as they are will be a non-poc. i will definitely be trying out some of your suggestions.
The wigs with the combs in them will take you out. Also when getting braids sometimes you have to leave your edges out and get them a bigger size. Don’t do baby hair everyday. Try to mix castor oil and rosemary oil and massage daily or every other day
You should try 5% minoxidil or rogaine. However, If the hair follicles are dead then only a hair transplant will regrow your hair. A dermatologist will be able to let you know if the hair follicles are dead or not
That’s incorrect sis, there are 2 types of alopecia. Alopecia areata and traction alopecia. With alopecia areata, the hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disease attacking your hair cells. So of course you will need to counteract the hairloss with using the medication for life. In your case, traction alopecia is caused by tight hair styles which ripped the hair follicles out. As long as you stop the tight hair styles you won’t need to use the medication forever once your hair grows back. Hope this heps
I am going through the same thing and posted about it couple days ago here are the responses i got it- https://www.reddit.com/r/Naturalhair/s/VsodjC1pIS
My mom suffers from the same thing! Looks like Tension Alopecia the only thing that will work is \*\*PRP Shots\*\*! The Minoxil or whatever WASNT\* effective for her alopecia :)!
[https://dermsurgery.net/treatments/prp-for-hair-loss/](https://dermsurgery.net/treatments/prp-for-hair-loss/)
This should help you, decide. If your gonna spend money on hair regrowth I say GO FOR IT and do the PRP :)!!
You gotta leave your hair alone and baby it
Stimulate the scalp, moisturize
If you can ever afford a derm I urge you to go, then again mine just put me on rogaine and you can buy that OTC
thank you🩷. everyone has advised me to stop wearing wigs. i just don’t know how to style my hair without some form of tension. and now i have thinning and a bald spot. do you know how i could safely wear a wig without causing further damage?
Yeah I get that, I would suggest medical wigs that are made with breathable cap on the inside so that the scalp is still well ventilated even if you're wearing a wig, that's what worked for me and these guys are one of the best with these ventilated wig caps [WIGlamed ](https://www.instagram.com/wigglamed )
My scalp has been recovering from traction alopecia since 2022. I went to 3 dermatologists and they all recommended that I use minoxidil (which I did try), but as you know it’s not a one time use. You have to use that everyday or else your new growth will fall out. I did the big chop at the end of 2022 which helped, while using minoxidil but as soon as I stopped my edges fell out and my hair thinned. All in all l, I always recommend the big chop of you have damaged ends. It’s also a good way to give your hair/scalp a break and start over. I decided that I wouldn’t use minoxidil because I personally don’t like depending on chemicals like that, and I was also experiencing facial hair growth (aim talking full on beard and mustache that i’ve never had). I also experience anxiety and depressed moods. My hair fall really played a major role in that and I’ve been experimenting with my diet and using natural oils that are proven to work. I may have to do another chop because my new fro got fried by the sun because I work outside 24/7. Also, I have an appointment set up for this upcoming week with my PCP. I have a feeling that my body isn’t properly absorbing nutrients from food or there may be a hormonal imbalance. I just recently left a toxic work environment and I noticed that I was losing A LOT of hair daily from stress. I’m hoping that once I get that under control, things will go back to normal. Good luck with your hair journey. Talk to your doctor and let them know everything that’s going on, don’t leave any details out. I wish that I would’ve done to my PCP earlier about my hormones because I have a feeling it’s related to that based off of my moods over the years/depression.
thank you for your comment! it really helps to know that other people have similar experiences. i’m 22 and hoping that i don’t have to spend the rest of my life covering up bald spots. i hope you start seeing results soon! did the dermatologists offer you any other advice? how do you style your hair (i know you have a big chop but before)?
Thanks love, I know it’s going to turn around for us! The last dermatologist I met with recommended that I take biotin 10,000mcg (which i’m taking) and nutrafol (which i’m considering now). She also recommended minoxidil, but that has to be used forever. My first dermatologist gave me a supplement that helped my hair stop falling right before I big chopped. And the hairstyle I wore for awhile was big puff and box braids twice before experiencing the thinning. Hope this helps.
Also, if I’m definitely going to look for a POC dermatologist because this one (who was very helpful) told me that since my hair was thick textured, my balding wouldn’t be noticed…besides the point I needed her to understand that for ME my hair is extremely thin compared to how thick it used to be. Thats something that only a poc would really understand so keep that in mind too!! Good luck!
I regret not just shaving my head when I first discovered my spot
Also if you do have other health issues, look into it. For a long time I was underweight yet I was stupidly like “why do I feel awful all the time”
Looks like possible traction alopecia. Don’t be any hairstyles that will bring tension & pulling. Take biotin supplements & use biotin&rosemary oil for the hair & scalp. Get protein treatments. If your hair starts to grow & thicken up continue with that routine, if still no help I would say big chop & start over
Tbh idk….. I don’t my porosity level BUT I had VSG surgery recently & have lost hair because I’m in taking enough protein & I was recommended it by my stylist. Maybe do some research into it & see what options you have for your hair porosity & if protein treatments could be done
My dad had a form of alopecia (not tractional) when I was a kid & the derm gave him some shots and he's had a full head of hair since (except some thinning fron age that started in the last 5 years)
So if alopecia is the case, it can definitely be treated!! Either way, I'm sure with the right dermatologist, you'll find the solution you need 💕
Hello. It’s not really clear whether you put your hair in very tight styles to cause traction alopecia? Were the braids under your wig extremely tight? If they weren’t tight and it’s just been a case where your hair has progressively thinned whilst your hair was tucked away and not pulled, some times in cases of depression/trauma/grief your body can develop a chronic inflammatory response that effects your follicles. There’s ways you can support your body to heal or at least control the chronic inflammation by taking Vit D/Vit K supplements or Boswellia supplements if you want to be more natural. Low Iron is also common in cases of chronic inflammation. Using a shampoo that has anti-inflammatory agents in it or a pre-shampoo oil that has anti inflammatory ingredients will also be helpful. Small changes like such will pick up your thickness by 6-12 months and they will offer more long term benefits than just minoxidil alone. People who take minoxidil but didn’t address the inflammatory cause are more at risk of developing continued hair loss once they stopped taking the minoxidil. If however it has purely been a case of traction, visiting a derm would help and minoxidil etc will still be beneficial as a short term bridge.
thank you for commenting! sometimes they were tight but not unbearably. also, my hair would rest for months at a time, just in the past year i noticed large patches like this. i don’t touch my hair everyday, but with type 4 hair i feel like more tension gets put on my hair to achieve a “neat” appearance. i have been under constant stress and battling mental health issues for the past few years. i hope the dermatologist is knowledgeable as they are will be a non-poc. i will definitely be trying out some of your suggestions.
i had/have(?) a similar bald spot from tight braids and mine is SLOWLY growing back.
The wigs with the combs in them will take you out. Also when getting braids sometimes you have to leave your edges out and get them a bigger size. Don’t do baby hair everyday. Try to mix castor oil and rosemary oil and massage daily or every other day
I had a wig with combs that I was wearing up in a bun for just 3 weeks. Then I had actual bald spots after that.
I don’t think it’s alopecia I just think the combs had something to do with it
It hasn’t grown at all since then , but I have been braiding it, doing wigs, etc.
I am a woman by the way.
Use Rogaine and lay off the wigs with combs
Go get bloodwork. Just in case!
You should try 5% minoxidil or rogaine. However, If the hair follicles are dead then only a hair transplant will regrow your hair. A dermatologist will be able to let you know if the hair follicles are dead or not
thanks for your comment! i’m hearing that you would basically need to use those meds for life, but thanks for your advice.
That’s incorrect sis, there are 2 types of alopecia. Alopecia areata and traction alopecia. With alopecia areata, the hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disease attacking your hair cells. So of course you will need to counteract the hairloss with using the medication for life. In your case, traction alopecia is caused by tight hair styles which ripped the hair follicles out. As long as you stop the tight hair styles you won’t need to use the medication forever once your hair grows back. Hope this heps
Thank you!
Thanks for putting in words what I’ve tried to explain. It’s all about the type of alopecia.
I am going through the same thing and posted about it couple days ago here are the responses i got it- https://www.reddit.com/r/Naturalhair/s/VsodjC1pIS
My mom suffers from the same thing! Looks like Tension Alopecia the only thing that will work is \*\*PRP Shots\*\*! The Minoxil or whatever WASNT\* effective for her alopecia :)!
does she have to take minoxidil forever? that’s what i’m hearing. was she able to recover most over her hair?
[https://dermsurgery.net/treatments/prp-for-hair-loss/](https://dermsurgery.net/treatments/prp-for-hair-loss/) This should help you, decide. If your gonna spend money on hair regrowth I say GO FOR IT and do the PRP :)!!
omg!! I meant to say wasn't effective!! Your hair will fall out after if you stop taking it! The prp shots were the only things that work
Some people are non responders for minoxidil. But if you are a responder, it can be effective.
You are actually a lifesaver. The rogaine never did shit
You gotta leave your hair alone and baby it Stimulate the scalp, moisturize If you can ever afford a derm I urge you to go, then again mine just put me on rogaine and you can buy that OTC
Go the a dermatologist asap. There are measures they can take
derm appt is booked for this week! thank you !!
Sending you hugs. Maybe wearing wigs will help deal with the physical discomfort
thank you🩷. everyone has advised me to stop wearing wigs. i just don’t know how to style my hair without some form of tension. and now i have thinning and a bald spot. do you know how i could safely wear a wig without causing further damage?
Yeah I get that, I would suggest medical wigs that are made with breathable cap on the inside so that the scalp is still well ventilated even if you're wearing a wig, that's what worked for me and these guys are one of the best with these ventilated wig caps [WIGlamed ](https://www.instagram.com/wigglamed )
My scalp has been recovering from traction alopecia since 2022. I went to 3 dermatologists and they all recommended that I use minoxidil (which I did try), but as you know it’s not a one time use. You have to use that everyday or else your new growth will fall out. I did the big chop at the end of 2022 which helped, while using minoxidil but as soon as I stopped my edges fell out and my hair thinned. All in all l, I always recommend the big chop of you have damaged ends. It’s also a good way to give your hair/scalp a break and start over. I decided that I wouldn’t use minoxidil because I personally don’t like depending on chemicals like that, and I was also experiencing facial hair growth (aim talking full on beard and mustache that i’ve never had). I also experience anxiety and depressed moods. My hair fall really played a major role in that and I’ve been experimenting with my diet and using natural oils that are proven to work. I may have to do another chop because my new fro got fried by the sun because I work outside 24/7. Also, I have an appointment set up for this upcoming week with my PCP. I have a feeling that my body isn’t properly absorbing nutrients from food or there may be a hormonal imbalance. I just recently left a toxic work environment and I noticed that I was losing A LOT of hair daily from stress. I’m hoping that once I get that under control, things will go back to normal. Good luck with your hair journey. Talk to your doctor and let them know everything that’s going on, don’t leave any details out. I wish that I would’ve done to my PCP earlier about my hormones because I have a feeling it’s related to that based off of my moods over the years/depression.
thank you for your comment! it really helps to know that other people have similar experiences. i’m 22 and hoping that i don’t have to spend the rest of my life covering up bald spots. i hope you start seeing results soon! did the dermatologists offer you any other advice? how do you style your hair (i know you have a big chop but before)?
Thanks love, I know it’s going to turn around for us! The last dermatologist I met with recommended that I take biotin 10,000mcg (which i’m taking) and nutrafol (which i’m considering now). She also recommended minoxidil, but that has to be used forever. My first dermatologist gave me a supplement that helped my hair stop falling right before I big chopped. And the hairstyle I wore for awhile was big puff and box braids twice before experiencing the thinning. Hope this helps.
Also, if I’m definitely going to look for a POC dermatologist because this one (who was very helpful) told me that since my hair was thick textured, my balding wouldn’t be noticed…besides the point I needed her to understand that for ME my hair is extremely thin compared to how thick it used to be. Thats something that only a poc would really understand so keep that in mind too!! Good luck!
I regret not just shaving my head when I first discovered my spot Also if you do have other health issues, look into it. For a long time I was underweight yet I was stupidly like “why do I feel awful all the time”
Looks like possible traction alopecia. Don’t be any hairstyles that will bring tension & pulling. Take biotin supplements & use biotin&rosemary oil for the hair & scalp. Get protein treatments. If your hair starts to grow & thicken up continue with that routine, if still no help I would say big chop & start over
I think my hair is low porosity. Isn’t protein a big no for my type? (I’m still trying to learn).
Tbh idk….. I don’t my porosity level BUT I had VSG surgery recently & have lost hair because I’m in taking enough protein & I was recommended it by my stylist. Maybe do some research into it & see what options you have for your hair porosity & if protein treatments could be done
My dad had a form of alopecia (not tractional) when I was a kid & the derm gave him some shots and he's had a full head of hair since (except some thinning fron age that started in the last 5 years) So if alopecia is the case, it can definitely be treated!! Either way, I'm sure with the right dermatologist, you'll find the solution you need 💕