Trendy Hairstyles Can Cause Baldness

If you wear your hair, like how David Beckham used to (in corn rows), you may be at risk for traction alopecia – which may cause permanent hairloss. The British Journal of Dermatology has reported that hairstyles such as these (as well as ones that require weaves, chemical straightening , and extensions) can cause bald patches. The dermatologists are underlining the dangers of any excessive treatment for any hair type.

There was a study done involving 2000 adults and children from South Africa, where it was found that 1 in 7 schoolgirls, and 1/3 of all women were suffering from traction alopecia – which is caused by excessive pulling of the hair.

Statistics became worse when they looked at school children who had chemically relaxed hair, and discovered that 1 in 5 kids had traction alopecia, from that.

Andrew McDonagh, a consultant at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, stated that the findings of this study has confirmed previous evidence that traction alopecia could be caused by elaborate hairstyles.

Dr McDonagh states,

We see a number of black patients with traction alopecia each year and it’s recognised to be a major problem, especially in the US where there is a large black population. But you see other patients with the condition, who may have treated their hair or worn it pulled back from the scalp.

I am definitely at a stage in my life, where I would never risk losing all (or large portions) of my hair – just because the hairstyle du jour is cool. OK maybe once or twice, when I was in high school I had a perm – so I guess there was a time, when I was a somewhat interested party. But not any more.

It is interesting to note, that when my own hair was falling out, I would pull my remaining hair back into a ponytail, or a bun. I thought that was the easiest way to conceal my bald patches. Turns out, I was just adding fuel to the fire. I am definitely going to have to keep that in mind, the next time this happens for me.

If you want to read more about the study and the corresponding article -which also covers acne keloidalis nuchae, please click here.