Traction alopecia: 2% topical minoxidil shows promise. Report of two cases
March 2007
in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”
TLDR Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in traction alopecia.
This report discusses two cases of traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair, that were treated with 2% topical minoxidil. Both patients had longstanding traction alopecia that did not improve after stopping the hairstyles causing the condition. However, after using topical minoxidil for several months, both patients experienced new hair growth. The report suggests that follicle miniaturization may be a pathogenic process in traction alopecia and that further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind the condition. The report also notes that medical treatment is preferable to surgery for traction alopecia.
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Cited in this study
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Hair transplantation successfully treated a woman's hair loss caused by a tight ponytail.
research A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 5% and 2% topical minoxidil solutions in the treatment of female pattern hair loss
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research Changes in hair weight and hair count in men with androgenetic alopecia after treatment with finasteride, 1 mg, daily
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research Possible mechanisms of miniaturization during androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss
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research Traumatic alopecia
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent hair loss from scalp trauma.
research Surgical Correction of Traumatic Alopecia Marginalis or Traction Alopecia in Black Women
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