Traction Alopecia: Clinical Presentations, Severity Grading, and Treatment

Traction alopecia (TA) is a mechanical form of hair loss caused by pulling or high-tension hairstyles, predominantly affecting women, especially those of African descent with Afro-textured hair. The chapter discussed clinical presentations, a validated severity grading method, and histopathologic and trichoscopic findings. The primary treatment involved discontinuing the causative hairstyle or accessory. The transition point from reversible to irreversible TA remained controversial, as did the use of topical hair growth stimulators before modifying hairstyles. Reducing pain from hairstyling and avoiding traction on chemically straightened hair significantly decreased TA risk.