Traction Alopecia
This is a gradual form of hair loss that is generally caused by pulling forces applied to the hair.
Tight pony tails, braids, weaves or hair extensions are often the cause. It is important to get the right help early in this condition. If left for too long the hair loss can be permanent. It is more common in textured hair but can happen in all hair types . It can be triggered by hair extensions being pulled out and headwear worn tight or for prolonged periods such as turbans.
It can co-exist alongside other hair loss conditions, such as telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss so you may wish to considering booking a hair loss consultation to ensure that a holistic approach is taken. Sometimes traction alopecia can be diagnosed when in fact a scarring hair loss condition such as Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) is present. This is important because the treatment pathway is very different and FFA needs to be overseen by a dermatologist.
How the clinic can help
This type of hair loss is not dealt with in the NHS. Dealing with hair loss without using surgery needs a variety of approaches based on a correct diagnosis. This is why the clinic takes a TrichoLab image as part of every face to face initial hair loss consultation to ensure that the hair loss is accurately documented, and you are able to benefit from a second opinion.
The treatments offered reflect the information gathered in the initial consultation. Options include:
- Home based treatments: Topical Minoxidil and Calecim through the Get Harley service
- Personalized topical treatment guided by DNA Testing (TrichoTest)
- Platelet Rich Plasma
- Polynucleotides
- Microneedling with XCellaris ProTwist
- Pharma Hermetic Hair Recovery Programme (Peptide treatment)
Topical Minoxidil
It is recognised by the British Association of Dermatologists that topical Minoxidil 2% or 5% can be used in traction alopecia. Although this can be purchased from other sources as a lotion or foam, this formulation may not be suitable for everyone. This clinic can provide this at a good value price via the Get Harley Portal. A cream formulation can be prescribed for customers which can be more useful for those with Afro-textured hair.
If topical minoxidil is not suitable, the suitability of low dose oral minoxidil can be discussed which can be supplied through the clinic.
Calecim
A 6 week at home programme may be helpful. Please click on the image to learn more. A diagnostic hair loss consultation is recommended before purchasing this product.
The product is available from the clinic and can be replenished through the Get Harley Team which works with this clinic.
Personalized topical medications guided by TrichoTest (DNA Test)
It is worth knowing that when Minoxidil is used for hair loss due to balding only about 40% of people respond at 6 months.
If you are experiencing generalized hair thinning, it may be worth considering TrichoTest for hair loss will enable personalised treatment for certain types of hair loss including androgenetic alopecia. It will advise you on whether you are likely to respond to Minoxidil. For those that are missing a certain enzyme (sulfo transferase) it may be possible to alter the response.
Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma where basically your own blood is drawn from you and spun down in a centrifuge to extract the platelet rich part which has the growth factors which can help hair.
The usual reasons for using it are Alopecia Areata (an autoimmune condition), Androgenetic Alopecia (balding) and Telogen Effluvium (hair shedding and thinning).
A review article published in 2019 in International Journal of Women’s Dermatology “Current and emerging treatment strategies for hair loss in women of color” actually referred to PRP being used in traction alopecia as well as trichorrhexis nodosa (hair breakage at any point along the hair shaft).
Anecdotally, people working in the field have indicated that there may be benefit in using PRP in traction alopecia alongside other measures. It may not work for everyone, and results can be subtle.
Pharma Hermetic Hair Recovery Programme
This is a cosmetic topical solution which is used to enhance the growth of new hair and activates dormant follicles due to its effective active ingredients. It is intended to provide the necessary nutrients to repair the weakened and brittle hair. The ingredients are:.
• Chain of 10 peptides
• 150+ amino acids
• 99,9% organic natural ingredients – Biotin, Caffeine, Vitamins
The mechanism of action of HRP 55 ingredients is to block the DHT and increase the activity of the
Telomerase in the stem cells of the hair to:
• Control and decrease inflammation
• Activate antioxidant activity
• Remove free radicals
• Relax blood vessels for more oxygen and nutrients
• Shorten the delayed growth of hair follicles
It is intended for use on a variety of hair loss excluding scarring forms of hair loss and severe alopecia areata. Results are expected but not guaranteed.
The experience at the clinic of this treatment is that seems to work best on those without a recent history of dandruff/seborrhoeic dermatitis and after a course of polynucleotides.
Polynucleotides
PLINEST ® Hair is an injectable product that can improve your scalp condition and hair quality. It contains polynucleotides HPT TM, which are clinically proven to regenerate hair follicles. The ones used in Plinest Hair are known as PN-HPT.
PLINEST ® Hair is an injectable product that can improve your scalp condition and hair quality. It contains polynucleotides HPT TM, which are clinically proven to regenerate hair follicles. The ones used in Plinest Hair are known as PN-HPT. These cells are responsible for thebirth and regrowth of new hair follicles.
Polynucleotides have the ability to stimulate the fibroblasts to regenerate hair follicles, which improves scalp condition and hair quality, while allowing for better hair growth. PLINEST Hair can also be used on the eyebrows.
The experience at this clinic is that it has been good for thickening existing hairs, and produces even more results if used before the Pharma Hermetic Hair Recovery Programme.
Microneedling with Xcellaris pro twist
There isn’t much published information on this treatment at present. Automated microneedling can theoretically help with stimulation of the hair follicles.
There are 3 options for products used alongside:
- Monthly Microneedling treatments with the Dermaroller products and a home treatment programme – 4 treatments recommended initially
- Monthly Purasome treatments. 3-6 treatments recommended
- Microneedling with PRP – at least 4 -6 sessions
Microneedling improves hair loss parameters across a range of hair loss types, needling devices, needling depths, session frequencies, and combination therapies. This option would be more ideal if you would like to deal with other skin issues, such as skin rejuvenation, acne scarring, stretch marks during a treatment session.
Practical help in hiding hair loss - cosmetic camouflage
Cosmetic camouflage can be used to temporarily hide visible hair thinning due to traction alopecia or other causes.
For textured hair this clinic recommends MS Hair fibres (please click on the image to buy)
Alternatives such as Toppik hair fibres may be more suitable. To buy Toppik fibres, or other forms of scalp camouflage such as Mane Spray or Dermmatch, please click here and enter Crewe1 at the checkout to get a 10% discount.
Wigs and hairpieces
Wigs and attractive head-coverings are available to buy online from www.crewehairandskinclinic.uk/shop.
If needed, bespoke hair pieces can be made to suit your hair colour and texture for localised areas of hair loss.