Traction Alopecia
This is a gradual form of hair loss that is generally caused by pulling forces applied to the hair. If identified early enough, it can be reversible. If it carries on for too long the hair loss will become permanent.
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.
Should traction alopecia condition be treated by a dermatologist?
Traditionally dermatologists have been the key professional to deal with this condition, and some dermatologists may offer steroid injections into the area of hair loss if there is inflammation.
This condition tends to be viewed as more of a cosmetic than a medical condition by doctors in the UK, so in more recent years aesthetics clinics are offering interventions to help thicken the hair and improve hair density.
Why is a consultation needed before treatment is offered?
This clinic offers a holistic approach.
Traction alopecia can co-exist alongside other hair loss conditions, such as telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss so it is important to identify what else is contributing to the hair loss. A hair loss consultation by a trained professional will ensure that scarring forms of hair loss which need to be overseen by a dermatologist such as Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) are identified.
A TrichoLab image is taken at the beginning of the process
Home based treatments
It is important to understand that as with all aesthetic treatments, results will vary and are not guaranteed.
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. A cream formulation can be prescribed for customers which can be more useful for those with Afro-textured hair. If topical minoxidil is not tolerated or is not suitable, the suitability of low dose oral minoxidil can be discussed which can be supplied through the clinic.
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.
A home dermaroller is used to apply the solution.
The manufacturers recommend use alongside the Pharma Hermetic lotion in spray, shampoo and hair mask.
Calecim
Traction alopecia often involves localized inflammation and the miniaturization of follicles due to physical stress. Calecim addresses this through:
PTT-6® Technology: A high concentration of growth factors and cytokines derived from ethically sourced umbilical cord lining. This “protein cocktail” sends signals to dormant or “sluggish” follicles to return to the active growth phase (anagen).
Anti-Inflammatory Action: Traction alopecia can cause chronic scalp inflammation. Calecim has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers significantly (up to 30-fold), creating a calmer environment for recovery.
Increased Follicle Production: Clinical lab testing suggests it can increase hair follicle cell production by approximately 24%, matching the cellular growth stimulation of some pharmaceutical treatments but without the drug-related side effects.
A 6 week at home programme may be helpful.
Personalized topical medications guided by TrichoTest (DNA Test)
Other hair loss conditions such as balding, telogen effluvium and alopecia areata may be present. Topical minoxidil has been used off licence for the last 2 conditions.
Minoxidil when used for hair loss due to balding does not work for everyone.
Alternative topical medications can be considered. Having a TrichoTest DNA for hair loss treatments and supplements will help you to select the most appropriatee personalised topical treatment based on your genetic profile
Cosmetic camouflage with hair fibres
Cosmetic camouflage can be used to temporarily hide visible hair thinning due to traction alopecia or other causes. For textured hair this clinic recommended MS Hair fibres. Since the company stopped trading the same fibres are now available in black and brown colours under the Doctor Trichology brand.
The fibres are also available in grey, auburn and blonde.
For people with straighter hair 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.
Please click on the images below to buy
Clinic based treatments
Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma where 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
The clinic treatment involves using the same cosmetic topical solution – but 5ml rather than 2ml applied at each clinic session. The regime involves 6 treatments every 10 days at the clinic, followed by low level laser light treatment.
The experience at this clinic has been that results are seen as early as 2 months after the start of the programme.
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. The results showed measured increase in hair thickness using TrichoLab imaging.
The before and after images below (except the 2nd) are from clients of this clinic after just 2 months of treatment. All the images below are of women with afro-textured hair, but benefits are seen in other hair types who experienced other types of hair loss such as telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss.
Maintenance treatment after the course is recommended particularly for those with associated female pattern hair loss (balding)
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
Automated microneedling can theoretically help with stimulation of the hair follicles.
There are options available from this clinic are:
- Dermapen Exo-Grow. A comprehensive package of PDRN and Exosomes with cutting edge home care products
- 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 ageing/skin rejuvenation, acne scarring, stretch marks during a treatment session.
Wigs and hairpieces
Wigs and attractive head-coverings are available to buy online from www.crewehairandskinclinic.uk/shop.
The focus of activity at this clinic is to rejuvenate your own hair where possible.