Traction results from prolonged or ongoing repetitive tension on the scalp hair. Hair pulled in the same way for a long time to tie it in a similar fashion day after day without relief.
This is further aggravated by tying the top knot with a rubber band. And then tying a scarf on top, called the patka.
To aggravate this further, mothers tie the top knot while the hair is wet so the knot stays on for a long time and they do not have to tie it again.
Not a spontaneous developing disease in the classical sense. It is completely preventable.
It could be due to dreadlocks, braiding and tying a top knot
Some communities show a high incidence of traction alopecia. In this talk I will be discussing Traction alopecia in Sikhs.
With an incidence of incidence is as high as 87.5% in Sikhs. The statistics is worrying.
If the condition is caught early on, when a hair follicle is still intact, it can be reversed. However, for those following strict traditional practices, this may not be an option.
With some Sikhs increasingly preferring to keep short hair, the broken hairline is a disaster.
Traction alopecia mostly affects the front (frontal) and sides and in severe cases, even the hair at the back of the head.
The diagnostic feature when it just starts is Thin edges which goes on to complete bald patches and appearance of the “Fringe sign” or spared marginal hairline which are not long enough to be tied in the knot.
Caught early, it is fully reversible and the hair can regrow.
Eventually, the hair follicles can become so damaged and scarred that they can’t produce new hair.
Prolonged and excessive tension leads to destruction of the hair follicles and permanent alopecia.
-a receding hairline typically around the forehead, temples, or nape
-small pimples on the scalp or at the base of braids
-redness, itching, and ulcers on the scalp
-patches of thin or broken hair in places where the hair has been under strain
-patches of shiny, scarred skin in more advanced cases
The hairs along the front and sides of your scalp are most often affected.
This is like the ropes of tent. The farthest fastening ropes exert maximum pull.
Here are a few other ways to prevent this condition:
-Change your hairstyle every couple of weeks. For example, alternate between braids and wearing your hair down.
-When you pull your hair up into a ponytail, don’t use rubber or elastic bands to hold it in place. They can pull out your hair.
-Don’t sleep in rollers. Wrap your hair instead.
-If you wear a wig, choose one with a satin wig cap. It won’t pull as hard on your scalp.
-Traction alopecia is reversible, but you need to treat it quickly. If you stop wearing your hair in the tight hairstyle that caused it, your hair will grow back normally. Avoid wearing your hair in a tight style, especially overnight. You’ll know it’s too tight if it hurts.
But if you continue styling your hair the same way, the hair loss can be permanent.
We have a large experience with Sikh pattern traction alopecia.
For earlier videos please go to the description below and click o the links.
Challenges with a hair transplant in this set f patients is that if the scar is dense, the growth may be compromised. Hence the surgeon should be skilled in growing hair in scar tissue. Still at times, small op ups may be required.
A large numer of Punjabi celebrities too have had a hair transplant since a majority being Sikhs, the hairline is mostly broken and needs to be touched up.
Take for example Rana Ranbir’s case. He was a comedy actor but after a hair transplant he has the serious look, and has gone into serious roles in movies as fallout of our hair transplant on him.
Sharry Mann was a Punjabi singer. But his film career took after a hair transplant.
There are so many others like….
Who are reaping the benefits of a successful hair transplant for the traction alopecia.