Hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair from styling, extensions or tight hairstyles.
Traction alopecia is caused by chronic pulling forces on hair follicles. It often affects the hairline or temples, but the pattern depends on the hairstyle or source of tension. Early traction alopecia may be reversible if the tension is stopped. Later disease can become scarring, with permanent loss of follicular openings. Clues include broken hairs, hair casts, reduced density and the “fringe sign”, where fine hairs remain along the edge. Management starts with removing the traction source and treating any inflammation; established scarring may not regrow.
DermNet: Trichoscopy of generalised noncicatricial hair loss — https://dermnetnz.org/topics/trichoscopy-of-generalised-noncicatricial-hair-loss; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 1, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76111-0
