Got Edge Control?

By Kristal Hall, HLCP, MPC

Glamorous Styles Hair Studio

. https://glamouroustyles.com/

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Got Edge Control?

Across platforms on social media, millennials have rebirthed the priority of maintaining well-kept hairlines. This generation has kickstarted viral hashtags such as #edgesonfleek to the latest trend. To meet this cultural norm, edges all over the world are being lacquered down, braided back, flat-ironed, and/or chemically treated into submission.

Women are becoming more willing to subject themselves to unhealthy hair care procedures that compromise the hair follicles. Tight braiding from hair weaves, braids, cornrows, and lace frontal adhesives are the usual suspects. Despite what our hair and scalp is trying to tell us, trend-seekers continue to participate in this destructive cycle.

It is estimated that one third of African-American women have some form of traction alopecia, a form of hair loss due to a pulling force on the immediate hairline. It results from frequently wearing hair in tight ponytails, braids, hair weaves, updo's, and excessive headband usage. Traction alopecia is also not isolated to black women, as other demographics can be impacted by this condition.

What Are the Warning Signs?

Have you received a hair service and walked away feeling tightness on your head, or had white papules emerge from the scalp within a day or two? You may have even had rashes develop from an allergic reaction to the synthetic fibers in hair extensions or experienced chemical burns from relaxers and hair colors. All of these symptoms are signals that your body is trying to alert you of issues that are occurring below surface level.

Most signs of Traction Alopecia are subtle at first. We chalk it up to “it will loosen up”, or “the bumps will go away”. However, these are clear indicators that activity is going on underneath your scalp and your receptors are not happy. Repetition is a fast way of accelerating traction alopecia. When you begin to notice tenderness, redness or bumps, immediately begin to change the harsh habits and give your follicles time to recover.

Is It Reversible?

Yes, in fact it is. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of traction alopecia, first begin to minimize any strain on the hairline. Stabilize any inflammation using an anti-inflammatory ointment. The use of weighty braids or friction-causing accessories (including wigs) should be discontinued immediately. Once you have normalized the sensations of excessive itching, redness, or sores reach out to your hair loss specialist for a traction alopecia consultation and treatment plan.