Are wigs and braids causing long term harm?

Alopecia is a common disease and refers to hair loss in women or men. 

Normal hair breakage leaves strands shorter and broken but not entirely absent, hair loss due to alopecia results in complete bald spots on the head or body, explains Dr Matete Mathobela, Dermatologist at Mediclinic Cape Gate. Hair loss or alopecia is classified into 2 broader groups, scarring alopecia( central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, alopecia decalvans, dissecting cellulitis, frontal fibrosing alopecia and late traction alopecia amongst others) and non-scarring alopecia( early traction alopecia, alopecia areata, male and female pattern alopecia and telogen effluvium).

What causes alopecia and is it contagious?

Alopecia can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, intense amounts of stress, your diet, autoimmune disorders such as thyroid disease, even hormonal changes from taking birth control pills or post-delivery hormonal changes can be a trigger. Some forms of alopecia, like alopecia areata which occurs when the body's immune system attacks hair follicles can be triggered by infections from bacteria or viruses. While conditions causing alopecia may be contagious, the hair loss itself is not.

Another common form of alopecia that has become more common is traction alopecia, which happens when hair is frequently pulled too tightly, or from wearing braids, having tight ponytails, and wearing wigs often. All these factors combined result inbroken hairs, thinner hair and more cuticle damage. It is usually seen along the hairline, but can be central especially for people with dreadlocks, and can lead to permanent damage if not addressed. Preventing further damage involves loosening hairstyles, reducing the number of times hair is braided and allowing the hair and scalp to recover before doing braids or wearing a wig again.

One of the commonest hair loss that is unfortunately on the rise is central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. It’s it more common in females and has a genetic link. Mothers that have the condition can pass it to their daughters. It is a scarring form of alopecia, starts in the centres of the scalp and expand slowly with time. Early symptoms includes hair breakage, severe itching, pimples on the scalp and bald spots. Some people experience no symptoms at all except for noticing their hair is thinning.

Untreated this condition can lead to permanent hair loss, and therefore early diagnosis and treatment is important. Trigger factors include usage of heat on the hair, chemical relaxers and traction hair styles.

According to Dr Mathobela, lifestyle choices like a healthy diet, reducing stress, and avoiding harsh chemical hair treatments (such as relaxers) can help manage the risk. Early detection and intervention may not prevent hair loss completely, but can reduce its severity.

Emotional impact of alopecia

There is hope for those with this condition-getting emotional support, either from family and friends, or a therapist can make coping with the psychological and emotional challenges of hair loss more bearable.

Effective treatments and hair transplants

”While no permanent cure for alopecia exists, managing the condition is possible. For early stage traction alopecia, medications such as minoxidil can help slow down or stop hair loss and even encourage regrowth,” Dr Mathobela explains. “In cases of severe or long term hair loss, hair transplants are sometimes recommended to restore a natural appearance. This procedure involves taking healthy hair follicles from another part of the scalp and transplanting them into thinning or bald areas. Wearing wigs has also been prescribed for those with irreversible alopecia, wigs help with regaining a sense of normalcy and rebuilding self-esteem and pulling one out of social withdrawal.”

If you’re experiencing hair loss, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional to explore treatment options and emotional support resources that can help you manage the condition effectively.

Contact your nearest Mediclinic to get an appointment with a dermatologist if you suffer from traction alopecia.