1. Marginal- Hair loss occurs in the frontal, parietal and temporal regions of the head
2. Non-marginal- Loss of hair occurs indiscriminately across the scalp

Traction Alopecia – Hair Loss From Hair Styling: The offending hair styles

1. Cornrows

Cornrows involve the weaving of hair tightly across the scalp using three strands.

1. Weaves

Weaves are often artificial (or real) hair pieces that are sewn into hair that has already been styled into cornrows

1. Extensions

Hair extensions also involve artificial or real hair that is attached to an individual’s own hair. Sometimes these are glued onto existing hair. And other times they are attached to the native hair with metal clamps.

1. Tight ponytails

Traction Alopecia can also result from wearing tight ponytails on a regular basis.

1. Microbraids

Microbraids are long braided strands of artificial hair that are woven into the natural hair .

1. Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are matted hair pieces. An individual can purposefully develop these naturally. Or they can come from an outside source (another person’s hair or artificial fibers) In addition to hairstyles that pull the hair from the follicles, Traction Alopecia can also develop from the ongoing use of harsh chemicals such as straighteners or hair lighteners. These styling methods should be used as minimally as possible to help prevent hair loss.  In addition to considering treatments for hair loss, Patients who suffer from Traction Alopecia should discuss appropriate hair styling options with their dermatologist.