Can You Treat Hair Loss Caused By Wearing a Tight Wig?'

Jojo

Question: Hair line loss caused by tight wig wearing, can this be treated, boils or kloids are formed on back of scalp, as irritation to the tight wig?

Belgravia Centre Client Before and After Starting Treatment for Traction Alopecia Hair Loss

Hi, Jojo. This sounds like a case of Traction Alopecia which can often be treated. The first step, of course, is to stop wearing the wig that is causing the damage.

Traction Alopecia is a hair loss condition which occurs when too much excessive and frequent tension is placed on the hair follicles. This is often caused by wearing wigs, tight braids or hair extensions. It can lead to hair loss along the hairline, as this bears the brunt of the tension, as well as sometimes in patches where the wig has been attached to the scalp.

Treatment for Traction Alopecia can be effective in regrowing hair lost in this way. We have seen numerous successes from the use of high strength minoxidil applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp. This follicle-stimulant has produced healthy regrowth in many Belgravia clients whose results can be seen in our Traction Alopecia Success Stories.

Treatment does depend on the severity and duration of the damage. In some of the most severe cases the damage to the follicles may be so extreme that they become deformed and the scalp scars over. Once there is scarring, treatment is no longer possible as the follicles need to be active to be open to stimulation. A hair loss specialist will be able to assess your level of shedding and discuss personalised treatment options with you.

In terms of the boils on the back of your scalp, as you suggest, this may be caused by irritation from wigs. It sounds like something called sebaceous cysts. This skin condition is not something we are able to treat at Belgravia, but your GP or dermatologist should be able to help you. This can be dealt with in conjunction to having your hair loss condition addressed.