Copying Fashion Models' Hairstyles Can Cause Hair Loss

Fashion models often suffer styling damage due to the demands placed on their hair in order to get the right look for each job. But, before any fashionistas think of copying the plaited hairstyles featured in the latest collections from luxury fashion houses Valentino and Kenzo, it's worth knowing that these tightly braided styles can actually cause hair loss.

Tight braids and Traction Alopecia

The tightly braided hairstyles worn by the models in images for both Kenzo (pictured above) and Valentino's Pre-Fall 2015 womenswear collections (shown below), can cause a hair loss condition called Traction Alopecia (TA).

Traction Alopecia, also known as 'Ballerina Baldness', is caused by hairstyles that place excessive amounts of tension on the hair follicles. The most likely styles to cause this are tight braids, buns or ponytails, hair extensions and weaves.  These hairstyles can cause damage to the follicles by stretching them out of shape, slowing - and, in some cases, eventually ceasing - hair production.

Signs of Traction Alopecia include a receding hairline and hair loss around the temples or in other places where the damaging style has been placed. Small 'fluffy' hairs may appear in the receding areas in place of healthy hair growth. The styles which can lead to this condition can also give wearers a headache due to the tension they cause.

Avoiding and treating TA hair loss

Click on this Belgravia client's image to view her full Traction Alopecia treatment photo-scans and to read her Success Story

There are ways to avoid hair loss from Traction Alopecia, these include only wearing tight hairstyles on occasion and avoiding modifications such as hair extensions.

If you are concerned about signs of Traction Alopecia, contact a hair loss specialist as soon as possible as, although it is possible to treat this condition, once it has become severe, the follicles may be too scarred for hair loss treatment to become effective.

Here at Belgravia we have seen many clients experience successful regrowth following our bespoke treatment for Traction Alopecia. This generally involves the use of high strength minoxidil - a topical medication which has been medically-proven to treat female pattern hair loss but has also shown promising results in treating cases of TA. Belgravia minoxidil is formulated in-house at our hair loss clinics by Belgravia pharmacists. For more information about our minoxidil products or for advice on hair loss from Traction Alopecia, send us a message or call us on 020 7730 6666.