Worried About Sisterlocks Traction Alopecia? Follow These 6 Tips

As someone who loves your sisterlocks, you know they require consistent TLC. These thin, yet beautiful locks are versatile, low maintenance, and promote hair growth. You have to put in a lot of upfront work (and cost), but the result is a natural look that accentuates the texture of your hair without extensions, chemicals, or heat. This results in a more organic appearance and can foster self-acceptance and pride in your natural beauty.

While beautiful, these locs require gentle care. If not, you run the risk of damage or worse, developing sisterlocks traction alopecia. Let’s help you understand this common hair condition so you can notice the signs. More importantly, we will discuss how you can use proper techniques to prevent or manage traction alopecia.

What Is Traction Alopecia?

Traction Alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair follicles. It happens gradually, often due to the pulling force generated by tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and certain locks (yes, this means your sisterlocks, too!). Sustained tension damages hair follicles, leading to progressive hair loss.

If you have traction alopecia, you’ll likely experience thinning hair, particularly along your edges and hairline. Small bumps on the scalp, soreness, tenderness, and mild inflammation at the hairline are also common. If you leave it untreated, it’s likely to increase hair loss, thinning, and breakage, potentially scarring your hair follicles in later stages.

Traction alopecia is not something you can diagnose yourself but you can notice the signs. Visit a dermatologist or hair specialist for more guidance. If you’re worried about traction alopecia worsening, you can take these six (6) precautions to slow down the damage and save your hairline.

1. Avoid Over-Tightening During Retightening Sessions

Sisterlocks require retightening sessions every 4-6 weeks during the first year of installation. You’ll probably extend this to 8 weeks after year one. How you or your loctician tighten your sisterlocks can have a direct impact on traction alopecia.

Sometimes, over-tightening can put excessive stress on the roots. If you’re doing your retightening yourself, keep this in mind. Otherwise, let your loctician know your concerns about traction alopecia so they can find the right balance. It’s actually recommended that you stick with a consultant who can skillfully lock your hair and reduce the risk of traction alopecia.

2. Be Mindful of Styling Tension

Tight hairstyles like high buns and sleek ponytails can significantly strain your delicate hairline, potentially causing traction alopecia. To protect your hair's health, use more loose, protective styles that minimize tension on hair follicles. For instance, let your hair hang naturally.

Alternating between different hairstyles helps distribute pressure and reduces consistent stress on specific scalp areas. You can mix them up for work, gym, or out with friends.

Gentle styling techniques, such as using soft hair ties, avoiding pulling at the roots, and allowing your hair periods of rest between more structured looks, can help maintain the integrity of your hair and prevent long-term damage. These steps preserve your hair's strength, texture, and overall health for reducing traction alopecia.

3. Prioritize Scalp Health

Your scalp holds the key to reducing your traction alopecia. Pulling on your hair inflames your scalp so scalp health is essential for promoting strong, vibrant hair growth. 

A clean and well-moisturized scalp, for instance, creates an optimal environment for healthy hair follicles, preventing issues like dryness, inflammation, and potential hair loss.

Wash your hair with shampoo, using lightweight, non-comedogenic scalp products that nourish without causing product buildup is crucial. Ingredients like tea tree oil, aloe vera, and jojoba can soothe the scalp and provide essential nutrients.

Regular scalp massages offer significant benefits, stimulating blood circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to hair follicles and can potentially strengthen hair roots.

These gentle massages not only promote relaxation but also support overall scalp and hair health, potentially encouraging more robust hair growth and reducing the risk of hair thinning or damage.

4. Give Your Hairline a Break

Now it’s time to protect your hairline. You have to use mindful styling techniques that minimize tension and stress. Consider leaving baby hairs free or styled minimally to reduce strain on delicate edge areas.

Instead of heavy hair accessories that pull and damage, opt for lightweight scarves or soft hairbands that gently support your hairstyle without causing excessive pressure.

These subtle styling choices can significantly help preserve the health and integrity of your hairline, preventing potential long-term damage and maintaining the natural strength of your hair's most vulnerable regions.

5. Maintain a Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair Growth

What does what you eat have to do with your traction alopecia?

A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in preventing hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth, especially for those with sisterlocks who want to maintain the integrity of their hair.

Nutritional deficiencies can lead to weak, brittle hair and exacerbate conditions like traction alopecia. Here are some important vitamins and minerals:

• Protein is essential as it forms the building blocks of hair, primarily composed of keratin, a type of protein.
• Biotin, a water-soluble B-vitamin, is another key nutrient that supports hair health by improving keratin infrastructure. Foods rich in biotin include eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
• Iron, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles, is equally important. An iron deficiency can lead to significant hair shedding.

Now it’s time to up your water intake. Hydration plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hair. Hair strands can become dry and prone to breakage when the body is dehydrated, so it is essential to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Boost your nutrition with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Healthy fats ensure your body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs to support hair growth.

It sounds simple but your nutrition can significantly enhance the strength and resilience of your hair, reducing the risk of hair loss and supporting overall hair health.

6. Address Issues Early

If you notice signs of thinning, excessive shedding, or breakage, move quickly. Ignoring these early warning signs may lead to more severe problems. And traction alopecia is difficult to reverse.

Consulting a dermatologist or trichologist is a proactive step toward understanding the underlying causes of traction alopecia. Your friendly derm will specialize in scalp and hair health and can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs. They may recommend diagnostic tests to identify potential issues such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions.

In addition to professional consultations, there are various hair growth treatments and therapies available that may help restore hair health. Options include topical treatments like minoxidil, which is FDA-approved for stimulating hair growth, or oral supplements formulated with vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. 

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is another non-invasive treatment that can improve blood flow to hair follicles and encourage growth. For more advanced cases, procedures like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or microneedling may be suggested to promote hair regeneration.

Address Your Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia with sisterlocks can be a challenging condition, but it is entirely preventable with proactive care and attention. By maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, addressing issues as soon as they arise, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can protect the health of your hair and scalp.

Sisterlocks are a beautiful and empowering hairstyle. You can enjoy them without compromising your hair’s strength and resilience. Remember, healthy hair starts with informed choices and consistent habits. With dedication and care, you can prevent hair loss and keep your locks looking their best for years to come.