Hi, it’s Nima here.

At UKLASH, we support people at every age and stage of their beauty and wellness journey. For many of our customers, that includes dealing with the emotional and physical effects of hair loss.

In honour of Hair Loss Awareness Month, I want to shine a spotlight on a specific type of hair loss we often hear about: traction alopecia.

One question that always seems to come up with this type of hair loss is, “When is it too late to reverse traction alopecia?”

It’s an important, and sometimes emotional, question. So let’s unpack it together, with care and clarity.

What Is Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia is a type of gradual hair loss caused by repeated tension on the scalp. It’s most often the result of damaging hairstyles like tight braids, slick ponytails, high buns, weaves, or extensions.

If you frequently wear your hair tied up tightly, you may be placing constant stress on the scalp. Over time, this can even pull the hair follicle out completely.

This repeated tension weakens the follicles, especially around the temples and edges. It can lead to breakage, thinning, and eventually, bald patches. One of the earliest signs of traction alopecia is hair balding on the sides, where the scalp experiences the most tension from repeated pulling or tight styling.

Is It Too Late to Reverse Traction Alopecia?

The good news is that traction alopecia can often be reversed if it’s caught early enough. In this case, reducing styling tension and nourishing your scalp can lead to positive changes.

However, if the scalp has remained bald for over a year and shows signs of scarring, the damage may be permanent. The follicles may no longer function. In these cases, medical treatments or cosmetic options might be required.

If you’re unsure, it’s worth visiting a Trichologist or Dermatologist. They can assess your scalp and help determine whether regrowth is still possible.

Common Damaging Hairstyles That Cause Traction Alopecia

To prevent or slow down this condition, it’s crucial to understand which damaging hairstyles are most likely to cause traction alopecia:

• Tight ponytails or buns worn daily
• Braids with added extensions that are too heavy
• Weaves or cornrows installed with high tension
• Repeated use of elastic bands in the same spot
• Styles that tug at the baby hairs or edges
• Overuse of headbands or tight scarves

If you often wear your hair tied up, take regular breaks. Rotate your styles to reduce repeated stress on the same areas. For more inspo on what style can help reduce traction alopecia and hair breakage, head to our article here.

Traction Alopecia Remedies: What Can Help?

If you’re seeing signs of traction alopecia, here are a few remedies and practices that can support your scalp and potentially encourage regrowth:

1. Stop the Pulling

The most immediate traction alopecia remedy is to stop wearing high-tension styles. Let your hair down or wear it loosely in protective styles that don’t pull at the roots. For more ideas on what hairstyles can help with traction alopecia, head to our article here.

2. Stimulate the Scalp

Daily scalp massage helps increase circulation and boosts blood flow to the follicles. Studies have shown that consistent scalp massages can have a positive effect on hair regrowth. To learn more about scalp massages and how to massage your scalp at home, head to our article here.

3. Nourish from Within

At UKLASH, we created our Hair Vitamins with a targeted blend of Vitamins C, A and Biotin that support hair structure from the inside out. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavours - just easy-to-take gummies that work from within.

4. Topical Treatments

Our UKHAIR Hair Growth Serum is a popular remedy for traction alopecia. It’s packed with powerful active ingredients such as AnaGain™(Pea Sprout Extract), Phytic Acid and Turmeric to revitalise and stimulate the scalp. Lemon fruit water adds protection and hydration, helping reduce hair breakage and loss.

5. Protective Night Care

Use silk or satin pillowcases to reduce friction and breakage while you sleep. If you must tie your hair, opt for a loose scrunchie instead of tight elastics.

6. See a Professional

If you’ve been experiencing hair balding on the sides or patchy thinning for a while, a professional can help diagnose the extent of follicle damage and recommend medical treatments or options like PRP therapy or transplants if needed.

Resources For Traction Alopecia

- Boots Online Doctor - Speaking to someone can feel intimidating. You might be concerned about costs or struggling to get a GP appointment. Boots has introduced an ai SmartSkin Checker, which is free, or an online doctor service that costs just £25. All you do is fill in the form, upload some photos of the areas of concern, and an experienced clinician will get back to you with expert advice in just 24 hours. No need for an appointment or to speak to anyone directly, just expert advice depending on your personal circumstances.
- Find a Dermatologist Near Me - Use the NHS Dermatologist Finder to find your local Dermatologist and schedule an appointment if you’re concerned about your hair loss

Traction alopecia can be frustrating, especially when it develops slowly over time from seemingly harmless habits.. But with awareness, consistency, and the right tools, many people see real improvement. The earlier you catch the signs, like thinning edges or hair balding on the sides, the more likely you are to reverse the damage. And even if the condition is more advanced, there are always ways to care for your scalp and regain confidence. If you’re looking for traction alopecia remedies or aren’t sure where to begin, our team at UKLASH is here to help.

Explore our targeted hair and scalp treatments here, or reach out to our customer care team at contact@uklash.com if you have any specific questions you want answered.

Remember, we’re here to help you through every step of your personal hair journey, no matter where it takes you.

Until next time,

Nima