What does traction alopecia mean?

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs due to excessive, repetitive pulling or tension on hair follicles. It is common in people who regularly wear tight hairstyles that put a strain on the hair, such as tight braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, or excessive use of hair extensions and weaves. Over time, this constant tension can damage the hair follicles and cause them to stop producing hair, leading to gradual hair thinning or balding in the affected areas. It's important to avoid putting excessive tension on the hair to prevent traction alopecia and maintain healthy hair growth.