Written By Taiwo Kazeem
What Are the Best Hairstyles for Traction Alopecia?
After noticing signs of hair loss and taking active steps to prevent further damage. You may be at a crossroads wondering what next after all your favorite hairstyles have been deemed off limits.
Well, fret not, that is exactly why we are here. Our goal is to help you adjust to this new reality while ensuring you never have to experience irreparable damage.
Continue reading to find the 11 best hairstyles for traction alopecia and simple stylish ways you can style your hair to cover affected areas.
6 Best Hairstyles for Traction Alopecia in Women
The first step to healing is figuring out the cause and then preventing further damage. Now that you have determined that you have traction alopecia, you might want to take a break from causative factors like the following:
- Making tight hairstyles.
- Harsh chemicals like relaxers and dyes. This doesn’t mean you cannot dye or relax your hair but limit it.
- Limit extreme heat styling.
Then adopt the following:
- Conditioning before combing the hair.
- Natural ingredients like essential oils for traction alopecia
- Using the biggest comb, you can find to do first brushing and smaller ones to be completely rid of all the tangles.
- Prevent friction by wearing silk bonnets and using silk pillowcases.
- Fixing the body from the inside by eating healthy meals that can aid hair growth like good sources of iron include beans, nuts, brown rice, meat, and leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
Without further ado, find the best loose styles for traction alopecia.
Layered Bob
Bobs are short hairstyles that typically fall around nape length, though they can be longer. Adding layers to a bob enhances volume and texture, making it a great option for those with thinning hair, as it helps create the illusion of fullness while preserving existing hair. Bonus points if it's curled. Additionally, the short length reduces the weight pulling on your hair and scalp, minimizing the need to tie it up in a bun.
Loose Braid
Remember when we said tight hairstyles are a no-go? Well, the solution is simple, opt for something loose, in this case, loose braids. Braid your hair loosely so there is no room for tightness. For unplaited hair, style it loosely and allow tendrils to frame your face giving you a youthful look while covering the balding spots. The downside to this is that the tendrils may end up being annoying, but you know what to do in that regard.
Bonus tip, loose braids with longer hair reduce the need to tighten the hair and overcompensate for the length. Making it bigger gives it much support.
Having your black hair in braids reduces the need to braid your hair every day and gives your hair a much-needed breather.
Consider styles like box braids, halo braids, or low braids. The only criterion is that it be loose.
Bangs
You know what bangs and alopecia have in common? They cover a thinning or scarred hairline, giving off the impression of full hair while protecting your tresses and helping new hair grow while you slay. They can also be stylish, you can have it straight, choppy, curly, side swept or blunt. It is all up to your preferences, hair condition and what suits your face.
Twists
Putting your hair in twists can work wonders with little to no tension. Unlike braids, twists are naturally looser, meaning your scalp stays comfortable and stress-free. Plus, they help lock in moisture, keeping your hair hydrated.
Clean Shave
You might decide to skip all the styling and go for a big, clean chop instead. Who knows, taking a break might help put things in perspective.
Mohawk
If you prefer something edgy, you can go for the mohawk with the sides shaved or cut shorter than the center. Even better, you can dye in different colors and styling techniques; spiked, curled, or left naturally textured.
8 Best Hairstyles for Traction Alopecia in Men
Hairstyles that can help men prevent or manage traction alopecia include quiff, slicked back, buzz cut, Caesar cut, top knot, faux hawk, and French crop. Let's discuss them further below:
Clean-Shaven
When all else seems to fail, what do you do? You go back to the drawing board. Instead of stressing over thinning hair, you can shave it all off and save yourself the hassle. And the great thing about this styling is that it exudes raw masculinity, a man confident in his hair or lack of one. Pair it up with a full beard and the ladies will be all over you.
Slicked Back
This works best for central baldness. All you need do is move your front hair back with the help of gel or mousse. However, this can only work if your hair is long enough to go back, as such it might be ineffective for short spiky hair. Either way, this suave style will give you a posh appearance.
Quiff
The quiff is similar to slicked-back hair but slightly different. Unlike the slick back that goes back to cover bald spots. The quiff stays put at the top and front while the sides to the back are shaved. The shaved parts mask balding while the hair at the front is brushed up to appear more voluminous. However, if the front hair is sparse, you might want to abort the mission.
Buzz Cut
Typically, associated with the military, it has become popular for men who want the ruggedly handsome look. It involves keeping the hair on the sides a close shave or almost clean-shaven while the tops are a little fuller but still short.
This cut is perfect for extensive balding and not as complicated as the previously mentioned styles. If clean-shaven is too much for you, this might be better. You can go for clean fade, high fade, military, or short crop.
Crew Cut
The crew cut is very similar to the buzz cut and often mistaken for one another. However, the key difference is that the crew cut features slightly fuller hair at the front or crown, while the sides are kept much shorter.
Side Part Haircut
The side part can help cover the balding sides of your hair. One goes to one side and the other goes to the other one and covers clear spots. However, this is only effective for people who have a fuller center and thinner sides as the volume at the top helps balance out the look.
Mohawk
If you prefer something edgy, you can go for the mohawk with the sides shaved or cut shorter than the center. Even better, you can dye in different colors and styling techniques; spiked, curled, or left naturally textured.
Man Bun
If you're only experiencing mild hair thinning and have enough length, you can pack your hair into a bun. But remember not to make it too tight so you do not put tension on your scalp.
So alternate between this style and others to give your scalp a break while maintaining a chic and effortless look.
Final Thoughts
If the damage isn’t permanent, you’re on your way to recovery. And if it is, who says you can’t live a confident, stylish life? Choose any of the styles above to prevent further damage and protect what’s left.