Traction alopecia is hair loss associated with repeated tension or pulling on the hair and scalp.



For Afro-textured hair, this can sometimes be associated with hairstyles such as braids, extensions, locs, weaves, wigs or other styles that place prolonged tension on the hairline.

One of the first signs may be thinning around the edges or temples. Some people may also notice broken hairs, tenderness or increased scalp sensitivity.

If you are concerned about thinning edges, it is worth having the area assessed rather than continuing with hairstyles that may be contributing to the problem.

Learn more about traction alopecia

Thinning edges are a common concern among people with Afro-textured hair.

You may notice that the hair around your temples or forehead is becoming less dense, your hairline appears to be moving backwards, or that certain hairstyles no longer look as full as they once did.

Thinning edges can have several possible causes, including repeated tension, chemical treatments, breakage and certain forms of alopecia.



The earlier the cause is identified, the sooner you can make informed decisions about how to manage your hair and scalp.

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, commonly known as CCCA, is a form of scarring hair loss that particularly affects Black women.



It commonly begins around the centre or crown of the scalp and may gradually expand outwards.

Some people experience symptoms such as scalp tenderness, itching, burning or inflammation, while others may initially notice only increasing thinning.

Because scarring hair loss can involve permanent changes to the follicles, unexplained thinning around the crown should be assessed professionally.

If you have noticed progressive thinning at the crown or a widening area of reduced density, a trichology consultation can help determine what may be happening.

Learn more about CCCA

It is common to describe all changes in hair density as “hair loss”, but there is an important difference between hair shedding, hair loss from the follicle and hair breakage.

Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft breaks before reaching its normal length. This can leave hair looking shorter, uneven or thinner.

Hair loss, on the other hand, can involve changes occurring at the follicle itself.

Chemical processing, heat, mechanical stress and unsuitable hair-care practices can contribute to breakage, while conditions such as traction alopecia or other forms of alopecia may cause genuine hair loss.

Understanding the difference is important because the appropriate management can be very different.

Balding and thinning are common hair conditions affecting Black women.

Braids, Wigs and weaves as well as the over use of relaxers and chemicals are the main causes of female Afro hair loss problems.

Thinning edges may be associated with repeated tension from braids, extensions, wigs and other hairstyles.

Chemical processing and relaxers may contribute to hair damage and breakage, while some women may develop conditions such as CCCA or female pattern hair loss.

Hormonal changes can also affect hair density.

If you are experiencing unexplained thinning, bald patches, a changing hairline or scalp symptoms, a professional assessment can help identify the possible cause.

Black men can experience many of the same forms of hair loss as other men, including male pattern hair loss.

However, hair and scalp concerns may also be associated with styling practices, shaving, scalp inflammation, folliculitis or traction.

Hair loss around the temples, hairline or crown should not automatically be assumed to be male pattern baldness.

Understanding the cause is the first step towards deciding what treatment or management options may be appropriate.

Chemical treatments can change the structure of the hair and may contribute to dryness, weakness and breakage when the hair is not managed appropriately.

At TrichoSynergy, we also support women who are transitioning from relaxed hair back to their natural texture.

The aim is to help you manage the transition while reducing unnecessary breakage and maintaining a healthy scalp and hair-care routine.

Every case of hair loss is different.

During your consultation, we discuss your hair and scalp history and consider factors that may be contributing to the changes you have noticed.

The purpose is to build a clearer picture of your hair and scalp concerns and determine the most appropriate next steps.

This can include:

• When you first noticed the hair loss
• Where the thinning or bald patches are appearing
• Your current and previous hairstyles
• Use of braids, extensions, wigs, locs or weaves
• Chemical treatments and relaxers
• Scalp symptoms such as itching, tenderness or inflammation
• Hair-care and styling practices
• Previous hair loss or scalp problems
• Relevant lifestyle and health factors

There is no single treatment that is right for every type of Afro hair loss.

Depending on your individual assessment, management may involve professional scalp and hair treatments, changes to hair-care and styling practices, or other suitable treatment options.

Our focus is on treating the underlying hair and scalp concern where possible and helping you understand how to look after your hair between appointments.

Where appropriate, we may also discuss cosmetic options for improving the appearance of areas affected by hair loss.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) can be considered for some people who want to reduce the visible appearance of thinning or areas of hair loss.

For Afro-textured hair, SMP can be used in carefully selected cases to help create the appearance of greater density or define areas such as the hairline.

However, SMP is a cosmetic solution rather than a treatment for the underlying cause of hair loss.



For this reason, understanding your hair loss before considering SMP is important.

"Dark skin SMP gives great results"

Scalp micropigmentation is effective on dark skin for hair thinning in African/Caribbean men and women. 

Correcting an uneven hairline, creating fade, or simply adding density.

"Do you need an African Caribbean Hair  Trichologist."

African Textured hair (afro hair) is very fragile, it knots and tangles easily especially in climates lacking humidity.  TrichoSynergy consultant trichologist, Victoria Elliott is also a black hair loss specialist.

If you are experiencing any of the hair and scalp conditions listed. Make sure you seek treatment as soon as possible.

It is possible to slow down and in some cases repair damage to hair follicles and scalp.