Why Your Hairline is More Vulnerable to Traction Alopecia
We have developed a lot of content around traction alopecia, specifically around what causes it and how to help resolve it. But. We have never talked about WHY traction alopecia happens. What is it about the hairline that makes traction alopecia such a regular occurrence for you? While it can occur anywhere on the scalp, the hairline is particularly vulnerable. And there are reasons why. The scalp at the hairline has some unique characteristics and that’s what we are going to explore in this article.
What is different about the scalp at the hairline?
Thinner Skin |
The hairline is the transitionary space between your face and your scalp. Your facial skin is generally thinner that the skin on the rest of your body, so the transitionary part (which is where your hairline is) is also naturally thinner than the skin on the rest of your scalp. This makes it more delicate and prone to damage from pulling. |
Hair Follicles Closer to the Surface |
Because of the reason above, the hair follicles at the hairline are located closer to the surface of the skin. This means, again, they are more easily damaged by pulling. |
Finer and Smaller Hair Follicles |
Because the skin at the hairline is thinner and because the hair follicles are closer to the surface, the hairs at the hairline are often finer and less densely packed than those at the crown or back of the scalp. These smaller follicles are weaker and cannot withstand as much tension as coarser, thicker strands on the rest of the scalp. |
Weaker Blood Circulation |
Thinner skin, combined with hair follicles closer to the surface, combined with finer and smaller hair follicles naturally means there is less blood circulation access for these follicles compared to other areas of the scalp. Since blood circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, reduced circulation can make it harder for the hairline to recover from damage. |
Fewer Sebaceous Glands |
Sebaceous glands produce oil that keeps the scalp moisturized and healthy. The hairline has fewer sebaceous glands, making it drier and more susceptible to breakage. |
How Traction Alopecia Develops at the Hairline
Now that you understand the difference between the follicles at the hairline vs. the follicles on the rest of your scalp, you can understand why traction alopecia occurs primarly at the hairline.Tight braids, hair bands, tight ponytails, wig glues all of these choices can put quite a strain on your hairline follicles which are already not as strong as the rest of your scalp.
Why Recovery is Difficult
Once the hairline is damaged, it is hard to reverse traction alopecia, particularly if scarring has occurred. The combination of lower blood circulation and delicate follicles means that regrowth may take longer or, in severe cases, may not happen at all. Early intervention is crucial to prevent permanent hair loss.
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How to Protect Your Hairline
We’re not going to rewrite everything we have in the past, instead, here is a list of articles which can be helpful in your traction alopecia recovery process. These are all clickable links:
Everything you need to know about traction alopecia
3 Mistakes You Might Be Making with Protective Styling
5 Hairstyles That Are Damaging Your Edges
These Hairstyles Will Safeguard Your Edges
In Conclusion
Now that you know that your hairline is quite literally different from the rest of your scalp, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions on how to protect that area. Take care of your edges, take care of your daughter’s edges, take care of your friends and family’s edges :)
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