Children are affected by traction alopecia just as much as adults. The causes of traction alopecia in children are the same as in adults. Hairstyles like pigtails, cornrows and braiding can cause hair loss in children. When a child’s hair is repeatedly tightly styled, over time the hair follicles become damaged and unable to produce healthy hair. The hair follicle can become so damaged that it stops producing hair altogether. Hair loss tends to occur in areas of the scalp that are pulled the most, usually at the front hairline, back of the neck and crown.
Traction alopecia in children can be treated in the same way as in adults. In fact children have a better chance of re-growing hair from damaged hair follicles if treated properly. It is worth bearing in mind that children’s skin is more sensitive than that of adults and certain rules must be followed so as not to cause too much damage to their delicate scalp.
Tip number one – avoid tight hairstyles
Avoid hairstyles that cause any kind of tension on the hair follicles. Don’t use rubberbands, headbands, clips, or any accessories that put tension on the scalp. If possible, let the child let his hair down.
Rule number two – don’t use harsh chemicals
It’s not uncommon for people who have unruly hair to be tempted to apply some sort of texturizing treatment to tame their wild unruly hair. Texturizers and relaxers contain powerful ingredients to chemically restructure hair and can damage an adult’s scalp, much less a child’s. Although some of these products are made with milder formulas and aimed at children, it is best to stay away from any products that may interfere with the health of a child’s hair follicles.
Rule number three – maintain a clean scalp
A dirty scalp is an ideal place for fungus to grow resulting in conditions like dandruff. Make sure the scalp is kept clean by washing it several times a week. A clean scalp will also help remove any dirt and sebum that may be blocking the hair follicles. Most shampoos, even those designed and made for children, contain sodium laureth sulfate, a cheap detergent that is also an irritant. It is an inexpensive foaming agent that “cleanses” hair by stripping away oil and your hair’s natural oils. Aim for a shampoo that is sulfate-free and if you can buy it organic or plant-based.
Rule No. 4 – Apply hair promoting topical treatments
Hair loss treatments can be applied directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles into producing new hair. While products such as Minoxidil are suitable for both adult men and women, it should not be used on children. Other hair promoting topical natural treatments can be used instead. Bhringaraj It has been used in India for centuries to promote hair growth and can be safely used on children. It is a plant and can be applied on the child’s head without any fear of adverse effects. Bhringraj is popularly sold in powder form and in oil form. Just add some water to a teaspoon of the powder and mix it into a smooth paste, which can be applied to areas where hair has fallen out.
Rule number 5 – regular head massage
Regular scalp massage will increase circulation and also stimulate damaged hair follicles. By getting into the habit of gently massaging the baby’s head, their hair will start growing again. It is best to use a lubricating agent such as oil to eliminate any friction that may further damage the scalp or hair follicles. Bhringraj oil or virgin coconut oil makes excellent massage oil for the scalp and can also double as a deep conditioning hair treatment.
Following these rules will ensure that excessive hair loss is not caused by applying excessive force to the hair follicles and that the use of unsuitable hair products does not further damage the follicles. Stick with gentle products and encourage hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp through regular massage to give hair follicles a chance to repair themselves and start producing healthy new hair.
Source by Danielle McLoughlin
