Hair Transplant · Harley Street
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss caused by prolonged tension on the hair, and how to reverse or restore it.
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Traction alopecia is caused by repeated pulling on the hair, from tight ponytails, buns, braids, weaves or extensions. It typically thins the hairline, temples and edges, the areas under the most tension.
Caught early, it is often reversible by relieving the tension. Left too long, the follicles can be permanently damaged, which is where restoration comes in.
Is traction alopecia reversible?
In its early stages, yes. If you ease the tension, such as changing styling, loosening braids and giving the edges a rest, the hair often recovers over months. Once the follicles are scarred and no longer growing, though, the loss becomes permanent, and that is when a transplant can rebuild the hairline and edges.
Can a hair transplant fix traction alopecia?
Where the loss is permanent and the donor area is healthy, a hair transplant can restore the hairline and temples, often with the no-shave DHI technique so surrounding hair is undisturbed. We first check the tension has been addressed, otherwise the same problem can affect the new hair.
What causes traction alopecia?
Traction alopecia is caused by repeated pulling on the hair, usually from tight ponytails, buns, braids, weaves or extensions worn over long periods. The constant tension gradually damages the follicles, most often at the hairline and temples, and unlike pattern loss it is driven by habit rather than hormones.
How is it treated?
Caught early, the single most effective step is removing the tension: changing to looser styles often lets the hair recover. If the follicles have been damaged for too long the loss can become permanent, and in stable cases a transplant can restore the hairline, provided the styling that caused it is changed for good.
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How many grafts do you need?
Answer three quick questions for an indicative hair-loss stage and graft range, then get a free photo assessment from our surgeon.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of traction alopecia?
Early signs include a receding or thinning hairline and temples, small bumps around follicles, tenderness or redness where the hair is pulled, and short broken hairs at the edges. Noticing and acting early, by relieving the tension, gives the best chance of recovery.
How do I prevent traction alopecia getting worse?
Loosen tight styles, avoid constant tension on the same areas, take breaks from braids, weaves and extensions, and be gentle with the edges. Alternating styles and giving the hairline a rest helps. If thinning persists despite this, have it assessed before it becomes permanent.
Will the transplanted hair fall out again?
The transplanted follicles are resistant to pattern loss, but they are not immune to tension, so if tight styling continues they could be affected in time. That is why we address the cause first and advise on gentler styling, so your restored hairline lasts.
Can changing my hairstyle regrow the hair?
Often, if it is caught early enough. Before the follicles are permanently damaged, easing the tension and avoiding tight styles gives them the best chance to recover. The longer it is left, the less likely full regrowth becomes, which is why an early assessment matters.
Will a transplant fail if I keep tight styles?
It can. A transplant restores the hairline, but the same tension that caused the original loss can damage the new hair too. We are clear that a lasting result depends on changing the styling, and we would rather say so than set you up to lose it again.
Speak to our team
Every treatment begins with a free, no-obligation consultation at 19 Harley Street. We assess you in person and give honest advice on what suits you.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sumeyye Yuksel, MBBS · 24 July 2026