Are you experiencing breakage and thinning around your hairline? Are you beginning to see smooth/bald spots in areas where hair existed before? Do you wear a ponytail, braids/extensions often? You may be experiencing a condition in hair loss known as Traction Alopecia.

Traction Alopecia is defined as gradual hair loss primarily caused by a pulling force applied to the hair, for example, braids. This type of hair loss occurs in all racial groupings, but is the most common balding disorder among women of African descent.

Why? Even though other racial groupings may wear ponytails, persons of African descent are the most likely grouping to wear cornrows and braids as a means of grooming ourselves and showcasing our African heritage. However, braids done incorrectly can cause serious damage to the wearer\'s hair, and if hair loss is experienced, the wearer may endure damage to their self esteem as well.

Some of the causes of this form of alopecia are improper tension, wearing the braid too long, ponytails, sponge rollers, and the incorrect removal of weaves.

In an attempt to gather the fine/broken strands around the hairline, the braider may overcompensate and pull the wearer\'s hair too tightly- this is improper tension.

Some persons wear their braided styles for 6 months and more at a time, this is too long. Remember, your aim should always be to keep your natural hair healthy and strong. Therefore, wearing your hair in braids for such long periods, does not allow you to maintain your natural hair through washing it, and giving it the treatments that are vital to its growth.

Three months is the longest that any braid wearer should go with a particular braided style at any given time. If worn longer, you may begin to notice some breakage, because as the extension grows away from the base, the heaviness of the braid will cause pulling and tension to the scalp, especially if you have fine hair.

Maybe you don\'t wear braids...maybe you are that banking executive, office receptionist, chef or new mum who is always on the go and can\'t find the time to do anything with your hair other than pull it back into one! Yes I know how neat and easy it is to just pull it all together in one ponytail, but it is also very damaging to the hair and scalp - especially if it is too tight and worn constantly. The hair accessories you use for this style may be problematic too-rubber bands and elastic clips don\'t help the situation.

If you have relaxed/pressed hair, and you like the roller set look, you may think you\'re helping your hair by using sponge rollers, but this is not the case.

Sponge rollers have been known to damage the front and temples of a wearer\'s hairline, as well as the nape of the neck, depending on how the rollers are used.

The real problem with these rollers is that even though they are soft and comfortable for sleeping, when hair is wound too tightly around the rollers, breakage occurs. Also, the spongy texture rubs against the hairline, or wherever rollers are placed, pulling hair out in these areas, thus you see the hair in the sponge when these rollers are removed.

Weaves are here and more likely than not, here to stay, but weave wearers must be careful how these tracks are removed - especially the tracks that are applied with weave glue. I have heard of cases where persons, just pull the hair out without any product that would aid in the process. This is never good.

Whether you are trying to save time or money, you should never just pull on weave tracks that have glue on them - always use some oil based product, such as baby oil, hot oil treatment, or moisture- based hair conditioner. The rubbery texture of dried weave glue on your scalp can cause serious damage to your scalp and if ignored, the hair loss can be permanent.

If you think you may be experiencing traction alopecia, the first thing you must do - stop the abusive behaviour and start getting your hair in good condition. If you wear braids, take note of the things mentioned that you should not do, including finding someone who is willing to braid your hair without too much tension. Also wear your hair in braided styles that camouflage the damage that is already done, whether temporary or permanent.

For those of you who wear ponytails constantly, try wearing your hair in an open style such as spirals, to help relieve some of the tension to the scalp - and never go to bed with your hair in a tight ponytail, loosen it up.

There are also other types of rollers, for example, hard plastic rollers, they may not be as comfortable, but you at least save your hair. Try wrapping hair in between - you can attain smooth hair with a curl at the ends- ask your stylist how to achieve this technique.

Other factors that are important include your diet and your lifestyle. When experiencing hair loss problems your diet is always important, because your hair comes from within, therefore you should be healthy from the inside out.

Remember to drink lots of water - our bodies consist of up to 80% water, therefore, we need to replenish it. Make sure your diet includes vegetables and fish oils, they aid in hair growth, and vitamin E also helps in hair growth. Grains and beans are rich in protein, which exist naturally in our hair. Protein in hair is known as keratin and must also be replenished.

Living a life that is as stress free as possible is important, our hair picks up on our stress levels and reacts by breaking and shedding. We may not be able to eliminate stress from our lives, but we can certainly reduce it, by exercising, and taking long walks.

Just spending quality time with loved ones can also relieve stress. Smoking and excessive drinking can also stop our bodies from getting the nutrients which we need for good health, so it may be useful to quit smoking, and reduce the amount of alcohol which is consumed.

With these tips and advice, traction alopecia may not be a permanent problem in our lives, and once abuse is stopped, we will be on the road to recovery with healthy hair!