Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by sustained pulling tension on the hair follicle — and it is one of the most preventable, and most reversible if caught early, causes of thinning. It is also one of the most common causes doctors see along the hairline and temples in women who consistently wear tight hijab styles, buns, or braids.

How to recognise it

Traction alopecia has a distinctive pattern that sets it apart from genetic hair loss:

  • Thinning concentrated specifically along the hairline, temples, or wherever consistent pulling tension is applied — not spread evenly across the scalp.
  • Small, visible broken hairs or "flags" along the affected edge in early stages.
  • Sometimes mild tenderness, itching, or small bumps at the hairline where tension is applied, especially with tight pins.
  • Gradual thinning that closely tracks with hairstyling habits — often worse on whichever side you consistently pin tighter.

Common causes

  • Tightly pinned hijab styles, especially with under-caps pinned firmly at the hairline and repeated daily for years.
  • Tight ponytails or buns, particularly styles pulled straight back at the same angle every day.
  • Tight braids or weaves left in for extended periods.
  • Consistent use of tight headbands or sports hijabs during exercise.

The critical difference: early vs. late stage

This is the most important thing to understand about traction alopecia: in the early stage, when follicles are stressed but not yet destroyed, it is fully reversible simply by removing the tension. In late-stage, long-term traction alopecia, follicles can become permanently scarred and stop producing hair altogether — at that point, only a transplant can restore the area. This is why catching it early matters enormously.

How to prevent and reverse early-stage traction alopecia

  • Loosen the tension — pin hijabs and tie hair styles firmly enough to stay in place, but without pulling visibly at the hairline. If you can see the hairline being pulled taut in a mirror, it is too tight.
  • Rotate your parting and pinning pattern — consistently pulling from the exact same points daily concentrates stress on the same follicles for years on end.
  • Use fabric-covered or silk-based pins and underscarves rather than sharp, high-friction pins that grip and pull hair directly.
  • Give the hairline regular breaks from any tension when at home, rather than tight styling every single hour of the day.
  • Be extra cautious with wet hair, which is more fragile and more easily damaged by tight styling than dry hair.

When to see a dermatologist

See a doctor if: the area does not show any regrowth after 4-6 months of consistently reducing tension, the skin shows scarring or a shiny, smooth texture (a sign follicles may already be damaged), or if you are unsure whether what you are seeing is traction alopecia versus a different cause like genetic thinning at the hairline. A dermatologist can examine the follicles directly and tell you whether recovery is still possible with lifestyle changes alone.

This guide covers traction from styling generally — if you have coily or tightly textured hair specifically, our dedicated guide for Black and textured hair covers additional causes (like CCCA) worth ruling out alongside traction, plus how chemical treatments like keratin smoothing can compound the picture.

Not sure if your pattern matches traction alopecia or something else? Our free hair loss quiz can help point you in the right direction.