Children are just as susceptible to traction alopecia as adults. The causes of traction alopecia in children are similar to those in adults. Hairstyles like pigtails, braids, and braids can cause hair loss in children. When a child’s hair is repeatedly forcefully combed, over a period of time the hair follicles become damaged and are unable to produce healthy hair. The hair follicle can become so damaged that it stops producing hair altogether. Hair loss occurs in the areas of the scalp that are pulled the most, usually on the front hairline, nape, and crown of the head.
Traction alopecia in children can be treated in a similar way to how it is treated in adults. In fact, children have a much better chance of regrowing hair from damaged hair follicles if they are treated correctly. It is worth keeping in mind that children have more sensitive skin than adults and certain rules must be followed in order not to cause further damage to their delicate scalp.
Tip number one: avoid tight hairstyles
Avoid hairstyles that cause any type of pull on the hair follicles. Do not use rubber bands, headbands, clips or any accessory that may cause tension on the scalp. If possible, let the child wear her hair down.
Rule number two: do not use harsh chemicals
It’s not uncommon for people who have children with unmanageable hair to be tempted to apply some type of texturizing treatment to tame their wild, unruly hair. Texturizers and relaxers contain powerful ingredients to chemically restructure hair and can harm an adult’s scalp, much less a child’s. Although some of these products are made with milder formulas and are intended for children, it is best to stay away from any product that may interfere with the health of a child’s hair follicles.
Rule number three: keep your scalp clean
A dirty scalp is an ideal place for fungus to grow, resulting in conditions like dandruff. Make sure the scalp stays clean by washing it several times a week. A clean scalp will also help remove dirt and sebum that clogs hair follicles. Most shampoos, even those designed and manufactured for children, contain sodium laureth sulfate, a cheap detergent that is also an irritant. It is a cheap foaming agent that “cleanses” the hair by removing the natural grease and oils from your hair. Look for a shampoo that is sulfate-free and, if you can afford it, organic or plant-based.
Rule number 4: apply a topical hair-promoting treatment
Hair loss treatments can be applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles to grow new hair. While products like minoxidil are suitable for both adult men and women, it should not be used on a child. Other topical natural hair-promoting treatments can be used instead. Bhringaraj has been used for centuries in India to promote hair growth and can be used safely on a child. It is a plant and can be applied to a child’s scalp without fear of adverse effects. Bhringaraj is popularly sold in both powder and oil forms. Simply add a little water to a teaspoon of the powder and mix it into a smooth paste that can be applied to areas where hair loss has occurred.
Rule number 5: regular scalp massages
A regular scalp massage will increase circulation and also stimulate damaged hair follicles. Getting into the habit of gently massaging your child’s scalp will speed up hair growth. It is best to use a lubricating agent such as oil to eliminate any friction that could cause further damage to the scalp or hair follicles. Bhringaraj oil or virgin coconut oil make excellent massage oils for the scalp and can also work as deep conditioning treatments for the hair.
Following these rules will ensure that no more hair falls out due to excessive force applied to the hair follicles and no further damage is caused to the follicles by the use of inappropriate hair products. Follow with gentle products and stimulate hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp through regular massage to give hair follicles a chance to heal and start producing new, healthy hair.