Traction Alopecia: A Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Management

Traction alopecia (TA) is a form of hair loss that is caused by excessive tension on scalp hair. Hair loss from TA can occur in any area of the scalp where there has been sustained pull on hairs. Various hairstyles and hairstyling techniques frequently have been associated with TA, and patients of any age or race can be affected. We report 2 cases of TA in black females and review the clinical characteristics of TA as well as the challenges that patients and physicians face in managing and treating this condition.