Traction alopecia - devastated

[Thorinfling]

Wondering if anyone can offer hope. I had some monofibre hair extensions done in July as a huge treat for the summer.

I've had them done before years ago and it was the same provider, same method etc.

I'm currently on my way to a hair appointment to have my long hair cut short having had to immediately remove the extensions when I noticed I could see my scalp around some of them.

It seems they were put in too tightly and have caused about 40-50% hair loss on the sides of my head. My scalp is sore and I'm not sure how much more hair I might lose. They were only volumising so thankfully not as many as they would have put in for lengthening.

I've made an appointment to see a hair loss specialist and am trying to be positive. (I'm not dying, it's just hair etc.)

It's my 50th next month and I was so excited, now I just feel like hiding away. I start a new job on Monday as well so I'm just feeling sick with stress which probably isn't helping either.

Has anyone had similar and recovered? I'm just so devastated. 😪

Anyone?

I think the important think is to see a dermatologist to see if your hair follicles and still 'alive' - in which case the hair will grow back. Steroid injections may help this process. I have 2 family members with alopecia. For one, it is stress related and the hair does grow back. For the other, the hair follicles have died off, so she has wigs. I would hope that if yours is caused by traction then it will grow back. You will need to see a dermatologist privately as the waiting time on the NHS is ridiculous.

You will need to see a dermatologist privately as the waiting time on the NHS is ridiculous

I'm not having a go at the OP at all - hair loss is emotionally devastating, and she has been really unlucky. But there is not a health care system in the world that can be free at the point of access, but also pick up the costs of every hair or beauty treatment that goes wrong.

@HeadNorth Thanks very much for your advice, I've contacted several private dermatologists to see who might be available and also the Institute of Trichologists. I'm desperately hoping that as the extensions were only in for a few weeks (as opposed to repeated extensions over months or years) that this won't be permanent damage.

Alopecia is not always due to hair treatments - there can be a range of causes, often an autoimmune disorder, it is a medical condition and it can be devastating, so I don't really understand this attitude.

I do not know what one is allowed to post here so I will not put any links or names but when I did a search on the internet I found alopecia support groups that provided me with valuable information on the various forms of this disease and the possible treatments to help with both the physical and the psychological impact that this disease has had on me. All the best.

Hi ,
Sorrg to hear this OP

Lucinda Ellery Secialisze in hair loss and do medi hair extensions that won't damage your hair. Quite pricey bur I highly recommend them. They will be able to advise you and may be able to cover the sparse areas with very light extensions.