Close-up of black and brown hair - Photo by Paul Siewert on Unsplash

Tight Styles Plus Time: What SA Research Says About Traction Alopecia

By Michael C. · Written and reviewed by Michael C.

Hair Loss · Published 2026-09-06 · 9 min read · 2024 words · Updated 2026-09-08

Cape Town population studies found traction alopecia in roughly one in three African women. The first treatment is less tension, not another oil.

Key takeaways

  • Khumalo data found high prevalence of traction alopecia in African women and schoolgirls.
  • Pain during install is a stop sign; early loss can improve when tension is reduced.
  • Shiny crown skin may be CCCA and needs a dermatologist, not more oil.

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Source: Khumalo et al., JAAD / British Journal of Dermatology (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18694677/)

Cover image: Paul Siewert — credit