A hair loss problem seen in Jamaica more and more often is traction hair loss. This occurs in especially in cultures where people use extensions and braiding and pull the hair back very tightly. When this process is done a lot traction alopecia can result due to the overstressing and tension of the hair follicles in the scalp.

When hair gets pulled back hard most of the tension is along the forehead hair line and trichologists say that this is the first place where hair loss occurs in females in Jamaica who get traction hair loss. Unlike most hair loss problems traction alopecia is not either caused by disease, DHT, heriditary reasons or by a lack of vitamins or protein.

While the traction alopecia seems to occur in The West Indies a lot it is not limited to people of West Indian origin and can affect all types of people who use excessive braiding and pulling of their hair. It is fashionable in the West Indies to pull your hair back and that is the reason for the high prevelance of traction alopecia in Jamaica and other countries in that region. In fact so many people pull their hair tight in Jamaica and for so long that some cases of permanent alopecia can occur as a result.

In most people the hair grows back but excessive damage to the hair follicles can permanently damage them.Traction alopecia is not just limited to the hair line and can occur anywhere where on the scalp where the hair is pulled.

If you think that the traction on your scalp could be causing hair loss it is important to immediately release the hair from any tension and if you get reverse the problem quickly than the alopecia should start to cease almost immediately and your hair will grow will grow back.

In the long term if you have suffered from traction alopecia in the past it is important to maintain a hair style that doesn't pull on the hair too much and this will ensure that you don't suffer from it again.