Pamela’s Case Study

Pamela suffers from a condition which is common among African America women, called traction alopecia. It is caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by tension and pulling over a long period, from tight braids, and “cornrows” that lead to high tension, pulling and breakage of hair. The hair does not grow back once this type of damage occurs.

After having SMP, Pamela no longer feels the need to hide the sides of her hair, she feels less self-conscious and more relaxed and confident.

Traction alopecia is most common in African-American women and men who braid their hair too tightly, but is also seen in other cultures whose traditional hair styles also pull or damage the hair.

Traction alopecia is reversible if caught early (and hairstyles changed), but may lead to permanent hair loss if the damage and strain continues. Hair loss is usually in the front and temporal regions, but of course depends on the hair style. With cornrows, the area most commonly affected is that adjacent to the region that is braided.

There are few options available to women with traction alopecia. Hair transplant surgery is costly and painful, so many women resort to hair wraps and scarves. Now, SMP is a new option available to these women. In a single pain-free day, the appearance of thinning areas can be masked and blended with the rest of the hair.