I’m 14 and Think I Have Traction Alopecia

Hi. I’m 14 years old (female) and I think I have Traction Alopecia. My hair is thinning on the top of my head but the rest of my hair is okay. I have been wearing my hair in a ponytail since the 4th grade and now I’m going into 9th. Do you think my hair is going to grow back? what do I do? Also I noticed this about a month ago and stopped wearing it in a ponytail. But will It ever be the same again? Please Help!!!

First, be sure not to continue using a tight pony tail. It is tight pulling, not the pony tail itself, that causes traction alopecia. Second, get a good doctor to look at the hair count and the degree of miniaturization in the area of your concern. With traction alopecia, the count should be down. The good news is that it will probably get better provided you take away the ‘insult’ to your hair. Wait about 6 months for reversal if that is traction alopecia.