Naomi Campbell appears to be suffering from traction alopecia, as seen in this recent photo taken during a photo shoot for designer Dennis Basso.  Well known for her long time use of hair extensions, the British supermodel may be now dealing with the consequences of the pulling, styling and abuse her follicles have suffered over many years. 

Common amongst ethnicities who wear tight braids, those who use hair extensions over a long period of time, attach wigs or weaves with glue/clips/tape, or those who suffer from trichotillomania (hair-pulling disease), traction alopecia is a result of the chronic tension or pulling on the follicles causing irreparable damage.  The definitive cure is hair transplantation which permanently replaces the follicles into the bald skin.  However, without a change in hair-care habits, the transplanted hair is also at risk.

The use of hair extensions is a known cause of severe hair loss because of traction alopecia.

(Right) A patient who had suffered hair loss from traction alopecia, treated with a single session of transplantation by Dr. Alan Bauman, shown before and 12 months after her hair transplant procedure. 

Modern, minimally-invasive hair transplant procedures like NeoGraft/FUE can be performed without a scalpel, stitches or staples in the donor area allowing for harvesting of hair follicles with less discomfort, minimal downtime and no linear scar.

For more information on traction alopecia and its prevention and treatments, contact Dr. Alan Bauman or visit Bauman Medical Group.