Avoid chemical relaxers and heat styling

What to Do

Stop using chemical relaxers, perms, and frequent heat styling tools (flat irons, blow dryers on high heat). Let your hair recover in its natural texture. If you must use heat, always apply a heat protectant and use the lowest effective temperature.

Why It Works

Chemical relaxers weaken the hair shaft and make it more susceptible to breakage under tension. Heat styling causes similar structural damage. Combining these with tight hairstyles dramatically accelerates traction alopecia. Eliminating chemical and heat damage allows the hair shaft to regain strength.

Tips

• Relaxers + tight braids is the highest-risk combination for traction alopecia
• Transitioning to natural hair can be challenging — protective low-tension styles help
• If you color your hair, opt for gentler demi-permanent dyes during recovery