According to experts, such as Dr Bessam Farjo from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the hair loss condition traction alopecia may be on the rise, mainly due to the hair extensions sported by a number of celebrities.

Experts believe that many young women are attempting to copy the hairstyles of stars like Naomi Campbell (recently pictured with a bald patch suspected to be a case of traction alopecia), Cheryl Cole and Katie Price.

However, the hair extensions and weaves that celebrities sport can create constant tension and pulling on the scalp, which in turn can cause thinning hair or bald patches. Dr Farjo comments on the recent pictures of supermodel Naomi Campbell, saying:

“We often see this type of hair loss in Afro-Caribbean women as they very commonly wear hair extensions or corn rows. The areas around the hairline are the most prone to permanent damage because the hair in this area is more fragile. The other reason for hair damage in these women is the use of chemicals and heat to straighten the hair. Finally, the use of full hair pieces or wigs can cause friction on the scalp that breaks the hair.”

Telogen effluvium is an interruption to the normal hair growth cycle. Hair follicles enter the resting stage of the cycle simultaneously and there is consequently sudden hair loss. Causes are generally physical or psychological stress.

The stress may result from childbirth, major surgery, illness or any other reason. In addition, too much vitamin A can also trigger the condition, although this is only really likely via the intake of supplements.

Fortunately, the condition is not permanent. The hair follicles will reactivate, but it can take as long as eight months for hair loss to decrease and it will then obviously take a while for the hair to grow back. Hair loss is particularly noticeable when washing hair, but shampoo does not make the condition any worse.

As ever, the important thing to do is to get properly diagnosed by your GP or a qualified dermatologist. Knowing exactly what the problem is, you will be able to get the most appropriate treatment.

In cases where the person has suffered chronic telogen effluvium, management is possible through the use of scalp make-up, Medi Connections (ultra fine hair extensions) or hair replacement.

Around one per cent of people are affected by alopecia areata, but it is most common in younger women and children for whom the effects can be devastating.

The condition is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Hair follicles work in a cycle and the attack causes them to revert to the resting stage, which is when hairs fall out.

We lose hair every day anyway, but when a person is suffering from alopecia areata, the follicles are resting when they shouldn’t be. However, the important part is that the follicle remains in the scalp and it is possible that hair can regrow even years after the onset of alopecia areata. Changes are unpredictable and growth may stop and start.

If you suspect you may be suffering from alopecia areata, the important thing to do is to go and see your GP. They will either diagnose you or refer you to a dermatologist. Dermatologists also deal with hair as hair follicles reside in the skin. A small biopsy may be taken for the purposes of diagnosis. Only once your condition has been identified can you commence treatment as there are multiple causes for hair loss and alopecia areata is but one of them.

Trichotillomania is characterised by the urge to pull out your own hair. Many find the impulse hard to resist and it can lead to extensive hair loss. It is now thought to affect around two per cent of the population at some time or other and so is by no means rare. The majority of sufferers are female.

Symptoms of trichotillomania

Firstly and most obviously is the urge to pull hair. If you find it hard to resist the urge to pull hair, even when you don’t want to, you are likely to be suffering from trichotillomania. Frequent pulling will lead to visible hair loss.

Suffers report feeling a rise in tension building up to pulling and they may even try to stop themselves. They will then feel a sense of relief when they actually pull, although this is often quickly followed by guilt or regret. People generally know that they shouldn’t be doing it, but can’t help themselves.

Triggers

There are several, recognised triggers for hair pulling. If you find yourself looking for thicker hairs, those that are more coarse, or those that you consider ‘wrong’ this is likely to presage a bout of hair pulling. Similarly, looking for hairs of an unwanted colour may also be a trigger. Many people continually pull until one particular hair has gone.