Dreaded Locks

Tag Archives: Hair Loss

With dreadlocks rise in popularity, it is an increasingly common hairstyle to see nowadays. Many famous actors, musicians, and athletes wear the hairstyle and it is a big part of their look. As prominent as dreadlocks may be though, they do come at a price.Dreadlock_Hair_Loss

The process of this trendy look can be detrimental to the hair follicles because over time it twists, mats, and tangles the hair. This in turn, causes the rise of additional hair loss, dandruff, and other scalp conditions. This damage can be irreversible and lower the longevity of the hair follicles by years accelerating to hair that is in poor condition.

One of the most common forms of hair loss that can occur is traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a gradual form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles in the scalp become irritated due to a continual pulling force. This causes loss of hair in patchy areas, usually residing in the front of the hairline and behind the ears.  Other hairstyles that place a constant strain on the scalp such as braids, extensions, and even ponytails can also be responsible for the condition.

dreadlocks-hair-loss

Traction alopecia caused by dreadlocks

Although traction alopecia is categorized as a temporary form of hair loss, it can be permanent depending on the amount of damage done to the follicles.  If you believe you may be suffering from traction alopecia give our office a call right away as early diagnosis is important.

 

NBA Superstar LeBron James has donned a headband throughout his entire career, but after ditching it in the second quarter of a March 7th game against the Phoenix Suns, the headband has remained noticeably absent. This has caused many to wonder why after so many years the four-time MVP decided to get rid of the accessory. Was it affecting his play? Was it uncomfortable? Or did he just want a different look? One theory out there is that he had a hair transplant last season and the hair has now grown in. He liked the results of the procedure so much that he wanted to show it off, thus getting rid of the headband.

LeBron James without headband
LeBron James after he ditched his headband.

For years, LeBron’s hairline, or lack thereof, has been regularly joked about and many believe that’s the reason he wore it in the first place. The headband was a way for him to cover up and camouflage his hair loss. In recent years, his hairline continued to recede considerably and something needed to be done about it. Either go the route of Michael Jordan and shave it off completely, or restore it permanently with a hair transplant.

LeBron James hair transplant scar
The back of LeBron’s head showing a noticeable scar.

Recent photos of the back of his head may further support the theory that he had a hair transplant. The back right side of his head clearly shows a linear scar, this is usually where the donor hair is taken from and is a telltale sign of a follicular unit transplant (although usually not as easily detectable). With the procedure being a gradual process it is also quite simple to hide that it was done (the full results may not be seen until about 8-12 months after).

Whatever you choose to believe, his team the Cleveland Cavaliers look prepared for a deep playoff run. So it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of the new headband-less James.