Hair loss experts are warning over the excessive use of hot combs. They are saying that overuse of the beauty devices could be a cause of permanent hair loss.
Excessive use of hot combs in addition to hair straighteners, hair dryers and curling irons have all been linked with a particular type of alopecia. Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a type of scarring alopecia which causes hair follicles to scar over so hair is unable to grow from affected areas of the scalp.
Also known as follicular degeneration syndrome or "hot comb alopecia", the Australasian College of Dermatologists says CCCA most commonly starts in the centre of the scalp and, without treatment, expands over time causing an area of baldness. It can progress over decades or just a few years, resulting in permanent bald patches.
Traction - hair being tied into tight braids / cornrows, weaves, tight ponytails or hair extensions that pull on the hair - and the use of chemical relaxers can also be attributed to the condition, according to the institution. It can cause tenderness, pain, tingling, burning, “pins and needles” or itching of the scalp.
Alopecia occurs when the body's immune system attacks hair follicles and, in most cases, the resulting hair loss can be reversed with appropriate treatment. But not if the condition reaches to the scarring phase.
Health platform Rich Feel explained to The Express that the destruction of slow-cycling hair follicle stem cells is thought to be the main cause of scarring alopecia.
It said: “The stem cells are responsible for the regrowth of the lower hair follicle during normal telogen-anagen cycling. Hair-care habits that include excessive use of hot combs, relaxants and excessive traction can also be responsible for scarring alopecia, especially in women.”
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