Definition

• Broken hairs from tight braids or pony tails

Health Information

Symptoms

• Broken hairs mainly are seen at the hairline or where the hair is parted.
• It’s usually the same on both sides of the head.
• A frizzy look from hairs broken off at various lengths.

Cause

• If hair is pulled too tight, it will eventually break.
• Finer hair breaks sooner than coarse hair.
• Mostly seen with tight braids, pony tails or dreadlocks.
• Hair can also be lost because of vigorous hair-brushing or back combing. Hot hairstyling tools can also cause hair damage.
• Can also occur during exercise while wearing head phones.
• Hair loss is not caused by shampoos.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • Some broken hairs are seen in anyone with the hair pulled back.
   • How much depends on how much tension is put on the hair.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Reduce Tension on the Hair:
   • Change the hair style to one that doesn’t put tension on the hair.
   • If that is not acceptable, loosen the ponytail or braids.
   • If they feel tight or there’s any pain, this means it’s too tight.
   • If you don’t loosen it, hairs will break.
3. Pimples in the Hair and On the Scalp:
   • Pimples in the hair are common with tight hair styles. Reason: Damages the hair follicle and makes it prone to infection.
   • Another cause is using any ointment that blocks the hair follicles.
   • Treatment: Stop using any ointments or oils in the hair.
   • Wash any ointment or greasy pomade off the scalp with soap and water.
   • Antibiotic Cream: Apply an antibiotic cream (not ointment) to the pimples 2 times a day for 3 days. No prescription is needed.
4. Hair Care:
   • Treat the hair gently.
   • Wash the hair no more than once per day. Always use a hair conditioner.
   • Comb the hair rather than brushing it.
   • Be careful at combing out any tangled hair.
   • Don’t put too much tension on the hair. 5.
5. What to Expect:
   • With treatment, most pimples will clear up in 3 days
   • If tight hair styles are avoided, the hair will return to looking normal. It may take 6 months.
   • Warning: If tight braiding continues over 10 years, permanent hair loss can occur.

Call Your Doctor If

• Hair does not grow back by 6 months
• You think your child needs to be seen
• You child becomes worse

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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