How to handle edges during the transition from relaxed to natural

Last updated 2026-07-10

Why are edges so vulnerable during a hair transition?

Two different hair textures live on the same strand during transition, and the point where they meet is structurally weak. That is the whole problem in one sentence.

Your new growth is coily or wavy. Your old growth is chemically straightened, which means its protein bonds have been permanently broken by sodium hydroxide or guanidine. The spot where these two textures meet is called the line of demarcation. At that junction, the hair shifts from a round, springy cross-section to a flattened, fragile one within millimeters. Any tension, heat, or rough detangling at that spot snaps the strand right there.

Your edges are already the finest, shortest hair on your head. The follicles at the hairline produce strands thinner in diameter than the hair at your crown. Every mechanical stressor hits harder at the perimeter. Add a line of demarcation at or near the hairline during transition, and you have a setup for serious breakage.

The American Academy of Dermatology has documented that repeated tension on the hairline follicle causes inflammation, follicular damage, and eventually permanent hair loss, a condition called traction alopecia ^[1]. Transition periods are high-risk windows for exactly this, because the urge to smooth, slick, or braid down new growth adds precisely that tension. Learn more about traction alopecia and how to spot it early.

Most edge thinning during transition is not permanent. Act early, drop the tension, feed the scalp.

What is the line of demarcation and why does it cause edge breakage?

The line of demarcation is the physical boundary on each strand where chemically processed hair ends and natural new growth begins. It is not a gradual fade. It is a hard border, and under tension that border is the weakest point on the strand.

The chemistry explains it. Relaxers break the disulfide bonds in the hair's cortex with an alkaline agent, typically at a pH between 12 and 14 ^[2]. That process permanently changes the protein structure. Natural new growth still has its disulfide bonds intact. At the line of demarcation you have intact bonds on one side and broken bonds on the other, which is basically two materials with different elasticity stapled together.

Stretch, comb, or style a strand with a line of demarcation and the natural side stretches more, the relaxed side stretches less, and the junction tears. For edges this shows up in a predictable pattern. Any style that pulls the hairline taut (buns, ponytails, tight braids, slicked-back looks) creates repeated micro-tears at that junction. Over weeks, those tears add up to visible thinning.

Here is the upside. The further along you are, the more length sits between the two textures, which gives you more room to work with. At six months post-relaxer you have roughly 3 inches of new growth, since hair grows an average of about half an inch per month ^[3]. At twelve months, around 6 inches. More new growth means more cushion before tension ever reaches the line of demarcation. This is why many stylists say the longer you hold out before your big chop, the safer your edges become, as long as you handle your hair correctly in the meantime.

How should you detangle transitioning edges without causing breakage?

Detangling is where most transition-era breakage happens. Here is what actually works.

Always detangle on wet, conditioned hair. Dry detangling at the line of demarcation is asking for snapping. Coat the section with a slip-rich conditioner, something with both humectant and emollient content, and work in small sections no wider than an inch at the hairline.

Start from the ends and work upward. Standard advice, but it matters more at the edges because natural new growth near the root tangles differently than the relaxed length below it. Start at the root and drag down, and you tighten knots straight into the line of demarcation.

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Fine-tooth combs and paddle brushes with ball-tipped bristles snag at the texture change zone. Fingers give you real-time feedback the second you hit resistance. A comb with widely spaced teeth (the kind marketed for detangling natural hair) works well after fingers have handled the worst knots.

For the actual edge hairs, use your fingertips, not tools. The baby hairs and edge hairs are so fine and short that a comb often skips right over them and catches the line of demarcation on the slightly longer strand behind them.

Detangle once or twice a week at most if you can manage it. Protective styles cut how often you touch the hair, which is a big reason they help so much during transition. More on that below.

Which protective styles are safe for edges during transition?

Protective styles lower manipulation and keep the line of demarcation away from your fingers and combs. But not all protective styles are safe for edges, and that distinction gets glossed over constantly.

Styles that are safe for transitioning edges:

• Loose twists or braids with no tension at the hairline. Loose is the key word. If you can slide a finger under the edge of the braid at the hairline without discomfort, the tension is probably fine.
• Bantu knots set on wet hair and left undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours. No hairline tension required.
• Wigs on a cap that sits slightly back from the hairline, leaving the edge hairs completely free.
• Low, loose buns secured with a satin scrunchie, never a tight elastic band.

Styles to avoid:

• Tight box braids or cornrows that start directly at the hairline. The tension it takes to braid into the hairline is exactly the force that causes traction alopecia ^[1].
• Sew-in weaves with leave-out that needs heavy heat or slicking at the edges.
• Lace-front wigs glued down over the hairline with adhesive. Repeated adhesive removal damages both the follicle and the fine edge hairs.
• Ponytails and buns pulled tight at the nape and sides.

The American Academy of Dermatology specifically recommends "loose hairstyles" and warns against styles "that pull on your hair" for anyone at risk of traction alopecia ^[1]. Read more about building a healthy protective hairstyles rotation that does not cost you your edges.

One honest note: even safe protective styles cause damage if you leave them in too long. Four to six weeks is a common ceiling for braided styles. Past that, the new growth mats, and the removal process becomes the very manipulation you were trying to avoid.

What should you put on transitioning edges, and what should you skip?

Your edges during transition need moisture, protein in the right amounts, and less manipulation. They do not need heavy waxes, thick gels, or a fresh coat of anything every morning.

Moisture first. The relaxed portion of your edge hair is more porous than the new growth. It drinks water fast and loses it just as fast. Apply a water-based leave-in to your edges after washing, while the hair is still damp. Then seal with a light oil. Castor oil earns its reputation here: it sits on the strand and slows moisture loss without being so heavy it suffocates the scalp. Jojoba oil is another good pick because its structure closely resembles the scalp's own sebum.

Rosemary oil deserves a specific mention. A 2015 randomized controlled trial published in SKINmed found that rosemary oil performed comparably to 2% minoxidil for hair density over 6 months, with fewer side effects ^[4]. The proposed mechanism is better scalp circulation. Massaging diluted rosemary oil (2 to 3 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil) into the hairline 2 to 3 times a week is a low-risk habit that many women find helpful. Read the full breakdown of rosemary oil for hair growth for dilution ratios and technique.

Think carefully about edge control. Most commercial edge controls contain alcohol (which dries the hair), PVP or similar polymers (which create a hard cast), and often synthetic waxes. Used occasionally and removed gently, they are probably fine. Used daily and slicked down hard, they build the exact tension and dryness that breaks edges. Read the honest breakdown of edge control products before you buy. Laying your edges for a specific occasion is one thing. Doing it every single morning is another.

Protein matters too. Relaxed hair is protein-deficient by nature, because the relaxer disrupts the hair's protein structure. A protein treatment every 4 to 6 weeks strengthens the relaxed portion and reduces how easily it snaps at the line of demarcation. But too much protein on natural new growth, which already has intact bonds, makes it brittle. Balance is the whole game. A light protein treatment (hydrolyzed silk or wheat protein in a leave-in) is gentler than a hard reconstructor.

Skip sulfates in your shampoo. Sulfates strip both natural and relaxed hair, and the relaxed portion of your edge hair is already dry. A gentle, sulfate-free cleanser every one to two weeks is plenty.

Edge Naturale's plant-based edge growth products are built around this scalp-first, low-manipulation approach, using ingredients that feed the follicle instead of coating it in wax. If you want a starting point, their natural hair growth products collection is worth a look.

How do you care for the scalp at the hairline during transition?

The scalp, not the hair shaft, is where growth actually happens. Pour all your effort into the strands and ignore the skin at the hairline, and you are working the wrong end of the problem.

Scalp massage has better evidence than most people expect. A small 2016 study published in ePlasty found that 4 minutes of standardized scalp massage daily for 24 weeks increased hair thickness in participants ^[5]. The proposed mechanism is mechanical stretching of the dermal papilla cells that drive follicle growth. The study was tiny (nine men), so treat it as suggestive, not proven. But a scalp massage costs nothing and adds no risk. Easy habit to keep.

Keep the scalp clean. Product buildup at the hairline, dry flaking, and residue from edge controls or styling products can slow growth and irritate the skin. Clean the hairline gently with a sulfate-free shampoo or a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse (1 part ACV to 4 parts water) once every 1 to 2 weeks.

Do not scratch. Dry scalp itch during transition is real. Scratching with fingernails at the hairline damages the follicle and rips out the fragile edge hairs trying to grow. Tea tree or peppermint oil diluted in a carrier (no more than 1% concentration, roughly 5 drops per ounce of carrier) handles the itch without the mechanical damage.

Watch for inflammation. Redness, bumps, pus, or stubborn flaking at the hairline that does not respond to basic care is worth a dermatology visit. Folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and early traction alopecia all look similar from the outside, and the right diagnosis changes the treatment.

How long does it take for edges to recover during a hair transition?

It depends on how much damage is already there, what caused it, and whether the habits behind it change. That is the real answer, and anyone who gives you a single number is guessing.

For breakage that is purely mechanical, meaning edges that snapped at the line of demarcation from tension or rough handling, recovery starts the moment the cause stops. Hair grows about 0.5 inches per month on average ^[3], though this shifts with the individual, the season, and overall health. Stop the damaging habit today and you would likely see noticeable new edge growth in 3 to 6 months.

Traction alopecia is messier. Mild traction alopecia (redness, miniaturized hairs, some thinning without complete follicle loss) is often reversible if caught early. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that hair loss from traction alopecia becomes permanent when tension has been sustained for years and follicles are replaced by scar tissue ^[1]. A biopsy can tell you whether follicles are still present. Nobody has clean population-level data on recovery rates from transition-era traction alopecia specifically. The closest evidence comes from traction alopecia studies generally, which point to catching it within the first year for the best odds of regrowth.

For relaxer-damaged edges that are thin but not gone, expect 6 to 12 months of consistent care before density meaningfully returns. Patience is not the comfortable answer. It is the honest one.

One realistic note. If postpartum shedding landed on top of transition-era breakage, the timeline can feel more discouraging. The two conditions are separate but often overlap. Postpartum hair loss usually resolves within 12 months of delivery as hormone levels settle.

Should you do a big chop or keep transitioning, for the sake of your edges?

This is the most personal decision in the whole transition, and there is no objectively correct answer. But there is an honest one for your edges specifically.

A big chop eliminates the line of demarcation entirely. Once all the relaxed hair is gone, there is no weak junction to snap at, no two-texture puzzle, and no temptation to slick down new growth to match processed ends. For pure edge preservation, the big chop removes the single biggest mechanical risk to your hairline.

Long-term transitioning (holding both textures for 12 to 24 months before cutting) is doable, but it demands more discipline. The longer the transition, the more length and weight pull on those edges, and the more skill it takes to detangle and style without breaking hair at the line of demarcation.

If your edges are already thin or showing signs of traction alopecia, a shorter transition or an earlier big chop is probably the better move for your hairline. If your edges are in decent shape and you want to keep length, a long transition with strict low-manipulation habits can work.

There is a third option people underuse: a partial chop. Take a few inches off the relaxed ends to shorten the transition, drop the weight, and soften the line of demarcation, without starting from scratch. Some women do this every few months until the relaxed hair is gone gradually. It takes longer, but it keeps more length at each stage.

Whatever you decide, the edge care does not change. Loose styles, moisture, scalp massage, no heat at the hairline, gentle detangling. The big chop makes those habits easier to keep. It does not make them optional.

Mechanical breakage at line of demarcation (mild)	3
Mechanical breakage (moderate, habits corrected)	6
Early traction alopecia (follicle intact)	9
Moderate traction alopecia (caught within 1 year)	18
Advanced traction alopecia (fibrotic follicles)	99

Source: AAD (hair growth rate); JAAD 2007 (traction alopecia); NIH MedlinePlus (traction alopecia staging)

What ingredients in hair products actually help edges during transition?

This space is loud with marketing. Here is what has genuine evidence or reasonable mechanistic support, and what is mostly hype.

Ingredients with real support:

Minoxidil (2% topical for women, 5% for men) is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss ^[6]. It works by extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and appears to improve blood flow to the follicle. It needs a conversation with a doctor, and it must be used continuously or the gains reverse. Worth discussing if your edges are not responding to anything else.

Rosemary oil at the right dilution (about 1 to 2% in a carrier oil) showed results comparable to 2% minoxidil in one small 2015 RCT ^[4]. More evidence is needed, but the risk profile is low. See the essential oils for natural hair growth guide for application details.

Castor oil has very little controlled trial data for growth, but it seals well, and the ricinoleic acid it contains has some anti-inflammatory activity at the scalp. It will not regrow hair on its own. It protects and seals.

Biotin supplementation gets recommended constantly, and the evidence is mixed. A review in Skin Appendage Disorders found biotin supplementation improved hair and nail growth mainly in people with a documented biotin deficiency ^[7]. If you are not deficient, extra biotin is probably doing nothing. Iron deficiency is a more common and more impactful nutritional cause of hair loss in women, and it is worth getting your ferritin checked ^[8].

Mostly hype for edges: essential oil blends sold as "edge growth serums" with no carrier oil or at irritating concentrations, castor oil cut with petroleum (which seals the scalp and blocks the follicle), and alcohol-heavy edge controls used daily.

Ingredient	Evidence Level	Best Use	Caution
Minoxidil 2%	FDA-approved, RCT-backed	Diagnosed hair loss, doctor-supervised	Requires continuous use; not for pregnant women
Rosemary oil (diluted)	1 small RCT, promising	Scalp massage oil, 2-3x/week	Must be diluted; undiluted causes irritation
Castor oil	Mechanistic support, low RCT data	Sealant after leave-in	Too heavy on fine edges if overused
Biotin supplement	Helps only if deficient	Iron panel first, biotin if low	No benefit without deficiency
Ferritin/Iron	Strong association with shedding	Get serum ferritin tested	Supplement only under medical guidance

How do you handle edges at night during transition?

Nighttime is underrated in edge care. You spend 7 to 9 hours in bed, and if your hair rubs against cotton all night, you are grinding friction damage into the most fragile hair on your head.

Switch to a satin or silk pillowcase. Cotton pulls moisture out and creates friction. Satin and silk let the hair slide without resistance. This matters most at the edges, where those short, fine hairs catch on rough surfaces.

Wrap your edges. A satin-lined bonnet or a silk scarf tied loosely around the hairline protects edges overnight without flattening or pulling. Loose is the word that counts. A bonnet cinched tight across the forehead adds tension to exactly the hairs you are trying to save.

If you set your hair in twists or braids for the night, do not start them at the absolute hairline. Leave the first centimeter of edge hair free and unbraided. Those hairs do not need to be twisted in to be protected. A loose scarf over the top does the job.

Apply a light oil or leave-in to your edges before bed. The relaxed portion loses moisture overnight, especially in an air-conditioned or heated room. A thin coat of jojoba or argan oil before wrapping keeps that moisture from evaporating.

How do you know if edge thinning during transition has become traction alopecia?

Take this question seriously, because early traction alopecia is reversible, and late-stage traction alopecia often is not.

Early signs include redness or small bumps (follicular pustules) along the hairline, broken hairs at various lengths across the perimeter, a slowly widening forehead or recession at the temples, and fine, frizzy hairs that seem to grow, then stop or break before reaching any length.

The NIH's MedlinePlus describes traction alopecia as "a gradual loss of hair caused by pulling force being applied to the hair," and notes it most commonly affects the frontal and temporal hairline ^[9]. The condition is far more common in Black women because of the combination of hairstyling practices (tight braids, weaves, extensions) and hair texture, which makes the follicle more susceptible to tension at the hairline. One study documented prevalence rates as high as 31.7% among African American women ^[10].

Spot any of those early signs and drop all tension at the hairline immediately, then give it 8 to 12 weeks of strict low-manipulation care. If the thinning keeps going or gets worse, see a dermatologist. A dermoscopy exam (a magnified, lighted look at the skin) can show whether follicles are still active or have been replaced by fibrotic tissue. That single distinction decides whether medical treatment has a realistic shot at helping.

Read the full guides on edges hair and hair breakage to understand the difference between mechanical breakage (which regrows with time) and follicular damage (which may not).

Edge Naturale's edge care line is made for early-stage thinning and maintenance, not for diagnosed alopecia. If you have significant follicle loss, see a dermatologist before you count on any topical alone.

What should your weekly edge care routine look like during transition?

Consistency beats any single product. Here is a realistic weekly structure that works for most women in transition.

Wash day (once a week or every 10 days):

• Clean the scalp gently at the hairline with a sulfate-free shampoo or diluted ACV rinse
• Apply a generous layer of conditioner to the edge area and leave it 5 to 10 minutes before detangling
• Detangle edges with fingers first, then a wide-tooth comb if needed, starting from ends and working toward the root
• Add a light protein treatment every 4 to 6 weeks, on the relaxed length only

Post-wash (same day):

• Apply water-based leave-in to damp edges
• Seal with a light oil (castor, jojoba, or argan)
• Set into a low-tension protective style or leave it loose

Mid-week (2 to 3 times):

• Massage diluted rosemary oil or your preferred scalp oil into the hairline for 3 to 5 minutes
• Remoisten edges with water or a water-based refresher if they feel dry
• Do not comb or manipulate for no reason

Every night:

• Apply a light coat of oil to edges
• Cover with a satin bonnet or silk scarf, tied loosely
• Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase as backup

Take notes. Track when you wash, what you apply, and how your edges look week to week, and you will spot what is working much faster than guessing. A phone photo of your hairline once a week takes 10 seconds and gives you an honest record.

Frequently asked questions

Can edges grow back after relaxer damage during transition?

Yes, in most cases. If the follicles are still active, meaning the thinning comes from breakage or early traction alopecia rather than scar tissue, edges can regrow once the damage stops. Hair grows roughly half an inch per month on average, so expect 3 to 6 months before visible regrowth. If nothing improves after 6 months of consistent low-manipulation care, see a dermatologist to assess follicle health.

Should I use edge control during a hair transition?

Occasionally, yes. Daily, no. Edge control products usually contain alcohol and polymers that dry and stiffen the hair. Used daily at the hairline, that combination drives breakage exactly where your edges are most vulnerable. Save them for specific occasions, remove them gently with a water-based cleanser, and moisturize afterward. Smoothing edges every single morning is one of the higher-risk habits during transition.

Is it normal to lose more edges during the first few months of transition?

Some increase in shedding and breakage is normal early on, mostly because styling habits have not caught up with two-texture hair yet. The edges take the worst of it because styles that were fine on fully relaxed hair (tight buns, slicked ponytails) now pull too hard at the line of demarcation. If the loss is dramatic or patchy rather than general, see a dermatologist to rule out other causes.

How do I blend my natural new growth with relaxed edges?

The honest answer is that blending two textures perfectly is hard, and the attempt is often what damages edges. Heat-styling or slicking down new growth to match relaxed ends puts direct stress on the line of demarcation. Low-manipulation styles that embrace both textures (twisted updos, loose braids, buns with no tension) are kinder to your edges than any blending trick. Treat some texture variation as a feature, not a flaw to fix.

What oils are best for edges during transition?

Castor oil and jojoba oil are the two most practical choices. Castor oil seals well and has some anti-inflammatory activity at the scalp; use it sparingly because it is thick. Jojoba oil is lighter and closely mimics scalp sebum, so most people tolerate it easily. Rosemary oil diluted in either one is worth adding for the circulation benefit. Never put an undiluted essential oil directly on the hairline.

Can I wear braids during a hair transition without damaging my edges?

Yes, if they go in correctly. The requirements: no tension at the hairline, braids that start at least a centimeter back from the very edge hairs, no heavy extensions weighing down the perimeter, and removal before 6 weeks. Ask your braider to leave your edges free if they cannot braid loosely at the hairline. Any braider who insists tight is necessary is not the right braider for your edges right now.

How often should I wash my edges during transition?

Once a week to every 10 days is a reasonable target for most women. Wash less often and product and sebum build up and clog follicles; wash more often without proper conditioning and you dry out the already-porous relaxed portion of the edge hair. If your scalp runs dry, lean toward every 10 to 14 days with a gentle cleanser. If you run oily or use a lot of styling product, weekly is better.

Does minoxidil help edge regrowth during transition?

Topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for hair loss and has real evidence behind it ^[6]. If your edge thinning is significant and not responding to lifestyle changes, it is worth discussing with a dermatologist. The 2% concentration is approved for women. It requires continuous use, and most doctors start with a conservative 4 to 6 month trial to gauge response. It is not a first step. It is what you reach for when simpler measures have not worked.

What is the worst thing I can do to my edges during transition?

Applying heat directly to the hairline, including flat-iron passes to blend textures at the line of demarcation. High heat on already-weakened, structurally compromised strands causes irreversible protein damage. Tight tension at the hairline is a close second. Combine heat and tension at the edge during transition and you have the fastest path to permanent follicle damage. Neither is worth a few hours of smoothness.

How do I know if my edges are breaking or falling out from the root?

Look at the shed hairs. Hairs that broke at the line of demarcation have no white bulb at the end; they look like a strand with a tapered or rough break point. Hairs that shed from the root have a small white or translucent bulb at one end, which is the root sheath. Heavy shedding with bulbed roots warrants a dermatologist's look, since it may point to telogen effluvium, traction alopecia with follicle loss, or another condition.

Can a poor diet affect edge thinning during transition?

Yes, and it is underdiagnosed. Iron deficiency (specifically low serum ferritin) is strongly linked to hair shedding in women, with some studies suggesting ferritin below 30 ng/mL may impair hair growth ^[8]. Protein deficiency, zinc deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency can also contribute. If your edges thin despite good external care, ask your doctor to run a basic hair loss panel: ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D, and a complete blood count.

Is there a difference between edge breakage and traction alopecia?

Yes. Edge breakage means the hair shaft snapped, usually at the line of demarcation or from mechanical damage, but the follicle is intact and will grow a new strand. Traction alopecia means the follicle itself has been damaged by chronic tension. Early traction alopecia is often reversible. Advanced traction alopecia, where follicles get replaced by scar tissue, is not. The difference matters because the treatments differ, and a dermatologist's assessment is the only way to know which you have.

How do I moisturize edges without making them greasy or causing product buildup?

Apply products in the right order and in small amounts. Start with water or a water-based leave-in on damp hair; a few spritzes covers the edge area. Then seal with one small drop of oil, warmed between your fingertips first so it spreads thin instead of sitting in a glob. Less genuinely is more here. Heavy oil or butter over the hairline traps residue, clogs follicles, and makes the area look worse than plain dryness would.

Should I trim the relaxed ends of my edges during transition?

Trimming the relaxed ends of your edges specifically is tricky, since the edge hairs are already short. What you can do is trim off the most visibly damaged, split, or over-processed relaxed ends across the whole perimeter at your regular trim appointments. This shortens the transition while cutting the weight and vulnerability at the line of demarcation. A partial trim every 2 to 3 months is a middle path between a full big chop and no cutting at all.

Sources

1. American Academy of Dermatology, Hairstyles that pull can cause hair loss: Repeated tension on the hairline follicle can cause inflammation, follicular damage, and eventually permanent hair loss; loose hairstyles are recommended for prevention
2. National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, StatPearls: Hair Cosmetics: Relaxers work by breaking disulfide bonds in hair at an alkaline pH typically between 12 and 14
3. American Academy of Dermatology, Hair loss overview: Hair grows an average of about half an inch per month
4. Panahi Y et al., SKINmed Journal 2015, Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for treatment of androgenetic alopecia: Rosemary oil performed comparably to 2% minoxidil for hair density improvement over 6 months in a randomized controlled trial
5. Koyama T et al., ePlasty 2016, Standardized scalp massage results in increased hair thickness: 4 minutes of daily scalp massage for 24 weeks resulted in increased hair thickness in study participants
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Drugs section: Minoxidil 2% topical is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss in women
7. Patel DP et al., Skin Appendage Disorders 2017, A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss: Biotin supplementation improved hair and nail growth primarily in people with a documented biotin deficiency; evidence for benefit without deficiency is lacking
8. Trost LB et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2006, The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss: Iron deficiency, specifically low serum ferritin, is associated with hair shedding in women; ferritin below 30 ng/mL may impair hair growth
9. NIH National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: Traction Alopecia: Traction alopecia is a gradual loss of hair caused by pulling force applied to the hair, most commonly affecting the frontal and temporal hairline
10. Khumalo NP et al., Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2007, Prevalence of traction alopecia in African American women: Prevalence rates of traction alopecia as high as 31.7% have been documented among African American women