Recent images of Kris Jenner show a contrast between what looked like thinning hair and the development of a bald spot at her hair line one day, and a voluminous headful of hair the next. Clearly she was wearing a wig, and now speculation is rife about why she would need to resort to this cosmetic measure, and what has caused the hair loss in the first place.
A quick scan of some media images portrays a very attractive older woman who has clearly taken great care of her hair on a daily basis for many years. Always worn short, in a range of pixie styles teased over her ears and forehead, and around her eyes and neck, she has also dyed it every conceivable shade of black. Her hair is not naturally thick, and some effort has gone into giving it the appearance of volume – by curling, perhaps, or styling it with a large brush and hairdryer, and applying lots of gel, mousse, and spray – to preserve her very glamorous public image. Over the years, it seems, this attention to cosmetic detail has taken its toll.
What’s the cause of her “bald spot”?
Numerous experts have speculated about the cause of Jenner’s bald spot – everything from her age and accompanying hormone changes, hyperthyroidism (caused by taking thyroid supplements to control diet or disease), post-surgical complications of face lift, autoimmune disease, stress, and chemical hair treatments.
Traction alopecia
In Jenner’s case, perhaps the most likely explanation of her hair loss is the prolonged use of hair treatments, hair sprays, and hair gels, and too much brushing, leading to “traction alopecia” which simply refers to the loss of hair due to stress or excessive pulling on it over time.
Traction alopecia is hair loss that happens gradually, and can be caused by wearing very tight ponytails, braids, or cornrows. Dreadlocks and other extensions, hair weaves, tight headgear, headbands, and hair combs can also cause traction alopecia if they are worn regularly over a long period of time.
The repeated exposure to chemicals and tension on her hair at the roots has led to the development of a bald spot, surrounded by very sparse hair, which Jenner has chosen to manage using a wig. This is a great solution for
Jenner’s hair follicles: it will give them time to recover – assuming no permanent damage and scarring has occurred – and allow her hair to grow back. If she has experienced any bacterial or viral infection in the affected area, her doctor may have prescribed topical steroids or antibiotics to restore the health of her scalp and encourage regrowth. Giving her hair a rest from hair dyes and chemicals, daily styling, and heat exposure, will also help the recovery process.
Anyone who notices this type of hair loss should immediately change the way their care for their hair. The effects of traction alopecia can be reversed, if they are caught in time, and by adopting a more natural hair management routine, good hair can last a lifetime.
REFERENCES
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=kris+jenner&FORM=HDRSC2
http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2011/06/just-how-bad-are-extensions-for-your-hair.html
http://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/hair-guide/hair-care-styling/hair-extensions/
http://www.hairsentinel.com/traction-alopecia.html
