Holistic Hair Restoration Program for Traction Alopecia Using PRP, Growth Factors, and Protective Style Guidance

Renowned aesthetic doctor, Dr. Fawzia Salie, founder of Aesthete Medical Aesthetics in Cape Town, has unveiled a comprehensive hair restoration program aimed specifically at treating traction alopecia—a common yet preventable cause of hair loss, especially among women who regularly wear protective hairstyles.

Combining in-clinic Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) procedures, topical Human Growth Factor therapy, customised supplementation, and protective style education, the protocol is a groundbreaking approach to reversing hair follicle damage and restoring healthy hair growth cycles.

“With traction alopecia, it’s not just about restoring hair—it’s about restoring the scalp’s natural ability to produce healthy hair long-term. And that starts with understanding how styles, tension, and scalp care all affect follicular health,” says Dr. Fawzia.

 

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair and scalp, often resulting from styles that pull tightly at the roots. While protective hairstyles like box braids, cornrows, wigs, buns, faux locs, and two- strand twists are meant to shield natural hair from manipulation and environmental stressors, improper technique or neglect can backfire.

If not addressed early, the repeated tension can damage or destroy hair follicles, leading to thinning, patchy areas, and even permanent scarring alopecia.

Hair Restoration Treatments at Aesthete: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy)

A safe, autologous procedure using the patient’s own blood to concentrate growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and improve follicle function. It enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports natural regrowth.

• Monthly PRP sessions for 4 consecutive months 15–30 minutes per session
• No downtime
• Ideal for active shedding or early-stage thinning

AQ Skin Solutions Advanced Hair Complex+ (Growth Factor Induced Therapy)

Growth factors act as cell regulators, restoring normal function to dormant or damaged cells. AQ’s Hair Complex contains over 150 human growth factor families designed to:

• Normalise cell behavior
• Improve follicle nutrition Strengthen scalp microcirculation
• Restore healthy hair cycles

Supplementation & Lifestyle Support

• Personalised based on bloodwork, hair type, hormonal and nutritional needs
• Supports keratin production, anti-inflammatory balance, and micronutrient replenishment
• Encourages hair cycle normalization and resilience to styling stress

Scalp Health Tips Before, During, and After Protective Styling

Before installation: Clarify with sulfate-free shampoo, deep condition, moisturize

During wear: Clean scalp every 1–2 weeks (especially under wigs), oil or mist with hydrating products After removal:

• Detangle gently
• Let scalp rest for 3–4 weeks
• Use clarifying shampoo to remove buildup Deep condition and trim ends
• Avoid immediate re-braiding

“Think of your scalp like soil—styles are just the temporary surface. If the scalp isn’t healthy, nothing beautiful can grow,” says Dr. Fawzia.

Habits That Damage Hairlines

• Daily use of edge gels with drying alcohols
• Sleeping with gel in hair or not cleansing between reapplications
• Using stiff brushes instead of soft tools (like a toothbrush)
• Wearing tight ponytails or styles back-to-back
• Not rotating between low-tension and structured styles

Look for products with “fatty alcohols” (e.g., cetyl or stearyl alcohol) for hydration, and alternate between gels and softer hair butters or milks.

Understanding Itchy Scalp & Flaking Under Braids or Wigs

Flaking and itchiness can arise from:

• Product buildup
• Dry scalp from poor hydration
• Inflammation from tight styling
• Scalp congestion (e.g., clogged follicles)

Key management tips:

• Cleanse scalp bi-weekly, even under wigs
• Mist or oil scalp lightly every few days
• Use scalp-specific leave-in conditioners
• Consider growth factor therapy to restore follicular function if itching is chronic