The term, traction alopecia gained greater familiarity in the general public due to hair loss photos of Naomi Campbell.
Since the nineties, the supermodel’s trademark looks included beautiful cheekbones and long sleek tresses.
In 2010, photos of Naomi Campbell were released on the internet showing the model with hair loss on the sides of her head. These pictures were taken while her hair dresser was getting her ready for a photo shoot.
Naomi Campbell’s flawless hair was probably the result extensions and other harsh styling techniques. So it is understandable why she developed what appear to be traction alopecia. Some stylists feel that the extensions were placed too close to the scalp. It is recommended that they are attached at least half an inch away.
It is understandable why she has often been seen wearing full bangs across her forehead.
This year in August 2012, the Huffington Post featured a more recent hair loss photo of Naomi Campbell, vacationing with her boyfriend, Vladislav Doronin.
Again, she was caught unaware.
Right after these pictures were released, she made a public appearance in London for an Olympic charity event. This time, her hair was worn in her usual long style.
People who have advanced forms of traction alopecia usually use lace front wigs to conceal these bald areas. They are used quite commonly among celebrities. And from photos of Naomi Campbell at the Olympic dinner, it seems that the placement of these hair pieces was done quite well.
Besides hair pieces, the best solution for patients with severe forms of traction alopecia would be a hair transplant procedure. Hair follicles from other parts of the head are inserted into the bald areas. Hopefully, if Naomi Campbell is a candidate for this surgery, she will use more discretion in wearing hair extensions for long periods of time.