In this photo of Victoria Beckham, you can clearly see the damage overuse of hair extensions has caused.

I see a dangerous trend in Hollywood that is spilling into society – wigs, weaves and extensions. What worries me is the risk of traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is caused when hair is pulled tightly for extended periods of time via a weave or hair extension.

This damage is usually permanent, though some might have success with medications such as Rogaine. Hair restoration is usually the best option.

Dr. Pires talks about traction alopecia here Do Any Product Treatments Work for Traction Alopecia?

Here are some celebrity examples…

Over the past few years you can see the damage her extensions have caused Victoria Beckham, forcing her to wear her now signature bob. Lucky for her she has stopped using them.

How about the infamous meltdown of Britney Spears where she shaved her head. Was this a true moment of crazy or the only option she had left due to severe traction alopecia?

Ethnicity plays a role in this as well. Look at supermodel Naomi Campbell, a celebrity with the worst case of traction alopecia I have seen to date. This severe case is due to a tight weave most commonly worn by African- American women.

Picture of Naomi Campbell with severe traction alopecia caused by years of wearing extensions.

Speaking from experience girls… be careful. The outcome from this beauty trend will to be traction alopecia, leading to more women seeking hair transplants to fix what vanity has destroyed: our hair.