How is Sikh Pattern Traction Alopecia different from Androgenic Alopecia ?

Sikh Pattern Traction Alopecia

If you are seeking a hair transplant in India for Sikh-pattern traction alopecia (SPTA), you are likely aware that this condition poses unique challenges distinct from androgenic alopecia. Over the past 20 years, I have specialized in treating this culturally specific form of hair loss, becoming deeply attuned to its complexities and the surgical expertise it requires. My decades of experience have allowed me to restore not only hairlines but also the confidence and self-identity of countless Sikh individuals who hold their hair as a vital element of their heritage. WATCH

Sikh-pattern traction alopecia primarily results from the prolonged tension exerted by tight hairstyles, such as the joora (bun), dastar (turban), or patka, often worn by Sikh men, women, and children. Unlike androgenic alopecia, which is hormonally mediated and exhibits a progressive miniaturization of hair follicles, SPTA is mechanical in nature. The repetitive stress on the hair follicles—especially along the frontal hairline, sides, and crown—leads to follicular damage, scarring alopecia, and, in some cases, permanent hair loss.

This pattern of alopecia is distinct in several ways:

Localized Hair Loss: The areas affected in SPTA are typically the anterior hairline, temples, and the occipital region (nape of the neck), correlating with points of high tension in traditional Sikh hairstyles.

Scarring Alopecia: Chronic mechanical tension can lead to scarring, which makes hair transplantation more challenging due to the compromised vascularity of the scalp in these areas.

Cultural Sensitivity: Aesthetic reconstruction in SPTA must respect cultural norms, including a natural hairline that accommodates continued turban-wearing without exacerbating further tension.

Over two decades, I have refined a highly specialized approach to managing SPTA. Unlike androgenic alopecia, where donor areas are selected based on follicular resistance to hormonal changes, in SPTA, the donor area must be chosen with careful consideration of its ability to withstand ongoing mechanical stress post-transplant. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) remains my preferred technique, as it minimizes scarring in the donor area, allowing for optimal healing and a more natural appearance.

In cases involving scarring alopecia, advanced techniques like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are employed to enhance vascularization and prepare the recipient area. Surgical planning focuses on recreating a hairline with slightly higher density to camouflage the traction alopecia zones, while also taking care not to overharvest the donor area—a common risk in cases requiring extensive grafting.

Beyond technical expertise, the holistic care of Sikh patients includes guiding them on lifestyle adjustments post-transplant. Advising on looser hair-tying techniques and lighter turban fabrics helps prevent recurrence of traction alopecia.

What sets my practice apart is the deep cultural sensitivity and surgical precision honed over decades of treating SPTA. For my patients, a successful hair transplant is not merely about restoring hair but also reaffirming their identity and cultural pride. My journey with this condition is driven by the belief that every individual deserves a solution tailored to their unique circumstances—and no challenge is too great when approached with experience, skill, and empathy.

If you are suffering from traction alopecia or just wonder how natural results especially of the temple points can be , this video is for you!

Over 8000 Sikh traction alopecia patients have trusted Darling Buds Clinic since last 18 years. Now it is your turn. Rest assured you are in good experienced hands.

At Darling Buds Clinic based in Punjab, we have gained a reputation for successfully treating over 8000 patients with Sikh pattern traction alopecia, showcasing remarkable results that restore not only hair but also confidence.

The largest series you will ever get is just a click away.

I have provided a link in the description and at the end of this video.

In hair transplant naturalness is the key. And nowhere can this be more easily detected if it is not, is the temple point that cannot be disguised after a badly done restoration.

So if you wish to appreciate the finesses, the skill of a hair transplant clinic, it is the temples you should analyse and then the soft hairline and last the crown.

Sikh pattern traction alopecia is with stress on temple point restoration is the topic of the day.

Most patients afflicted by traction alopecia seek a corrective hair transplant more for the temple points than for the hairline.

For the temples are unnaturally obliterated by wearing tight hairstyles by the Sikh community with our traditional top knots.

Traction alopecia occurs when hair is subjected to constant pulling or tension over an extended period. This can happen due to various hairstyles that place stress on the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and eventual hair loss. In the case of Sikh individuals, our traditional practice of wearing tight top knots can result in significant traction alopecia. Over time, this tension can cause the hair follicles to weaken and die, leading to permanent bald patches, especially around the temples and hairline.

In Sikh pattern traction alopecia, the recipient area is badly scarred underneath due to the constant pull. At times even the donor is scarred. This scarring of the scalp, makes restoration a challenging endeavor. It is not the usual hair transplant as in cases with androgenic alopecia on virgin skin. One of the most daunting aspects of traction alopecia is the presence of scar tissue on the scalp. Unlike other forms of hair loss, where follicles may still be intact and capable of regrowth, traction alopecia often results in irreversible damage. The scar tissue makes it particularly difficult for surgeons to perform hair transplants because the underlying skin may not support new hair growth effectively.

Secondly the donor area is also subjected to traction (as in seen in this young boy’s picture).

These unique challenges both in the donor and the recipient require a surgeon with specialized skills and experience in dealing with such conditions.

One standout case is being presented. This Sikh patient suffered from severe traction alopecia due to years of wearing tight hairstyles when he came to us 7 years ago. Before treatment, this patient exhibited significant thinning at the temples and an uneven hairline that affected his self-esteem and overall appearance. After a thorough consultation and assessment, we proceeded with his procedure. The results were nothing short of transformative.
What truly sets our practice apart is the Team’s commitment to achieving natural results. In this particular case, close examination of the temple point restoration revealed an incredibly natural outcome—an essential factor for patients who desire not just volume but an imperceptible appearance- a hairline and temple points that even your barber can’t tell.

Thes before-and-after pictures highlight how skillful placement, soft transitions, fish-tailing and attention to detail can make all the difference.

For a traction alopecia patient, achieving soft temple points is the icing on the cake. Temple points are a key framing element for the face, giving it definition and symmetry. In traction alopecia, where hair loss disrupts this harmony, restoring soft and natural-looking temple points serves as a subtle yet powerful enhancement. The softness ensures a natural gradient from hairline to the temples, avoiding the sharp angles or over-projected points that can betray the artistry of the work. It’s the detail that ties the whole restoration together, blending form with function seamlessly.
Both scenarios underscore how tailored hair restoration addresses the emotional and aesthetic core of the patient’s concerns, proving that the devil is in the details.

For anyone grappling with traction alopecia—especially within the Sikh community—you just need to pick up the phone and dial any of these numbers or just leave a missed call. Once you are my patient you are all set to embark on the rewarding journey toward regrowth with optimism and assurance that you will get a safe effective hair transplant procedure that will be done responsibly and the clinic stands by the outcome and is ready to support you in your long hair regrowth journey.

Every clinic that has been operational for around 20 years has a unique DNA and at Darling Buds Clinic we are known for 3 things:

Effective long lasting results in extensive baldness (which only this channel will show you)
Natural results through cutting edge transformative techniques, even your Barber can’t tell
Sikh pattern traction alopecia- in which I have the largest series in the world.

Repair hair transplants
Doctor done procedures – one case a Day!