Dear Doc,
Can pulling on and pulling off a motorcycle helmet every other day cause hairloss or weaken hair at the root so it falls out? I try to be as careful as possible but rubbing my hair on the sides is unavoidable! Thank you.
Usually hair loss from motorcycle helmets if fitted properly should not occur. However, I recently saw a patient who wore a very tight (not properly fitted helmet) for a few months and he had hair loss on certain areas where the helmet was rubbing on his scalp/face. This type of hair loss is caused by traction and is known as traction alopecia, commonly seen in women who braid their hair too tightly. This type of hair loss may be permanent, depending on how long the insult has been occurring.