Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle by constant pulling or tension over a long period. It often occurs in persons who wear tight braids, especially “cornrows” that lead to high tension, pulling, and breakage of hair. Trichotillomania (Greek for “hair-pulling madness”) is a traction alopecia related to a compulsive disorder caused when patients pull on and pluck hairs, often creating bizarre patterns of hair loss.