Que: I am 19 years old and I am quite sure that I am suffering from traction alopecia. I part my hair on the left side, and of late, I have noticed major thinning on that side. Actually, the problem started when I changed my regular barber, because the new guys I go to are very aggressive with their cutting. Even when I asked them to give me shorter cuts with a buzzer, the thinning has continued. What should I do now?

Ans: Traction alopecia is a condition that is caused by constant force applied on the hair and your barber can certainly not be held responsible for the same. The thinning could be attributed to the start of androgenetic alopecia, but this too would be dependent on your medical history, genetics, stages of hair fall and of course the results of the actual physical exam. It would be best that you meet a doctor or hair specialist and get a proper diagnosis.