Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a form of acquired hair loss, that results from prolonged or repetitive tension on the scalp hair.
This picture looks horrible, I know...but this is a lady who has gone to one braider time after time. The braider would braid hair hair too tightly and she would continually have her hair up in a high ponytail. Sometimes people dont see what others can see. Over time her hair thinned in the front and eventually grew back very slowly. This is a typical case of a braid lover with lack of knowledge on how to treat their hair when they do have braids in.
This happens to people of all ages and ethnicities, sometimes with just doing a tight ponytail day after day. Its important you learn, that braids will always be a bit snug the first time you get them. But they shouldn't be excessively painful for days after. Its best if this does happen to keep your braids down in low styles. Do not go back to the same braider and treat your scalp with care. By asking the chemist for antiseptic ointments, putting a cold compress on the area and maybe even taking it all out.
Braids when done right and your well informed. Should be a way for your natural hair to rest and grow. Having high ponytails and flipping the braids about, should be done going into week 2. The first 2 weeks you should focus on low styles and keeping the braids in the direction of install. After the 2 week mark, your braid would have relaxed more, especially after washing. So you can then do styles that require more manipulation. Be easy with your braids, research the best braider for you. If you have the knowledge, you will have the power.