At first glance it might appear that 27-year-old beauty and veteran of Geordie Shore, Sophie Kasei, has enviably thick hair. However, the star of one of MTV’S biggest reality shows since its inception in 2011 has been keeping a secret…she is suffering from traction alopecia. The South Shields stunner has kept her hair loss problems hidden until now, and has decided to open up about the true, shocking damage she has experienced on her scalp, warning others about the damaging long-term impact that “tormenting” their natural locks can do. Kasei became a controversial figure on Geordie Shore after its inauguration 6 years ago, finding herself being booted off the popular show during the seventh series for using offensive racial language. She then returned last year, establishing herself as a firm fan favourite, so the devastating condition of her hair will undoubtedly shock her legions of fans around the nation. She is speaking out warning fans to “give their hair a break” and avoid ending up in the same position. The Geordie Shore star said: “Because of all the extensions I've been getting, I've suffered from Contraction (traction) Alopecia. Which means that I've lost hair on the sides and that it may never come back. “And that's not because of the extensions that I'm getting in. It's because of all the years I've been tormenting my hair. “Going forward, I just want to start looking after my hair and I just want to make people aware that if you are getting extensions give your hair a break in between because you don't want to end up with bald patches like this.”

What is Traction Alopecia?

Traction alopecia is a gradual form of hair loss, occurring over a lengthy period of time following stress or tension being put onto the roots – usually as the hair has been pulled too tight. This can be a result of certain hairstyles such as braids, pigtails and tight ponytails, with the now infamous ‘man bun’ also said to have a negative effect on men’s hairlines. Moreover, prolonged use of compressive headgear can cause traction alopecia and is prominent in those wearing safety headwear for cycling, motor racing, skiing and snowboarding. Hair loss from traction alopecia may even be caused by vigorous combing or brushing, which includes nit combing following on occurrence of head lice.

Treatment for Traction Alopecia

You will need to consult a dermatologist if you have traction alopecia. After analysis of the scalp, the doctor could choose to extract a tissue sample, known as a biopsy, to determine any other potential factors behind the hair loss. The first course of action with traction alopecia that you can do yourself, is simply cease doing the things that were damaging the hair in the first place! Avoid tightening the hair, remove any braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, and don’t put your hair into a bun or ponytail. Limit heat (i.e. no hair straighteners) and don’t use any chemicals on the hair. If further treatment for traction alopecia is required, a doctor may prescribe one or a number of the following:

• Antibiotics to stop any infections in open sores.
• Antifungal shampoos.
• Biotin supplements to boost hair strength.
• Minoxidil (Regaine) to aid hair growth.
• Topical steroids to decrease scalp swelling.

If none of these treatments are successful, a hair transplant procedure may be an option, but can cost a substantial amount of money. However, hair loss isn’t the only issue Sophie is worrying about, after admitting to feeling conscious about her curvy figure when comparing herself against past and present Geordie Shore stars like Charlotte Crosby, Vicky Pattison and Holly Hagan, all of whom are well-known for their dedication to diet and fitness. Speaking exclusively to the MailOnline, Sophie commented: “I'm always gonna battle with my weight. It's always been up and down. The other girls have DVDs and have books and I've never done that or be offered anything, I've never had help. “Being back on the show I've started worrying about it and I'm like: "S**t, I've let myself go. It’s hard and I don't know what to do. I'll never be that skinny girl but I just want to be healthy. “I compare myself to the other girls. It's hard for me because I wasn't as popular as the other girls so I look up to them. They're working out, they've got trainers, they've got this and they've got that. I think because they do it I should.”