African American Hair Loss

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Friday, 16 March 2018 19:00

Hair Loss Study: Almost Half of African-American Women Have Experienced Hair Loss

African-American women are prone to hair loss, and new data presented at the American Academy of Dermatology's 74th Annual Meeting in Washington illustrates the scope of this problem, which often goes undiagnosed. Certain styling practices may increase the risk of hair loss in this population; women who are concerned about losing their hair should consider different styling practices and see a dermatologist if they notice any signs of hair loss.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERT

Information provided by board-certified dermatologist Yolanda M. Lenzy, MD, FAAD, clinical associate, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Conn.

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

According to Dr. Lenzy, the No. 1 cause of hair loss in African-American women is a condition called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), a disorder in which inflammation and destruction of hair follicles causes scarring and permanent hair loss. She says this population is also prone to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by styles that pull the hair too tight. In addition to these conditions, she says, African-American women also may be affected by other hair disorders like female pattern baldness.

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Causes of Hair Loss Among African Americans

Hair Loss in African Americans

Hair loss affects people of all races by making them lose their hair, and this can take a toll on a person's self-esteem. Though African Americans are not genetically predisposed to lose hair, their unique curl patterns and traditional hairstyles make them particularly likely to develop certain forms of hair loss.

The most common cause of hair loss worldwide is male pattern baldness, which happens when men gradually lose the hair on the top of their head. However, this is a hereditary condition caused by a susceptibility to DHT, and most black men do not have the genes that cause extreme hair loss. Instead of age-related baldness, a lot of hair loss in the African American community is caused by traction alopecia. This happens when tight twists, braids, weaves, and updos put pressure on the hair follicles. Over time, this causes scarring and damage that makes it difficult for hair to grow along the hairline. Women are more likely to suffer from this type of hair loss, but it can happen to men too. Though it is rare, some hair loss may be caused by health conditions, including high fevers, imbalanced thyroid glands, or even excessive stress.

How to Treat Hair Loss

The first step to treating hair loss is determining the cause. Men suffering from male pattern baldness can get a prescription for Rogaine or any other drug that halts hair loss. People who have hair loss due to tight cornrows or weaves will need to stop wearing tight hairstyles and start nourishing their hair with aloe vera, castor oil, and vitamin B supplements to encourage new growth. It will take a lot of time and patience, but eventually traction alopecia may be reversed.

How to Prevent Hair Loss

Though it might be possible to treat hair loss, it is normally more effective to prevent it from happening in the first place. African Americans can take biotin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements to strengthen their hair as it grows. Regular scalp massages with essential oils such as rosemary and lavender can stimulate blood flow and prevent fungal infections. African American hair also has a tendency to get dry, and this can make hair snap off. Proper moisture will make hair bend instead of breaking, so you can enjoy a full, thick head of hair.

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