Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, and it can affect up to two-thirds of black women by age 50. Hair loss in black women is also caused by lifestyle factors and choices that are often controllable. Hair loss in black women is not uncommon and there are solutions that can prevent and even reverse damage, keeping your locks healthy, long and full for years to come.
Considerations
Hair loss can sometimes be the result of a medical condition, so see a dermatologist if you are experiencing hair loss. Although genetics and lifestyle factors do contribute greatly, there are also certain conditions and diseases that accompany hair loss. It is important to be sure that a health issue is not a factor so you do not just treat the symptoms but instead find the cause and move forward from there.
Common Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia and traumatic alopecia are three common types of hair loss that affect black women. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness, is genetic and plays a significant role in hair loss for black women and all women and men, regardless of race or ethnicity. Traction alopecia and traumatic alopecia, are not genetically linked, but are the result of lifestyle choices in hair care. Traction alopecia is the result of too much stress, strain and pulling on the scalp caused by wearing tight braids, weaves, wigs and ponytails. Traumatic alopecia occurs with the use of harsh chemical processing, heat application and styling products that damage the scalp and hair follicles. The good news is that with both traction and traumatic alopecia, proper hair care can prove to be highly effective in preventing and reversing hair loss.
Preventing Hair Loss
Eliminate hats, wigs and hair extensions that cause friction to the scalp and prevent circulation and air flow. Wear your hair natural, and avoid chemicals and heat styling to protect your hair, scalp and hair follicles from damage, including shedding, balding and scarring. Eliminate the use of heavy styling products, reduce your stress and follow a good diet that is rich in protein, Omega 3 and 6, vitamins A, B and E. These are all practical ways to prevent hair loss and keep your hair healthy, thick and long.
Correcting Mild Hair Loss
For mild to moderate hair loss in black women, natural styling products such as castor, coconut and safflower oils and using herbal based shampoos and conditioners containing rosemary, sage, chamomile and burdock root are great sources for treating hair loss. A change in hair stylings that does not cause friction to the scalp, especially at the hair line and crown of the head, also greatly diminishes the probability of losing your hair.
Moderate to Severe Hair Loss
For more moderate to severe conditions, there are topical medications on the market to correct hair loss in both women and men, such as Rogaine and Provillus. For extreme hair loss, transplant surgery is an option, according to dermotolgist Dr. Martin Earles, who performs this type of surgery by transplanting healthy hair-bearing scalp to balding areas of the head. (See Reference 4). Moderate to severe hair loss is more difficult to treat and there is no guarantee that your hair will be fully restored to its natural fullness and luster. Preventing hair loss with gentle hair care and styling techniques is the best option.
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