Hair loss is not just a problem for men as women actually make up 40% of American hair loss sufferers according to the American Hair Loss Association. Honestly, many women are suffering in silence and this devastating problem is no more felt harder than in the African American community.
What Black Women Need To Know About Hair Loss
A study published earlier this year and presented at the American Academy of Dermatology's 74th Annual meeting showed alarming concerns for Black women. The study showed that Black women were more prone to hair loss and even more alarming was the fact that we are less likely to seek professional help to rectify the problem.
The cause for most of the hair loss for black women is a condition called Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) which is a disorder that causes inflammation and destruction to the hair follicles, can cause scarring and even permanent hair loss. This vital and alarming information was provided by Dr. Lenzy, a Board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate at University of Connecticut, Farmington, Conn.
5 TIPS ON CARING FOR YOUR NATURAL HAIR WHILE WEARING WIGS
Dr. Lenzy, along with other experts believe hair loss is a genetic disposition among black women and they are increasing the risk of hair loss by practicing damaging hair styling techniques like braids, chemical relaxing, and wearing weaves. Out of 5,594 black women who were part of the study and survey, almost 50% reported hair loss on the crown of their head and 81.4% of those women never sought any kind of help from a physician or dermatologist.
Janeise Alexander, owner of J'Das Studio For Hair in Oakland, CA says many clients of hers experience hair follicle trauma. "Tension from braids and twists can and does cause permanent follicle damage, especially to the lanugo (baby) hair around the perimeter of the head." She adds, "Chemicals such as relaxers and colors can also cause damage if the service isn't administered properly. Applying protection cream to the lanugo hair and scalp is a Must. Also Neutralization and plenty of rinsing will help to remove all traces of the chemical."
Are you suffering hair thinning or hair loss and how have you tried to fix it?
Sabrina
You can follow Janeise Alexander on IG here: cosmetologist_janeise