Hair loss has become very common amongst older black women. Research shows that anywhere from a third to a half of all black women have experienced hair loss in their lifetime. One of the reasons is the hairstyles we typically like. These include braids, cornrows, and twists which could pull at the hair root causing breakage. If you’re going through a serious case of hair loss, you’re not alone. Here are 4 common hair loss conditions affecting us sisters and how you could seek treatment today.
Traction Alopecia
One condition that could result from long-term tight hairstyles like the ones mentioned earlier is known as traction alopecia. The more consistently you wear your hair in styles like cornrows and braids, the more you will start to sense thinning at the hairline. Traction alopecia normally appears in this area of the hair. It could also appear anywhere the hair is pulled. So when you’re getting your hair done in protective styles such as braids, cornrows, or twists, please be sure that your stylist is not braiding your hair too tight at the roots.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Another type of alopecia affecting black women is known as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). This is a form of scarring alopecia on the scalp that results in serious hair loss. Although men and other ethnic groups do become diagnosed with this condition, middle-aged black women are the most affected by it.
The actual cause of CCCA is unknown. It normally begins at the vertex or mid-scalp and extends outward. Some people don’t have symptoms, but for those who do, itch, tenderness, and burning are common.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a common type of hair loss that affects just your scalp or your entire body. This could be a hereditary thing, hormonal changes, or just a normal part of aging. It could appear in different ways such as gradual thinning on top of the head or circular bald spots.
One good way to prevent alopecia is being gentle with your hair when styling it. You could also protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light. If you’re a smoker, it will be beneficial to stop doing that. Some studies show an association between smoking and baldness.
Telogen Effluvium
This hair loss disorder is different from alopecia in that large amounts of hair might fall out, but it is temporary. Telogen effluvium is a temporary hair loss that normally occurs after stress, a traumatic event, or a shock. Your hair usually grows back after experiencing this condition.
One of the ways in treating telogen effluvium is making adjustments in your daily diet. A diet filled with iron-rich foods, protein, and vitamin B is essential in making the hair grow back healthy. There are also other treatments such as non-surgical hair replacement or hormone replacement therapy for those with menopause.
Hair loss conditions have become a serious condition for middle-aged black women. But if you wear hairstyles that don’t cause a lot of tension at the roots, avoid heat styling, and maintain a healthy diet, you will lower your risk of being diagnosed with one of them.
Are you experiencing one of these conditions or know someone who is? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below. As always, feel free to like or share this post with the next woman you know.
