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Hair loss amongst women of colour is on the rise

Hair Loss Amongst Women of Colour Is On The Rise, What Gives?

1 in 6 women surveyed said they had experienced hair loss...

A recent study by L’Oreal revealed that 1 in 6 women surveyed said they had experienced hair loss by their 30th birthday, while 8% said their hair had started to thin by the time they were 25 years old. And 2.5% had suffered from hair thinning before their 20th birthday, oh Lord! Hair loss has a direct impact on a woman's psyche and morale which affects her confidence. It's hard to be a queen that slays, when your crown is jacked up.

While women of colour can experience various types of hair loss, the most prevalent type is Traction Alopecia, meaning hair loss due to traction (pulling). This sort of gradual hair loss is caused by styles that frequently pulls the hair back tightly in a particular direction; such as weaves, braids, cornrows, twists and locks. It doesn't end there, hair accessories like headbands, chemical relaxer products and excessive heat use, all lead to months or years battling traction alopecia. The condition is increasingly most common amongst young adults and affects the frontal hairline, especially the temple area and parts just above the ears. 

Traction Alopecia Symptoms:

  • Itchy scalp after braids or a weave are put in
  • Scalp sensitivity after undoing a ponytail 
  • Consistent headaches after hair is secured 
  • Relief when hair is untied and left out  

These are early warning signs, your body is attempting to inform you that your hair is under too much tension. Ignore it, and eventually, you will notice that sections of your hair are gradually thinning.

Can Traction Alopecia be Reversed?

It's not all doom and gloom. There’s good news . Traction alopecia is reversible if you are fortunate enough to identify it in its early stages and stop whatever tension or strain you are putting on your hair. It usually takes several months for traction alopecia to reverse; love, care and patience is required to restore thinning hair. However, if your hair follicles have undergone severe damage for an extended period, it is likely that your hair may never return on its own. If you find yourself in this predicament, surgical restoration may be an option to consider. Firstly consult a trichologist or dermatologist for an expert analysis of your case. 

In our next blog we will explore some natural remedies to thicken thinning hair. Click here to read on

For those ladies lucky enough not to be affected by Traction Alopecia what is your secret? 

  • Jun 23, 2017
  • Category: Our Blog
  • Comment: 1
Black Women Braids Hairline Hairloss Thinning Hair Traction Alopecia Weave Women of colour