Black women are very susceptible to hair loss. According to a study of 5,594 African American women in 2016, 47.6% reported that their scalps were losing hair at the crown or top. Although hair loss is common in nearly half of black women, it is not a common topic for African American women. The majority of black women suffering from hair loss don’t seek treatment.

Why is hair loss so common in black women?

While African-American women might be predisposed to hair loss due to genetic factors, damaging styling techniques can make the problem worse. Black women often braid, weave and use chemical relaxers to style their hair. Although chemical relaxers can be very effective in straightening hair they can also reduce hair strength which can lead to hair breakage or hair loss. Flat irons and blow dryers add to the negative effects of chemical relaxers. Black women can experience hair loss from several conditions.

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

Inflammation is the leading cause of hair fall according to the 2016 study. If left untreated, it can lead to scarring alopecia. Scar tissue can lead to permanent loss of hair follicle function. Hot Comb Alopecia was once known. It was believed that oils were applied to hair and then heated with hot combs. It was later discovered that many people who developed CCCA didn’t use hot oils or combs.

It is believed that CCCA may be caused by both genetic and autoimmune factors. CCCA may also occur in conjunction with other hair loss conditions like traction alopecia.

An extensive study that examined four years’ worth of data from 487,000 black women found a link between CCAs and uterine fibroids. Nearly 14% of women who had CCCA also had fibroids. Researchers discovered that black women who have CCCA are five times more likely to develop fibroids. Although it is well-known that scarring-related conditions are more common in black women, the link between the two conditions remains unclear. These findings suggest that all black women suffering from abnormal hair loss, particularly if they have heavy bleeding or are experiencing pelvic pain due to fibroids, should be screened for CCCA.

Traction Alopecia

Traction is caused by inflammation in the hair follicles. This happens when the hair is pulled taut for too long. Natural curly hair is more fragile than straight hair. This prevents the natural protective sebum from reaching the ends of the hair shaft. Traction is a self-inflicted condition that sets it apart from other hair loss conditions such as stress, genes, illness and unavoidable circumstances. Although it can be reversed by being treated promptly, excessive tension from hairstyles will cause permanent hair loss and scarring. You may notice small white spots on the scalp and around the hairline. Traction alopecia is a condition that causes hair loss along the edges of your scalp. This includes the back, the front and the sides of the hairline.

Traumatic Alopecia

Traumatic alopecia can be described as hair loss. Because the hair is unhealthy and damaged, this type of alopecia can affect hair growth. Traumatic alopecia can be similar to traction. It is caused by poor hair care and styling. Unlike traction, it focuses more on the damage to the hair shaft than the hair follicle. Afro-textured hair is more susceptible to breakage than other types of hair. Traumatic alopecia can be caused by hair styling techniques such as bleaching, straightening, or chemically coloring hair.

Folliculitis can cause alopecia

This is also known as traction folliculitis. It occurs when bacteria gets into the scalp. This can cause inflammation of hair follicles and make it difficult for hairs to grow back. Because they allow bacteria to get into the hair follicles, weaves are known for causing friction and inflammation. Inflammation and infection can be seen in the scalp by tenderness and pain as well as little bumps around and around the follicle. Folliculitis is usually treated with antibiotics and loose hairstyles. However, it can lead to permanent hair loss.

The appearance of hair loss

Black women have a lower hair density. Black women have significantly fewer hair follicles than other ethnicities. This is why hair can appear less dense after it has been chemically straightened or its natural texture removed. Black women may notice hair loss more than white women.

How to Prevent Hair Fall

1. Keep your hair straightened as long as you can

Chemical relaxers can cause hair and scalp damage. It is important to not “overuse” chemical straighteners if you have your hair naturally relaxed. You should wait at least 8 weeks before you retouch your hair. If possible, extend this time even further. This will reduce the need for chemical straighteners and make your hair more healthy. Deep conditioning treatments and hair oils are a great way to extend your hair’s style. To extend the time between applying relaxers and looking your best, you might consider wearing wigs or headwraps.

2. Between hairstyles, let your scalp breathe

Hairstyles such as weaves and other tight hairstyles place a lot of stress upon the scalp. This strain can cause hair loss and damage to hair follicles. It is essential to allow your hair and scalp to heal and breathe between weaves. Wearing weaves can make your hair look more loose than tight. If you have a weave on your head for a month, you should give your hair a rest for one month before you get another weave. For instance, if your weave is worn for two months, you should wait two months before you get another weave.

3. Properly wear wigs

Wigs can be a great option as they let you have any style instantly. A wig can also protect your hair from the elements. It is crucial to wear your wig correctly. Incorrectly wearing a wig can lead to hair loss and hair growth.

• The right size wig is crucial. A wig that is too small can rub against your hair and cause breakage. Take a measurement of your head to determine the size wig that you require.
• Also, avoid glue that could block pores. An Wig Grips are a great, safe and effective way to keep your wig in its place.
• To prevent bacteria buildup in hair follicles, make sure you wash your wig at least once per 7 wears.
• To allow your scalp to breathe, we recommend a wig with an open or monofilament hat.
• Don’t wear a wig at night.

4. Take care of your hair and scalp

Massage your scalp with castor oil, Jamaican black castingor, olive oil, or unrefined coconut oil to moisturize it. You can also moisturize your hair by using oil and masks frequently. Use heated styling tools to protect your hair.

From the inside, healthy hair begins from the outside. Healthy hair starts from the inside out. Eat foods high in vitamins and healthy oils like salmon, avocados and seeds.

5. Go natural

The best way to protect your hair against chemicals and friction is to wear your hair naturally.

Here are some more tips to prevent hair loss

• Hairstyles that aren’t too tight or pressured on the hair strands will be a good choice.
• Let your hair be natural. This means that you don’t need to tie, slide, or clip it.
• For a looser braid, use larger braids
• To loosen your hair, use a large hairband made of fabric
• To protect your hair and scalp, wrap your hair in a silk scarf  when you go to bed.
• Use a wide tooth brush to brush your hair.
• To add length to your hair without pulling it, you can wear a clip in extensions or full-length wig.
• Pay attention to how long you keep tight hairstyles on. If you feel your scalp is constantly uncomfortable, get the hairstyle changed.

Different types of treatment

American-American women are more likely to experience hair loss than they realize. According to a 2016 study, 81.4% of participants had never seen a doctor about hair loss.

It is possible to reverse some damage if hair loss is treated quickly before scarring occurs. To identify scalp conditions or diseases that could cause hair loss, it is important to seek medical assistance from a dermatologist or trichologist (hair- and scalp specialist). A dermatologist can help reverse hair loss and prevent future hair loss.

These are some of the most common treatments:

• Minoxidil formulations with high-strength
• Hair growth boosters
• Apply medications directly to the scalp daily

Depending on the reason for hair loss, there are other options.