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- Hair styling in African American women causes hair loss
Hair styling in African American women causes hair loss
- By Jeremy Harkin
- Published 22nd June, 2010
- Causes of Hair Loss
- Unrated
Jeremy Harkin
Jeremy has enjoyed a varied career in advertising and media. He is now a freelance editorial consultant working with mainstream men's mags and their associated websites.
The Journal of American Academy of Dermatology has reported that almost one third of African American women and over 17 per cent of African American girls between the ages of 6-21 will lose their hair as a result of a condition called traction alopecia.
In the USA, traction alopecia is most commonly found in the African American female population because it is caused by specific hair styling practices such as tight braiding, weaves, cornrows, and the use of various chemical straighteners, bleaches and dyes. It is estimated that three quarters of African American women straighten their hair.
The article was written by Dr Joshua Fox, who is a leading dermatologist in New York and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. He said: “Ironically, the very hair care and styling practices designed to improve their appearance can actually cause young girls and women to lose their hair and feel that they no longer look as good as they want to.”
Traction alopecia is most common in children, teenagers and young adults but it can occur in people of any age or gender. The good news is that the condition is reversible if diagnosed early. However, Dr Fox warned that it can lead to permanent hair loss if left undetected for a long period.
He advised that sufferers should see a dermatologist if they suspect that they have the condition so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly.
In the USA, traction alopecia is most commonly found in the African American female population because it is caused by specific hair styling practices such as tight braiding, weaves, cornrows, and the use of various chemical straighteners, bleaches and dyes. It is estimated that three quarters of African American women straighten their hair.
The article was written by Dr Joshua Fox, who is a leading dermatologist in New York and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. He said: “Ironically, the very hair care and styling practices designed to improve their appearance can actually cause young girls and women to lose their hair and feel that they no longer look as good as they want to.”
Traction alopecia is most common in children, teenagers and young adults but it can occur in people of any age or gender. The good news is that the condition is reversible if diagnosed early. However, Dr Fox warned that it can lead to permanent hair loss if left undetected for a long period.
He advised that sufferers should see a dermatologist if they suspect that they have the condition so that it can be diagnosed and treated promptly.