One of the many causes of thinning hair and gradual hair loss is Traction alopecia. More than 1/3 of all African-American women and 17 percent of all African-American girls between the ages of 6 and 21 suffer from the disorder, according to the “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,” reported by PR Web. If you spot the warning signs of traction alopecia early enough and you put a stop to whatever’s causing it, then your hair will stop falling out and should – with time, patience and loving care – be completely restored to its former glory. In this article we’ll cover a few options for black women struggling with hair loss.
Better Hair Care
The ways in which you wear your hair is key. As much as we love protective styling, extensions, and wigs, if you’re using them often, repeated stress on the scalp can lead to traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is caused by anything that pulls on the hair, ultimately damaging the root and can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss. It’s a process that usually takes years. Underlying causes can be tight braiding, tight ponytails, or even just pulling at the hair. It’s important to monitor how much hair you’re losing in between styles, so you have a chance to stop it in its tracks if it is substantial. In addition, you should try the PureFix Hair Elixir, which is also a great scalp moisturizer (while promoting growth). It has a cooling sensation once you rub it in and it’s perfect for any hairstyle.
Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
Take doctor’s prescribed medicine such as antibiotics to treat inflammation associated with traction alopecia. Incorporating food rich in iron and protein also stimulates hair regrowth.
Hair Replacement
If you’ve followed the guidelines given here and you are still not seeing regrowth, then it is possible that the damage to your follicles was permanent but this is something that your doctor/dermatologist can confirm. In that case, you might like to discuss the possibility of a hair transplant, which will effectively mask the problem.
Hair transplants remove hair grafts from healthy areas of the scalp for placement to thinning or bald areas. Single hair grafts provide the replacement for the hairline, with multiple-strand donor grafts filling in the balance of balding areas. Because this is a more invasive solution it is very costly (estimated to cost between $4,000 and $15,000).
However, depending on the severity of your hair loss you may be able to utilize temporary solutions such as hair fibers, that can be sprayed onto the hair for a more natural and fuller look or hair prosthetics (custom wig units).
Embrace It
While there are solutions that may restore your hair, the other alternative is to embrace your condition and wear a short or even shaved style. The natural hair movement has given many women the courage they needed to ditch the wigs and go “au naturale!” If this is your choice, remember what India Arie said, “I am not my hair” and be confident while rocking your short, natural cut. If you’re considering doing The Big Chop check out this article on how to rock your TWA (teenie weenie afro) with confidence.
Hair loss can be a very devastating experience, however the options we have today to treat and even mask this condition has improved over the years. Do your research, find credible professionals who can diagnose your condition and love your hair– regardless of the stage that it’s at.
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I have the same issues. Wearing wigs for many years and eyelashes
I have thinning hair I need some in my area hope Arkansas
I am balding on the top of my head. I need help in getting it to grow. I’m going to try the black seed oil.
What are we to use to help the loss of hair I need help bad
Hi wow this article is amazing. I would love to find someone to do my hair in the Houston area.
I am a 51 year old woman who is suffering from severe hair loss in the crown area of my head. I need a solution. The wearing of wigs is becoming very expensive, irritating and frustating.
Who and where.@the stylist
Are you located inKCMO.
Hi, I’m actually based in Austin, TX but I’m not a hairstylist. We do feature stylists from all over, including Chicago. Check out our Instagram @VoiceOfHair and Facebook Page @VoiceOfHair for more.
What wrong with wearing wigs? you can wear them and take them off; I use to get braids, weave and crochet styles, and in the last two years my hair has become to break off mostly my sides, my hair is very soft. I cut it off andveas wearing the short cut. and it was cute. but I went back putting the weave back in and now, my sides are very bad, I brought some oil, J, and mint old, but I like wearing the wigs again. let me know if I’m doing wrong!
Why only black women there are other nationalist that lose their hair as well.
Title Black women that lose hair!!!
Hi. VoiceOfHair is a platform that connects women of color (Black women and Latina women) to THE BEST hairstyles and hair stylists! Our goal is to inspire and instill confidence in women by teaching them how to create beautiful styles or giving them inspiration for their next look.
I have a problem with thinning hair on top,have been wearing wigs…
I really need help in some way. I stop putting chemical in why to stop breakage now what? Walking looking crazy, nappy, hair falling out.
Yes I’m writing because my oldest sister whom I love so much is losing her hair because of depression and anxiety with other medical issue she always doing for ppl I wish I could get her hair done and make up because of the depression her face has large brown spots I just want my sister to feel good about herself again please help
I need some help with my hair
How could I get my hair to grow back I know the gue took it out . But now it won’t grow back
Would love to get more details on hair loss
The make up was the bomb wish I could find someone in Elizethtown Kentucky to do that or buy the make up!
Where are you located?
I live in Marion sc I like the way the guy put the weave in and style that is what I want Marion is near Florence sc or myrtle beach sc do you know anyone near here that can do that let me know thank you
I am a 69 year old woman. I live in Cleveland ohio. Would like some help.dufferimg from alopecia for 35 years could use some help.
I have inflammation Alopecia my hair have grown in 20 years and still have to wear a wig can someone help me with my hair .
I am in Wichita, Kansas and was wondering if there is black dermatologist close to my area I have hair loss in the top and crown areas of my head and the hair seems to grow but underneath a coating which will get sore and cause me to pick until I get the hair out. Had been wearing it in a bald fade now wearing wigs trying to grow my hair out natural. Please help
I would love to get in contact with a stylist in the Chicago area. Thanks
How can I get in contact with Voice of Hair.
Hello, do you have a stylist that specializes in thinning and hair loss in Maryland?
I have round ball spots and my crown is totally hair loss what are your advice I am all natural?
I live in Albany, Georgia and I have been searching for a way to help nourish as well as treat my hair. I have very thin hair in the top of my hair and tired of just changing my hairstyle to accommodate the area. I have been using your product for almost 2 months and will continue to see if there is a change in my hair. I must say I do like the stimulation on my scalp.
We are so happy to hear this Kimberly and can’t wait to see your results! If you have any questions or needs any assistance on how to best use the oil, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]