As women, we can feel that our hair is our crowning glory. We express ourselves and our personalities with different cuts, colors, and styles. It can be devastating if that glory begins to fade or thin. For black women, hair loss can be especially distressing, as it takes a long time to grow out your natural hair. Here at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA, expert dermatologist Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip can discover the root cause of hair loss, and find a satisfying solution to help you look and feel your best self.
How Can Black Women Treat Hair Loss?
In order to treat hair loss, you need to know what is causing it. Different causes require different treatments. That is why a good doctor will spend time with you to work out the potential reasons for your hair loss. If you’re a black woman you need a dermatologist who really understands your skin and hair, as the nature of your skin and hair makes you more likely to have certain conditions.
What Causes Hair Loss?
There are a number of causes of hair loss, and diagnosing them correctly will allow your physician to recommend the right treatment for you. For this reason, it is important to see a dermatologist with specialized training in treating hair loss. The doctor will ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle and will examine your scalp. In some cases, they may also want to take blood samples or a scalp biopsy to diagnose the problem and formulate the best course of treatment.
Health Conditions
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that affects the hair. Loss of hair from this condition happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles. This condition can occur at any age, though it is often first noticeable during childhood. Unlike other types of loss, people with alopecia areata experience patchy loss of hair that begins with coin-sized, round, smooth, bare patches where hair once was.
Some women suffer from Androgenetic Alopecia, which is genetic and sometimes known as female pattern baldness. This often manifests in a thinning hairline or widening part. Hormones also play a part in hair growth and thickness; women may notice their hair thinning after the birth of a child or as they approach menopause.
Hair Styles
Wearing your hair in weaves and braids is a great way of switching up your style, and when done right can protect your hair, but it can also pull on the hair follicles and cause breakages. In some cases, it may lead to Traction Alopecia, caused by consistent pulling on the hair. Traction Alopecia may cause red bumps or flaking of the scalp, but if it is not treated can lead to permanent loss of hair.
For Women of Color, it can be a surprise to hear that weaves and braids, which are often touted as the best way to protect your hair when you’re growing it out, can actually cause more damage than they prevent.
Whether you’re having trouble with hair thinning or loss or just want to make sure your hair is as healthy as it can be, don’t delay. Get in touch with us at Vibrant Dermatology & Skinbar MD in Dedham, MA. We help everyone in the Boston, Dedham, Westwood, Norwood Canton, Sharon, Milton, Walpole, Foxboro, and Needham areas: and we can help you!
