Afro Hair Loss

The following paper outlines some common causes of afro hairloss. I hope that this will in some way open your eyes to some of the dangers in modern day processing that may well affect you! If you have any questions relating to this page or if you would like to arrange a consultation please contact the helpline (top left of page) or e-mail us you question. I hope you find this information of hairloss helpful.

Why is afro hair so weak?

This is due to the structure and shape of the hair follicle which produces a ribbon shaped hair. The hair follicle itself forms in a zig zag shape which is why the hair presents itself in a tight curl. The protective cuticle therefore is likely to be much thinner is places causing the hair shaft to be much weaker potentially than that of caucasoid (white skinned) and mongoloid (asian skin) types. It is the central hair core (cortex) that is unable to sustain the riggers of life without the protection of a substantial cuticle.

Common causes of hairloss in afro hair types.

The vast majority of afro hair type patients that I see presently have or have had one of a number of common hair styles i.e. relaxed, straightened with irons, cane rows, plaits, dreadlocks etc. The vast majority of these will lead to hair breakage or hairloss.

Relaxing - the structure of the hair is chemically altered from that of the normal afro hair type to straightened hair, resulting in almost certain internal damage and weakening of the hair shaft. How many times do I get told that the hairstylist has instructed the patient to avoid washing the hair too much as it will cause breakage. Another common tail is that the patient must have regular relaxing session otherwise the hair will break due to the difference in hair shape. In fact there is some truth in this, in as much as the processing has weakened the hair strength and stripped the hair of its natural protection (cuticle). Therefore if the hair is subjected to even the basic hair care i.e. washing, there is likely to be further breakage.

When discussing the requirement to continue with the hair relaxing, the hair as previously mentioned has been weakened substantially. The likely point at which the hair will break according to the hairstylist is the point at which the old and new hair meet. Again this is a valid point. This meeting point is likely to be a susceptible region. So I would ask the question, why weaken it further by relaxing again?

Cane Rows, plaits, tight ponytails etc - and other hair styles designed to keep the hair manageable are a major cause of hairloss in afro hair types. It is fact that if you subject the hair to sufficient tension as to leave the scalp feeling tender or under strain, then you can be sure that hairloss will follow. Yes it is likely that hair will regrow but it is likely that the new hair will have a weakened structure due to follicular alteration and damage. When the new hair reaches sufficient length to join with other hairs in the "cane row" then the process starts again. Eventually the hairloss will be permanent!

The need to keep up with fashion and trends lead to more and more patients suffering from such hairloss problems. I feel that hairstylists should be fully explaining the potential damage that they may cause and you as the patient should demand a test on the hair each time it is performed.

The best advice is have the hair natural as it will be at its strongest. However, to tell those who want to keep up with fashion is impossible.

Can i get help for traction loss?

This is a difficult question to answer without seeing the patient. It is very much dependant on the severity, how long the hairloss has been apparent and whether there is hair still growing but perhaps not as thick as the rest of the scalp hair. Unfortunately many cases are beyond help. However, you should seek professional advice if you are concerned and do not attempt to self diagnose.

One final this to consider. There are many apparent wonder potions and lotions on the market that you can purchase on line. Those that suggest that it will grow your hair back by putting a couple of drops of oil on the scalp, or by using a particular shampoo once a week will grow it all back. My thoughts on this are if the were that good, surely they would be available through the NHS? Food for thought I feel.

If you have any further questions or would like to arrange an appointment please contact the helpline of your choice. Alternatively, e-mail your question using the address below.

I hope you have found this page useful. There are other pages on afro hair and scalp problems listed to the left of this page.

E Stevens