When this photo of Naomi Campbell hit the net years ago, women around the world were quickly reminded of the adverse effects of poor weave fixing and extension braiding. Male readers may not understand this, but the long, painful hours at the salon just didn’t make sense anymore at the risk of losing our hairlines.
The truth is Alopecia (hair loss) is alive and real, and something to dutifully work against in every lady’s hair care regimen. African women have greater cause for concern with Afro hair being more susceptible to the condition, according to American trichologist, Anabel Kingsley in
New African Woman magazine. This is due to its high proneness to moisture loss and breaking.
For your information, other kinds of alopeica include:
1.
Androgenetic Alopecia : Caused by withdrawals from birth control pills or general hormonal changes in women.
2. Diffuse Alopecia: Caused by illness or stress.
3. Traumatic Alopecia: Caused by long-term, sustained tension on the hair scalp.
4. Alopecia Areata: Cause unknown but it’s linked to genes. This creates patches on the scalp and eyebrows.
Some key facts on its most common type, Traction Alopecia, including causes and treatment:
Definition: Traction Alopecia is one of the many forms of Alopecia caused by excessive tension on the hair follicles. Sources of said tension include tight or tiny braids, weaves, wigs, ponytails and hair clips
How it starts: Traction Alopecia usually begins with bald patches emerging on the scalp in the area the hair was tugged at the most. This is primarily around the hairline area, which is most susceptible to hair thinning due to the existence of new growth.
Cure: If you’re currently experiencing this condition, hair care professionals recommends keeping the affected area loose, allowing the hair to grow out. Restorative therapy should also comprise the daily massaging of Jamaican Black Castor oil, a proven hair thickening stimulant, on bald spots.
