Hair can play a big role in a person’s identity or culture, so experiencing hair loss can feel disheartening and stressful for a lot of people.
According to board-certified dermatologist Oma N. Agbai, MD, FAAD, “Black women face unique challenges with hair loss.”
We talked to Dr. Agbai and board-certified dermatologist Crystal Aguh, MD, FAAD, two hair loss experts, about how hair loss affects Black women and what support and treatment options are available.
Your dermatologist knows that it’s not “just hair.”
Why am I losing my hair?
There are many types of hair loss. When Black women lose their hair, it’s often because of one of the below conditions:
Traction alopecia, which is caused by hairstyles that constantly pull at and damage your hair over time.
Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss, which you inherit from your parents and starts around your part.
Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in round patches or over the entire scalp.
Telogen effluvium, in which your hair sheds due to stress (medical or psychological), including giving birth. It’s usually a temporary condition.
What’s one thing Black women experiencing hair loss should hear?
Don’t blame yourself for your hair loss. There are many misconceptions that Black women are causing their hair loss due to their hair styling practices. Accurate diagnosis and early intervention are critical for successful treatment outcomes.
─ Oma N. Agbai, MD, FAAD
Contrary to popular belief, many forms of hair loss are treatable. Patience is key while undergoing treatment to prevent yourself from being discouraged and the outcome is well worth the wait.
─ Crystal Aguh, MD, FAAD
Will my hair regrow after it falls out?
Treatment can help your hair grow back. The first step is getting a diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist.
“I know how difficult a hair loss diagnosis can be. Many patients come to me feeling disheartened, unsure of where to turn,” says Dr. Agbai. “My role [as a dermatologist] is to provide comprehensive support, starting with an accurate diagnosis. We can identify the exact type of hair loss and develop a tailored treatment plan.”
The sooner you begin treating hair loss, the more successful your treatment outcome will be. Keep in mind that while you may not regrow all your hair, treating hair loss helps you take control over your condition.
Keeping up with your hair loss treatment plan can be easier when you have multiple people you trust with your hair.
When you notice hair loss, partner with the hair loss expert — a board-certified dermatologist.
“Getting the right diagnosis and establishing a medical treatment plan is key, and only board-certified dermatologists are specifically trained to recognize and treat scalp disease,” says Dr. Aguh. “However, there is a role for stylists when it comes to hair and scalp health.”
Hair loss treatment plans sometimes take a lot of time and effort. Your stylist can support your hair goals and treatment plan by helping with healthy hair care practices — especially ones that minimize additional stress on your hair follicles.
You do not need to cover your hair loss. However, if it’s affecting your self-esteem, your stylist can help you select an option so you can regain your style and sense of self.
“For patients who do not feel comfortable taking care of their own hair, a stylist can help them along the way,” adds Dr. Aguh.
What support is there for hair loss?
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach for hair loss, from treatment to support. A lot of women feel different about their hair loss at various points in their journey.
If you’re struggling, having a network of people you care about, like friends and family, can help. Support groups with other patients are another way to connect with others who get what you’re going through. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations or search online for groups who share your condition.
Women also report feeling lower self-esteem and greater anxiety and depression after starting to lose their hair. Counseling can help if your hair loss affects your mental health.
Dr. Aguh notes that, “there is a lot of misinformation about the various forms of hair loss that exist,” but resources are available. She points her hair loss patients to organizations like the ones below to learn more about their condition:
To partner a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss near you, go to Find a Dermatologist.
Images
Images 1-2: Courtesy of Drs. Agbai and Aguh
Image 3: Getty Images
References Douglas, A, Brockmeyer, K, Iwuala, C, et al. “Knowledge gaps in hairstyling practices and hair loss within the African American community.” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;89(3 Suppl):AB185.
Gregoire, S, Mostaghimi, A. Effective counseling of patients with hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;89(2 Suppl):S40-S42.
Raffi, J, Suresh, R, Agbai, O. “Clinical recognition and management of alopecia in women of color.” International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2019;5(5):314-319.
Written by: Brooke Schleehauf
Reviewed by: Oma N. Agbai, MD, FAAD
Crystal Aguh, MD, FAAD
Elizabeth Damstetter, MD, FAAD
Neelam Khan, MD, MS, FAAD
Temitayo Ogunleye, MD, FAAD
