06/04/2024
Y O U R C R O W N & G L O R Y // Hair is more than just strands on our heads; it’s a form of self-identity, confidence, and expression. Our crowning glory. Yet, so many face challenges with their hair, affecting their self-esteem and mental health. This reality presents not just a challenge for us within the industry to offer a method suitable, but it is a chance to show compassion and give clients back a new found confidence. It is estimated in the U.K. that a third to a half of all black women experience some hair loss in their life time. But not all hair loss is permanent. If diagnosed and treated early, hair loss can be prevented but often stigma, lack of information and embarrassment have prevented many women from seeking help. Afro hair has a greater propensity for developing hair loss disorders like traction alopecia (caused by hairstyles which repeatedly pull on the hair) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia or CCCA. This is a type of central hair loss condition that affects almost exclusively black women. This develops in the middle of the scalp and spreads outwards. It almost resembles that of a Christmas tree. It is the most common form of primary scarring alopecia in people of African descent and affects more women than men. While this disorder is not fully understood, it seems our hair practices (from washing and straightening, to braiding and weave-wearing) result in hair loss and breakage in large numbers.
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