Must Know About Afro Hair Loss

 Hair loss is something we all worry about, but hair loss won't occur until much later in life for most of us (provided we look after our afro hair).

And yet, despite this, it's a major issue amongst black women and the topic "tends to be shrouded in silence". 

What Causes Afro Hair Loss?

But what causes afro hair loss? In most cases, afro hair loss results from bad hair practices or mistreatment. In others, it's down to stress, diet or conditions that require a different approach.

So, to help you avoid afro hair loss wherever possible, we've taken a look at what causes afro hair loss and what you can do to combat it. 

Stress

Of all the things that cause afro hair loss, stress might be the trickiest to deal with – not because there aren't solutions (there are), it's just that everyone deals with stress differently.

Now, when it comes to stress and afro hair loss, two types can be attributed to stress:

Telogen effluvium

This is a temporary form of hair loss that usually happens after stress, a shock or a traumatic event. 

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is when someone can't resist the urge to pull out their hair and feel "growing tension" until they do. This may be done in response to a stressful situation. 

What can you do to manage your stress? Avoid things like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Have a balanced diet. Try to get more sleep. Try relaxation techniques. Talk to someone. Manage your time more effectively. Take a holiday where you truly switch off. Meet some friends.

Do everything and anything you can to reach a level of comfort and calm that makes you happy. Taking control of the situation is often the best thing you can do, and doing nothing can make problems worse.

Keeping your stress levels under control will do wonders for your health and, in turn, your hair. You'll be noticeably more chirpy and your hair vibrant. 

If your stress levels reach a point where you begin seeing symptoms of stress in other areas, i.e. excessive tiredness, distraction/forgetfulness, excessive worry or irritability, or your health begins to suffer (headaches, chest pain or shortness of breath), please see a medical professional.

Scalp Conditions And Disorders

Scalp conditions can be an absolute pain, from dry scalp and dandruff to eczema and dermatitis. They're all annoying.

Now you might say, "but none of these conditions cause afro hair loss, surely?" and you'd be right. They don't directly cause hair loss, but the itchiness they cause can lead to scratching, which can damage your hair follicles and scalp, leading to partial hair loss.

What can you do to manage your scalp conditions? Fortunately, the above can all be managed and treated with the right afro hair care (natural shampoos, moisturisers and oils). As with everything, it's all about having the right products and routine.

We've put together a blog on treating dry afro hair (which you can find here), but the main things to remember are: use a sulphate-free shampoo and get natural moisturisers and oils. The natural products will provide your hair with the nutrients it needs to grow long and strong, while a sulphate-free shampoo won't strip your hair of its sebum, ensuring it's not dried out.