No ethnic group is immune to hair loss. People from all parts of the world experience varying forms and degrees of hair loss and thinning. There are, however, some unique challenges faced by men and women of African descent – as well as certain types of hair loss that are more common within these ethnicities.
What Ethnicity Loses Hair the Most?
In terms of ethnicity and hair loss, Caucasians have the highest rates of hair loss in general. European men and men of European descent experience baldness more often than men of other ethnicities.
When looking more closely at hair loss trends among those of European descent, the Czech Republic and Spain have the highest rates of male baldness… estimated at around 42% of the male population. Chinese, Native American, and Inuit men have the lowest rates of baldness, with other groups falling somewhere in between.
Is Hair Loss Common in Black People?
While overall hair loss rates for Black men are lower than those of Caucasians, androgenic alopecia (also known as male pattern baldness) is still common. Black women, on the other hand, are experiencing what is often described as an “epidemic” of hair loss. Additionally, both Black men and women are up to five times more likely than other ethnicities to experience abnormal hair loss conditions like traction alopecia, alopecia areata, or central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).
Is Hair Loss Common in Black Women?
Nearly half of Black women will experience alopecia at some point in their life. Some types of hair loss are caused by genetics or health conditions, while others are caused by hair styling processes and products that pull or weaken the hair shaft.
The following are three common types of alopecia affecting Black women (and to a lesser degree, also affecting Black men) at higher-than-average rates.
Subscribe to Hair Center of Nebraska
Traction alopecia, which is caused by pulling or other trauma to the hair and scalp, is the most common type of hair loss in Black women. Women and girls of all ages can experience traction alopecia, which usually presents as thinning or receding at the front of the hairline.
Tight hair styles that repeatedly pull on the hair follicle and damage it over time are responsible for the majority of traction alopecia cases. Weaves, braids, rows, twists, and locs can all cause traction alopecia if special care isn’t taken to avoid unnecessary tension on the scalp. Further complicating the issue, heat styling and chemical relaxers can make it worse by damaging delicate Black hair causing breakage and, eventually, hair loss.
Alopecia areata is a type of non-scarring hair loss characterized by round or oval balding patches. It is an auto-immune condition where the body attacks the hair follicles. It can be exacerbated by stress and often runs in families.
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a progressive type of scarring hair loss that begins at the crown of the scalp, leading to a widening part and a round bald patch. Its causes are still poorly understood but it is thought to be some combination of genetics, bacterial or fungal infections, autoimmune inflammation issues, and hair styling practices. CCCA also runs in families, and typically presents in middle age.
Can You Treat Alopecia in Black People?
Alopecia can be highly treatable in both Black men and women. Outcomes are much better when hair loss is addressed early. So, it is important to consult a specialist before permanent follicle damage occurs. Even with follicle damage, there may be options to improve the hairline.
Hair Center of Nebraska provides patients with a thorough medical history and physical examination of the hair and scalp during the consultation to ensure an accurate clinical diagnosis to the cause of hair loss and offers a full range of treatments from products that create optimal conditions for hair growth to medications, non-invasive low-level laser treatments, surgical hair replacement, and more.
In the meantime, changing one’s hair styling routine may slow down or reverse some types of hair loss, particularly traction alopecia. Minimize the use of heat and chemicals on your hair. As well as avoiding styles that pull on the hair and scalp.
Natural hairstyles will allow your scalp time to heal and for hair to regrow. These styles are protected in Nebraska workplaces, since the 2021 passage of LB451 (also known as the CROWN Act).
The Hair Center of Nebraska Understands Your Hair Loss
The Hair Center of Nebraska has extensive knowledge of ethnic hair loss patterns and offers a full range of treatments to address your thinning or lost hair. When you set up a consultation, we can help you select the treatment plans and products that will give you the fullest head of hair possible. Setting up a consultation is the first step on your journey to a fuller head of hair and a better life. Contact us today to set up your appointment!
