Large numbers of Black women are now losing their hair

(Special from www.Blackmans-Street.Today) — Black women are going bald at an alarming rate and the culprits are hair weaves, hair extensions and wearing wigs for extended periods of time according to an article published by Black News.

Hair straightening also can lead to baldness.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, which is based in Geneva, Ill., reported that 59 percent of American Black women are suffering from baldness that begins at the crown.

Nearly 30 million U.S. women of all races are losing their hair. The condition causing hair loss is central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, which creates inflammation at the center of scalp, scars hair follicles and moves outward. The study reported that many weave extensions are shipped from overseas to the U.S. The weaves are not sterilized and some harbor insects.

Tight braids or weaving puts stress on the hair follicle and can actually pull it out. Finally, wigs, weaves and braids often lead women to neglect their natural hair which leads to hair loss. “Hair needs to be washed and conditioned regularly to remain healthy,” the story reported. Dr. Robert Leonard, a hair transplant specialist, said central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia can be halted.

Leonard said woman with hair loss should seek help from a dermatologist or hair restoration specialist.

This article originally published in the November 10, 2014 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.