According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than half of African-American women will cite thinning hair or hair loss as their top hair concern. The said problem is partly attributed to their strand’s unique structure which makes it especially fragile and susceptible to breakage. Other factors contributing to hair loss and thinning problems among black women are the following:

• Traumatic grooming practices.

Many African-American women, even way back as kids, style with tight braids, cornrows, and ponytails to pull back their kinky hair. The pulling stress that this exerts on the hair in long term creates the condition called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia occurs gradually and can even result to permanent scalp scarring that prevents hair regrowth. A dermatologist warns that styling may be too tight if you notice that moving your forehead is difficult or painful to the scalp.

• Stress

Shedding is a part of every hair growth cycle. But chronic emotional or physiological stress can alter this cycle. The scalp condition Telogen Effluvium occurs as the hair enters its resting phase earlier than normal and then sheds about 2 months after the “shock” is experienced. As per AOCD.org, the scalp can lose as much as 70% of its hairs in this condition, resulting to noticeable hair thinning.

• Nutritional deficiency

African-American hair typically dries easily, which means it needs more moisture to maintain its healthy shine and smoothness. When hair is vitamin A-deficient, it loses one of its protection against environmental aggressors that can damage the follicles, contributing to hair dryness, according to LiveStrong.com. Another important nutrient is iron, and its deficiency can cause one to be anemic, which in turn can lead to hair loss, as well.

Solutions for hair loss and thinning

In extreme cases where hair loss becomes permanent, such as in traction alopecia, restoring one’s tresses may mean having to resort to surgical solutions like hair grafts transplant. But black women experiencing only temporary hair thinning problems caused by stress, styling blunders etc. may consider  virgin Remy hair extensions, offered by sellers like Virgin Hair Fixx, if they wish to wear fuller hair while waiting for their natural hair grow back to health.

Remy hair extensions blend well with natural black hair. Since they do not undergo processing, the cuticles are well-preserved, allowing the strands to maintain its luster and soft texture. For black women with fine hair, the weight, stress, and tension of the extensions are crucial in reducing breakage. Lightweight types, such as Malaysian hair, make a great option for those with naturally fine hair. The application should be light so it’s important to find a good salon with professionals skilled in attaching extensions while ensuring proper handling of scalp and natural strands.

Source: Handle with care: African-American hair needs special care to avoid damage , American Academy of Dermatology

Source: What Are the Treatments for Thinning Hair in Black Women? Live Strong