African American Hair Loss | Koher Medical in Harrisburg, PA
Just like all other ethnicities, African American patients may experience varying types of hair loss and thinning. It is a condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, and certain hairstyles and hair care practices. In male patients, hair loss is often related to a condition known as androgenic alopecia. It is a genetic condition that is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning of hair on the crown of the scalp. This type of hair loss is caused by the presence of a certain gene and the effects of hormones such as testosterone. With female patients the underlying cause of hair loss may be more multifaceted, but ultimately is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors that develop with age.
The curl patterns and textures common with African American hair can bring different considerations for hair restoration procedures, but there is no shortage of solutions for hair loss. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatments are available to treat a variety of hair loss patterns, and Koher Medical has helped thousands of African American patients restore their hair and successfully maintain their results. Customized solutions are developed to treat the individual needs of every patient.
The Causes of Hair Loss
Many factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and family history may contribute to male pattern hair loss. No two cases of hair loss are identical, and it is important to be aware of the factors that may be affecting you.
Hormones
Hormones play a significant role in hair growth and hair loss. Hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss by affecting the growth cycle of the hair. Androgens, such as testosterone, are a group of hormones that are present in both men and women, but are typically higher in men. In some individuals, high levels of androgens can cause hair loss by shrinking the hair follicles, which leads to thinner and weaker hair. This type of hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia, or male or female pattern hair loss.
Thyroid hormones also play an important role in hair growth and hair loss. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause hair loss, as the hair follicles may not receive enough hormones to grow properly. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can also cause hair loss, as the hair follicles may grow too quickly and exhaust the cells that make up the hair strand.
Genetics
Hair loss can have a genetic component, meaning that it often runs in families. If a family member has experienced hair loss, it makes it more likely that a relative will too. The most common form of hair loss that is inherited is androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which is a condition in which hairs on the top of the head are susceptible to hormonally influenced loss. This genetic predisposition eventually leads to miniaturization of hair follicles, resulting in hairs that are thinner and weaker over time. Eventually these hairs may be completely lost if the condition is left untreated.
Traction Alopecia
A common type of hair loss that affects both African American men and women is a condition known as traction alopecia. It is a condition caused by chronic tension or pulling on the hair. This can happen when certain hairstyles, such as braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, tight ponytails, and weaves, are worn for long periods of time. The constant pulling and tension on the hair can cause damage to the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and scarring of the scalp.Traction alopecia typically affects the hairline and temples, but it can also occur on the crown and other areas of the scalp. The hair loss caused by traction alopecia is typically gradual, and it may not be noticeable until significant hair loss has occurred.
Chemical Alopecia
Chemical alopecia refers to hair loss caused by chemical damage to the hair and scalp. This can be caused by a variety of chemicals, including hair dyes, relaxers, and perm solutions.
One of the most common causes of chemical alopecia is the use of hair dyes. When hair dyes are applied to the hair, they can penetrate the hair shaft and cause damage to the hair follicles. This can lead to hair loss and thinning of the hair. It can also happen with hair relaxers and perms which are used to alter the natural texture of the hair, these chemicals can cause damage to the hair shaft, hair follicles and scalp, leading to hair loss.
Chemical alopecia can also be caused by certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss.