Читать книгу Why Are Black Women Losing Their Hair - Barry Fletcher - Страница 8

"Madam C. J. Walker was a pioneer in the black hair care industry whose battle with alopecia inspired her to concoct a remedy to promote black hair growth. However, despite her efforts, more and more people of color are suffering from hair loss, and modern times demand different solutions."

According to Dr. Wanda Nelson, president of the National Beauty Culturist's League, "one of the major reasons for hair loss among women of color is that they rely too heavily on nonprofessionals to produce professional results as it relates to their hair."

There are many factors that come into play when discussing hair thinning, breakage and loss. Some factors are external, such as the weather, hair service and daily home hair care regimes. Other factors are internal and include: stress; medication; poor dieting; fluctuation in hormone levels from birth control pills; iron deficiency; pregnancy; menopause; hormone treatments; thyroid problems, and poor blood circulation. Whether external or internal, it's to our benefit to be aware of these factors and the role they play in determining the health of our hair.

There is a distinct difference between hair loss and hair breakage. Hair breakage is when the hair fractures on the ends or at any point throughout the length of the hair strand. Hair loss is when the hair comes out completely from the root of the hair follicle. We know that we are experiencing hair loss when we see a small white bulb at the end of the hair strand (this is the hair's root). In some instances we may not see the root at the end of the lost hair strand, but if the strand is the average length of hair remaining on your head, then it is still considered hair loss, not breakage.

Hair breakage is usually self-inflicted and is the result of improper hair care, either by ourselves or at the hands of an improperly trained hairstylist. Hair loss, on the other hand, is usually a result of a medical condition or something outside the hands of a stylist and should be referred to a reputable dermatologist or a medical physician for treatment.

Remember the old saying, "Two heads are better than one"? Well, when it comes to hair and scalp problems, three heads might be more sufficient, yours, the stylist's and a medical physician's. Everyone wants healthy, strong and shiny hair that is pleasing to touch, but only a few will go through the necessary channels to obtain and maintain it. Having healthy relationships with a professional hair designer, dermatologist and health care practitioner is the key. Whether we are experiencing hair breakage or hair loss, whether induced by genetics, health, environmental conditions or improper hair treatment, our hair needs to be properly evaluated and diagnosed so that we know how to properly repair it.