Hair care

Why Are More Black Women Going Bald?

Dermatologists say irreparable hair loss affects black women more than any other ethnicity. Here's how to get to the root of the problem

by Erica Smith | 1 COMMENT

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Hair loss is no stranger to women. The International Society of Hair Restoration reports that nearly 30 million women in the U.S. are losing their hair (yikes!), and it's an epidemic among African American women in particular. Dermatologists report that they are seeing more and more black women -- of all ages -- complaining of hair loss.

On the surface, it's easy to chalk up the hair loss to the combination of a drier hair texture and damaging braiding and heat-styling practices. Then there's the vicious styling cycle women often find themselves in: Extensions, weaves and braids lead to hair breakage and hair loss, so we turn to damaging weaves and hair extensions to disguise hair loss, which promotes more damage and hair loss. But it's not always about styling choices.

We asked a hair-loss expert and stylists who specialize in black hair care to shed light on the types of alopecia that hit black women the hardest. Click ahead to see what's at the root of your hair loss and what you can do it about it today.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Cause: Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

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