It's time to put some of that good, old-fashioned self-control to use. "Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!" says Opara. "Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, so don't ban shampooing altogether, condition regularly, and steer clear of harsh sulfates, parabens and phlalates."

Products aside, if you're a twirler, cut it out. "You'd be surprised how much breakage we cause on our own, just by playing around with our hair and manipulating it too much," says Opara. Protect your ends by putting more buns in your daily style rotation (here are a few to get you started), and never comb your hair when it's product-free.

While these four types of alopecia are the main offenders when it comes to hair loss among black women, your diet could also be a factor. Here are 10 other reasons your hair may be thinning, regardless of your ethnicity.