II. Physiology
- Characteristics of hair in black patients
- High degree of curl
- Fragile
- Dry with less sebum production
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Hair care practices have developed to manage the unique hair characteristics and may result in adverse effects
- Hair Shampooing is reduced to every 1-2 weeks to prevent excessive drying
- May result in an accumulation of styling products with a risk of Contact Dermatitis
- Hair greese (Emollient) is used to improve hair manageability
- Increases risk of Acne Vulgaris or Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Hair straightening is performed with chemical relaxers or heat irons/combs
- Risk of Chemical Burns to scalp, over-processing of hair, fragility and breakage
- Hair is often woven or braided
- Risk of Traction Alopecia
- Risk of central centrifugal cicatrical Alopecia
- Hair Shampooing is reduced to every 1-2 weeks to prevent excessive drying
III. Associated Conditions: Alopecia
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Traction Alopecia
- Secondary to woven hair or braids
- Central Centrifugal Cicatrical Alopecia
- Scarring Alopecia that starts at crown
- Best outcomes with early treatment with Corticosteroids and oral Antibiotics
- Discontinuation of hair relaxers and heat application as well as reduction of traction is recommended
IV. Prevention
- Wash hair with Shampoo and conditioner at least every 1-2 weeks to prevent styling product accumulation
- Avoid exposure of hair Emollients ("hair greese") to face to prevent Acne Vulgaris
- Avoid use of chemical relaxers more than every 8 weeks
- Avoid use of heat combs or heat irons more than every 1-2 weeks
- Avoid excessive traction with woven hair or braids