Afro-Caribbean
hair, beautiful as it is, can be prone to damage and hair loss, just like any
other type of hair. At the London Centre of Trichology, we provide expert hair
loss treatment, and will be happy to discuss any thinning hair problems with
you. Due to its structure, Afro-Caribbean hair can be delicate, and more prone
to breakage through lack of moisture. So, here are our top 5 tips to help you care
for your hair and keep it in top condition.
Caring for Braids and Weaves – If you keep
wearing braids or weaves too tight, this can begin to pull the hair from the
scalp, leaving permanent damage around the hairline and the temples. This is
known as traction alopecia and can be avoided by braiding and weaving your hair
a little looser around these areas of the head. This may not be ideal, but it
will help to avoid leading to women’s hair loss problems in the future.
Avoid Chemical Relaxing - When a treatment to relax or straighten Afro-Caribbean hair is used, this
includes certain chemicals which can cause skin irritation, due to the scalp
producing less sebum than is needed. Relaxing can also damage your hair, so, if
you want to wear your hair straight, it may be worth trying to find a product
that is less harmful. It’s best to use milder products and it is also advisable
to avoid combining relaxer with hair colouring.
Prevent Over Styling/Drying – Styling and the
use of hair styling products, including straighteners, as well as permanent
hair dyes, can cause hair loss issues over time if care is not taken. The over-use
of a hair dryer can also cause damage to the hair, and it is advisable to use a
diffuser to make the heat less intense. If you are suffering from hair loss,
then we advise you to stop using these products.
Keep a Healthy Scalp – There are lots of
scalp conditions which cause soreness, itching and flakiness. Some of these may
often affect people with Afro hair, including psoriasis, eczema and
folliculitis. It is best to seek medical advice if these conditions persist.
They can lead to chronic irritation which then causes damage to the hair
follicles and may potentially result in hair falling out. If you are concerned
about hair loss, for whatever reason, it is advisable to consult our expert
trichologists at the London Centre of Trichology as early as possible for a
diagnosis and hair loss treatment.
Gentle Types of Shampoo/Conditioner – When using
a shampoo or conditioner for Afro hair, you are likely to get the best results
if you make sure it does not contain alcohol, is ph balanced and includes
natural oils such as jojoba, tea tree or olive oil. These shampoos help to add
much needed moisture to your hair condition. If you decide to switch from
straightening to leaving your hair curly, there are conditioners which can help
during the transition, including natural oils and butters.
These hair
care tips are not just aimed at females, because men with Afro-Caribbean hair can
suffer from the same difficulties and issues as women. Men are also prone to male
pattern baldness, which can affect self-esteem and confidence.
Whether you
are female or male, if you are concerned about hair loss, the best way forward
is to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our team at the LondonCentre of Trichology. We can advise on the best
treatment for all hair types, including Afro-Caribbean hair.
