Hair Loss Linked to Braids and Weaves in New Study – How To Prevent It

A recent study in the Archives of Dermatology found that braids and weaves may contribute to permanent hair loss in African-American women. The report reads: “The resulting prolonged traction [used to create the styles] can produce chronic folliculitis, which can eventually lead to more scarring.”

Almost 60% of 310 women surveyed for the study had central hair loss with scarring. Among those with the most serious hair loss, 57% wore braids and weaves, the study by researchers from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio found. Seen predominately in African-American women, this type of hair loss, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, centers on the vertex (crown) of the scalp and spreads peripherally.

Most women of color wouldn’t be surprised by these statistics as any tight style can break your hair if not done properly. But a woman’s hair is her crowning glory so it’s important to nurture it with optimal care so hair loss and permanent scarring doesn’t become your reality.

Take heed to these tips that will help you achieve longer, stronger and healthier hair:

Give Your Hair a Rest from Tight Braids and Weaves

While you can wear braids and weaves if you’d like, be sure to care for your hair while it is styled, refrain from getting these styles frequently and avoid too-tight braiding and sewing when wearing weaves.

Wash Hair Regularly

It seems like this should be common sense but many women of color don’t wash their hair often enough to avoid messing up their hairstyle. The foundation to healthy hair is clean hair. Women of color should wash and condition their hair a minimum of every 10-12 days, but this can vary depending on your hair type. This is also true when wearing a weave because dirt can cause bacteria to build up, which leads to infection. Be sure all to remove all shampoo and sit under a hooded drier after.