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As some of you may know, September kicks off National Alopecia Month. I received an email from Aquia of Creme of Nature explaining to me that they have partnered with certified medical and surgical dermatologist and co-author of BEAUTIFUL SKIN OF COLOR: A Comprehensive Guide to Asian, Olive and Dark Skin, Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden. As director of Skin Specialty Group and the Ethnic Skin Specialty Group in New Your City, Dr. Cook-Bolden has the knowledge and expertise to address alopecia (hair loss) prevalent in both men and women, as well as effective ways to treat this condition.
Dr. Cook-Bolden is most qualified to speak on this issue, as she has made guest appearances on national radio and television shows and has been featured in countless print publications. National Alopecia Month is the perfect opportunity to use Dr. Cook-Bolden to render advice and tips and tricks to your readers that may be fighting this condition or to educate those who are not.
For more information about Dr. Cook-Bolden, please visit www.cookboldenskinandlaser.com.
Q: What is alopecia?
A: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are two types of alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia also called pattern baldness, and Alopecia areata. Androgenetic alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs due to loss of specific types of hormones called androgens. In males this can often mean total hair loss, though many men still retain some hair on the sides of their head. Women seldom have complete hair loss, but may lose hair in patches. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that tends to occur in spots, as opposed to the pattern baldness. Alopecia areata monolocularis means that hair loss occurs in one spot only, usually on the head. Alopecia areata multilocularis means that hair loss occurs in several spots, and loss may not be limited to the head.
Q: What causes alopecia (hair loss) in women?
A: Illnesses such as thyroid disease, diabetes, anemia and immunologic diseases can result in significant hair shedding and loss as well as hormonal changes. Other contributors to hair loss include dehydration and a lack of sleep. Stress itself is not a cause of hair loss, but significant stress impacts hormones that may result in hair loss. Some medications may cause hair loss as well.
Q: Should I be concerned that shedding hair means I have alopecia?
A: Not necessarily. On average, most people shed about 100 strands of hair a day! That is very natural. If you see more than that, then you may want to check with your dermatologist. Also, be certain that what you're seeing is not breakage. Breakage and shedding are to different conditions. Ask yourself if you're over processing your hair, using heat styling too much, pulling and tugging to much if you wear natural styles. How are your ends? Are they splitting? That can definitely cause breakage. If your problem is breakage, you can likely modify your styling routines and begin to see a difference. In either case, if you have a large amount of shedding or breakage, it may be a smart idea to get an assessment from a hair care professional or even a dermatologist.
Q: What should I do if I suspect I have alopecia?
A: The first step is to diagnose the disorder and begin treatment. Seek the help of a dermatologist at the first sign of significant hair loss. The most common type of hair loss I see is traction alopecia which occurs when there is excessive pulling of the hair at the root. Wearing tight pony tails and tight braiding may also cause hair loss. I also see scarring alopecia caused by chemical burns and/or medical conditions. Not all hair loss is alopecia. Some shedding and breakage is normal, and occurs all over the scalp.
Q: What can I do nutritionally to help with my hair loss?
A: Good nutrition, including adequate water intake plus frequent exercise are good for hair growth and achieving healthy skin because they promote cell generation and cell turn over. Be sure to include omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, flaxseed or walnuts in your diet. Also, try essential fatty acids called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil. Here’s a list of fruits and vegetables that can help promote healthy hair:
- Protein: Meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt and sunflower seeds.
- Vitamin A: Butter, eggs, milk, carrots, tomatoes, oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables and apricots.
- Vitamin B: Milk, eggs, wholegrain cereals, bread, wheat germs, nuts, soy beans, poultry, fish and meat. Vitamin D: Sunlight, fish liver oils, oily fish, milk and eggs.
- Vitamin C: Blackcurrant, green peppers, citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, artichokes and leafy green vegetables.
- Vitamin E: Wheat germ, peanuts, vegetable oils, pulses and green leafy vegetables. Iron: Spinach, cockles, liver, kidneys, pulses, lentils, beans, peas and dried fruit.
- Calcium: Cheese, nuts, eggs, milk, yogurt, sardines and root vegetables. Iodine: Seafood, dried kelp and iodized salt (in moderation).
- Sulfur: Eggs, meat, cheese and other dairy products.
A: Your dermatologist may recommend treatments such as steroid injections, laser hair therapy or the medication minoxidil to help stimulate hair regrowth. Hair transplantation is usually a last resort due to cost.
Q: What products should I use on my hair if I have alopecia?
A: You should use gentle products on your hair. Creme of Nature utilizes certified organic ingredients in their products. I absolutely love their new line of Argan Oil products. If these products don’t help, see your dermatologist to determine if you have scarring alopecia, meaning permanent loss of hair. Your dermatologist may try other forms of treatment to stimulate hair growth.
Q: Is it necessary for me to oil my scalp everyday to combat shedding and breakage?
A: Oiling your scalp daily is not really what you want to do. Consider for a moment that your scalp already secretes oils called sebum oils. What you need to ask yourself is, "Why am I oiling my scalp? Is my scalp actually dry or is my hair?" If your answer is that your hair needs moisture, then take a look at your shampoo. Is it stripping your hair? Take a look at your styling products. Are they causing your hair to be moisture starved? Switch things up a bit. Integrate products that are moisture-rich with light Certified Organic oil and extracts like Creme of Nature Shampoos and Conditioners. Also consider hydrating the hair daily with a leave-in conditioner or a serum like Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher, but don't use too much!
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