For The Love of Hair
“Don’t remove the kinks from your hair! Remove them from your brain!”
-Marcus Garvey
Historically, when it comes to hair, society's beauty standards have favored the more Eurocentric features. The lack of mainstream products that cater to the specific needs of textured hair forced Black women, specifically, to be innovative when it comes to caring for their textured hair. However, the industry has caught on to the cultural significance and rich tradition of hairstyling for Black women when embracing and celebrating natural hair texture and style. Today, the haircare industry is a multi-billion dollar industry thanks to the uniqueness of textured hair.
Alongside the rich tradition of hairstyling comes a significant investment in haircare products and services. Research suggests that Black women spend more on haircare than any other demographic group, with some estimates indicating that they spend over nine times as much as their non-Black counterparts on specialized shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to professional salon services such as braiding, weaving, and other treatments. So why, then, are so many losing their hair in this estimated 2.56 billion dollar industry?
We understand that genetics can play a significant role in determining hair loss patterns, but the number two reason is hairstyling practices that involve pulling hair tightly in braids, weaves, or extensions. These practices can lead to traction alopecia, caused by inflammation of the follicle when the hair is pulled too tight for too long. It is a common form of hair loss that dermatologists see in the Black community.
Alopecia is caused by inflammation of the hair follicles, which can be brought on by the pulling of the scalp from hair braids and weaves. Lace wigs, more popular today than ever, are another topic not mentioned in the discussion often but are another main source of irritation and itching of the scalp. Continuous pressure from the wig against the scalp can lead to pressure sores, especially if the wig is too tight or has rough seams or edges.
The scalp is part of the outermost layer of skin that needs to be nurtured. The lack of ventilation and restricted air circulation caused by sleeping in wigs and prolonged wear can lead to sweat buildup, create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, and increase the risk of Infections. An itchy scalp is a signal that there is a problem; don’t ignore it.
It is time to return to the basics of regular shampooing, conditioning, and low manipulation. You don’t have to break the bank to maintain a healthy scalp and beautiful strands; make caring for your scalp and hair a part of your self-care routine. Obviously, some scalp and hair growth issues are related to genetics and other medical issues. Please consult your physician when you suspect a medical concern.
