Weaves Braids May Speed Hair Loss in Black Women

Weaves and braids are very common amongst women from African descent. It is a part of their cultural heritage and no matter where they live, they maintain their hairstyle. It has become a part of their identity. However, a recent study has indicated that black women may suffer from hair loss due to weaves and braids. We shall look into this study and detail and understand its results.

The Study

The study was conducted on 326 black women regarding hair loss. A quarter of them had hair loss and about 60% of those women showed signs of what is known as Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia or CCCA. The condition mainly causes hair loss in the crown area and also forms scars.

Traditionally CCCA is known as hot comb alopecia with reference to the use of hot combs to straighten curly hair. However, in the light of the new study, it appears that the notion is incorrect and CCCA is not caused by hot combs. The study found no significant link between CCCA and relaxers and hair irons but they were able to link braids and weaves to hair loss.

Effects of Braids and Weaves

Weaves and braids keep the hair in stress and in the long run, they can cause the hair to break and hair loss caused is permanent in nature. These can lead to puss-filled bumps. Over a period of time, the bumps can develop bacteria which eventually leads to scarring. Many women who start losing hair tend to opt for these options since they do well to cover the hair loss. It makes the matters worse since it accelerates the process.

The average age of women with CCCA is 58 while the problem generally starts in the 40s. Women with ages in the 20s and 30s have been found to be affected by this variation of alopecia.  A possible connection between CCCA and Type 2 Diabetes was also observed in this study and more research needs to be undertaken in order to ascertain if there is an actual link.

The Remedy

The only remedy to this problem is to avoid braids and weaves for too long especially if there is hair loss taking place. Doctors recommend that black women change their hairstyling habits in order to ensure that no such problem takes place.

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