Natural Hair: Alopecia & Hair Loss Part 1

Hey Curlies,

There are tons of people all over the world who are losing their hair as we speak. Lots of women who have "gone natural" have done so because they had no other choice but to revert back to healthy hair.

I am pretty sure that Alopecia runs in my family. My little brother and now my Mother has this condition. For those of you who do not know what Alopecia is, it is a condition that causes you to lose hair. It usually starts off as a small balding spot on the scalp. Usually that spot spreads or other balding spots may appear.

At the age of 8, my little brother was diagnosed with this condition and has received numerous treatments. Over the years, as fast as his hair would grow back, it would also fall out. Now he is 13 years old and has a full head of hair and it has remained for almost an entire year.

Not only can your hair from your scalp be affected, this condition could cause one to lose hair all over the body. Having this condition does not mean that you have anything mentally wrong with you, or that you are disabled in anyway.

Now my mother is experiencing the same thing. Recently she went to the dermatologist and got some help. I wanted to pass on this information because many people may be going through this same situation and not have clue what to do or what may be going on.

Hair combed down

The doctor said that chemical relaxers contain drain cleaner and most have a PH balance of 10 or higher.(FYI: Our normal P.H should be between 4 and 6)

Hair pulled up

I hope that this trait does not pass on to me, but I read a magazine article that said that many males who have this condition, receive the trait from their mother. That makes perfect sense. I know plenty of natural women who have had this condition and now have thick, shoulder length hair or longer.

There are also different types and stages of Alopecia, which I will mention in the next part of this series

Signs of Alopecia:

Noticeable hair loss in one area
One or multiple balding spots
Thinning of the hair in one or more area

Treatment Options:
As treatment they gave my mom 12 steroid shots in the area and also prescribed her a cream to apply.

Steroid shots
Topical creams
Intake more vitamin B (this should be combined with other treatments)

Possible Causes:

Genetics
Chemical relaxers
Stress
High blood pressure medication side effect

Another option the doctor suggested are ways to temporarily cover up the balding until hair returns. A couple swipes of mascara can be used to blend in the section. Also a camouflaged "tattoo like" match system can be done. The names of these options are "Toppik","Couvre" and "Dermmatch"

The doctor that took my Mother in told her that she was prohibited from using chemical relaxers. Which means she is going natural. (Huge smile)

If you feel that you may have this condition, please see a doctor in your area. This condition can lead to low self-esteem and embarrassment.

-Victoria (@Classycurlies)

Labels: alopecia, hair loss