Category: African American Hair

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Hair Loss InformationAfrican-American Female Hair Loss – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Here’s an email I just received today…

Dear Dr. Rassman,

I am an African- American female, aged 62, with pattern baldness around my hairline. I would like to know if the “new hair” will grow and how will any chemicals, ie. straightners, dyes, etc. might affect the transplanted hair. I would also like to know where and how I can schedule an appointment for consultation ASAP. I have been using Rogaine but I am still compelled to wear wigs to look my best…HELP! I am VERY interested in getting this procedure and I have the blessing of my husband of 40 years!

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I have done work on many African American females. As you may know, frontal balding is common amongst African American females largely because of the combined effect of pigtails that were used for styling in their youthful days as well as the abuses with chemicals, ie. straightners and dyes. First, a good examination needs to be done to separate the effects of chemicals and pigtail styling (if appropriate) to the female genetic hair loss. Then, a complete examination needs to be done to make sure that other medical conditions are not the cause of the hair loss such as thyroid disease, hormone imbalances, anemia, etc. There are a series of blood tests that can rule this out.

My recommendation is to make an appointment first (if you wish to see me, ask for me by calling 800-NEW-HAIR). The consultation is free.

Thanks for the good question.

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Hair Loss InformationKeloid Question – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

An African American woman writes…

I am interested in the restoration process to my temples. Having black skin I am concerned with forming keloid scars in the visible frontal and back area. Does this happen? I noticed pictures of African Americans however they may be some of the lucky ones who don’t form big scars. Can you give me some more information on this?

There also didn’t seem to be any info on other possible pitfalls to take into consideration?

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Thank you for your email. If you are a known keloid former, then a test of the scalp may be the safest way to determine if you would form a keloid. Such a test might be performed with a very small incision in the area where the hair would come from and a few needle ‘pokes’ in the area where the transplants were to be placed. If you have no history of Keloids, and have had scars in the past that did not produce Keloids, then it would be reasonable to assume that you would not form a Keloid in a hair transplant area.

As a black woman interested in hair transplants, please make sure that you are evaluated by a good, ethical and competent doctor. With regard to Keloids of the scalp in association with a hair transplant, they are very, very rare even in black skinned people.