WHY IS MY HAIR FALLING OUT? UNCOVERING HAIR LOSS IN BLACK WOMEN AND MEN
Rashidat Raji
Hair loss is an issue for many people across the world. People go through a lot of emotional trauma and verbal abuse due to this condition. It’s plays an underlining role for self-esteem issues in both men and women affecting different ages and careers.
In Nigeria, most people think that hair loss is a hereditary condition. The more hair loss is/was in your father, uncles and grandfather, the more likely you are to lose your own hair. However, there are many other causes of this problem.
Amongst black woman for example ; traction alopecia is the most common factor for hair loss. Traction alopecia is when the hair is being pulled too tight and for a long time which causes inflammation of the follicle leading to hair loss.
Another major cause of hair loss in both sexes is stress. Stress is the number 1 culprit for experiencing hair loss, when you are stressed the scalp becomes tight which restricts circulation and hair follicles become malnourished resulting in further hair loss.
In men, their hormones mainly testosterone which is responsible for men hairy body, also has a large role to play in hair loss in their later life.
Ancient Chinese medicine the practice of Chi (body energy) believes that the lung chi governs the shine and lustre of the hair while for thickness and strength the kidney is responsible for this. So loosely translated, it means your lungs capability to oxygenate your blood cells fully. The end result is that your hair will be shiny and lustre.
To enhance growth and strength your kidney needs to maintain a good nutrient supply. So if you are stressed all the time your body robs nutrient from less important areas like the scalp to supply more important tissues such as organs.
However, here are some steps to help improve your hair life:
Too much protein like red meat or cheese without sufficient fruit and vegetables leaves the body very acidic which means your body starts to deplete key minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium from the hair follicle to buffer the acidic condition .
Eat quality proteins like goat meats, chicken, plus fish and egg whites.
Unsweetened yoghurt is another protein -rich food improves your hair life.
Reduce caffeine intake and refined sugars because they increases body stress (as it triggers adrenaline and cortisol to be released), weakening the adrenal glands, which cause hormone imbalance another cause of hair loss.
What you must do:
Essential fats are vital for the healthy hair and scalp, therefore eating more oily fish.
Eat one avocado a week to help your hair shine.
Also including flaxseeds soaked in cold water overnight, drained and then eaten.
Help to avoid dry, scaly scalp and they nourish the hair follicles.
While transitioning through the stages of losing your hair to loving and grooming it. You can become a KnC babe, get a wig life. Wigs are proven to not only be handy but also help with self-confidence issues.
