Hair Care Practices Research Articles

Defining the impact of attitudes towards hair and hair care practices on physical activity in African American women: A prospective survey study

Defining the impact of attitudes towards hair and hair care practices on physical activity in African American women: A prospective survey study

Updates in the understanding and treatments of skin & hair disorders in women of color.

Skin of color comprises a diverse and expanding population of individuals. In particular, women of color represent an increasing subset of patients who frequently seek dermatologic care. Acne, melasma, and alopecia are among the most common skin disorders seen in this patient population. Understanding the differences in the basic science of skin and hair is imperative in addressing their unique needs. Despite the paucity of conclusive data on racial and ethnic differences in skin of color, certain biologic differences do exist, which affect the disease presentations of several cutaneous disorders in pigmented skin. While the overall pathogenesis and treatments for acne in women of color are similar to Caucasian men and women, individuals with darker skin types present more frequently with dyschromias from acne, which can be difficult to manage. Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder seen commonly in women with darker skin types and is strongly associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetic factors, and hormonal influences. Lastly, certain hair care practices and hairstyles are unique among women of African descent, which may contribute to specific types of hair loss seen in this population, such as traction alopecia, trichorrhexis nodosa and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).

A study on scalp hair health and hair care practices among Malaysian medical students

Introduction:Scalp care is essential because it determines the health and condition of the hair and prevents the diseases of scalp and hair. The objectives of our study were to correlate race and hair types, to determine the awareness of hair care among Malaysian medical students, and to distinguish the factors that affect the health of hair and scalp.Methodology:It was a cross-sectional study wherein validated questionnaires were given to 240 medical undergraduate students who belonged to three ethnic races of Malaysia, i.e., Chinese, Malay, and Malaysian Indians after their informed consent. The results were then analyzed using percentage statistics.Results:Chinese students had comparatively healthier scalp without dandruff. Most Chinese and Indians had silky type of hair while Malay had dry, rough hair. Chinese and Indians colored their hair and used various styling methods; while among the Malays, this percentage was very less. Regarding hair care practices, males used only shampoo and females used shampoo and conditioner for hair wash. Students also faced dietary and examination-related stress.Conclusion:Results indicate that there exist morphological differences in hair among the studied population. Since most students color their hair and employ various hairstyling methods, they should be educated regarding best hair care practices to improve their scalp hair condition and health.

Scalp and hair disorders at the dermatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital

Background: Scalp and hair disorders are common and of immense health and cosmetic significance. Alopecia, the most common presentation of scalp disorders, has been found to impact negatively on the quality of life of patients. Aim: This study aimed to document the spectrum of scalp and hair disorders, with the age and sex distribution, at the dermatology outpatient clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) between 2004 and 2012. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who presented primarily with hair and scalp disorders. Data was obtained from clinic records and patients clinic notes; and included biodata, diagnoses, age and sex distribution. Results: During the study period, 860 patients (5.3%) of the 16,160 patients presented primarily with scalp and hair disorders. Both children and adult patients are seen at the clinic. Patients seen ranged from 3 months to 80 years of age. More males (67.2%) than females (32.8%) were seen; with ratio 2.05:1. Tinea capitis, dermatophyte infection of the scalp, was the most common disorder (30.5%), with male preponderance in the first decade of life. Chronic inflammatory scalp disorders such as acne keloidalis, dissecting folliculiis and folliculitis decalvans were found predominantly in adult males; while alopecia areata, scalp psoriasis and pityriasis amiantacea were noted to be more common in adult females. Conclusion: This study noted high frequency of chronic inflammatory scalp disorders found predominantly in males. However, disorders of hair care practices such as traction alopecia found commonly in community surveys were not frequent presentations in our practice. Further to determine the epidemiologic factors, aetiology and clinical characteristics of the common scalp and hair disorders will be necessary.

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia in Children: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a form of scarring hair loss most commonly seen in middle-aged African and African American women. It is rarely reported in children. The objective of the current study was to document the presence of CCCA in children and to encourage physicians to recognize early signs of CCCA in children of affected adults. Six children presented with biopsy-proven CCCA to the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest Baptist Health and the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine from 2012 to 2015. Demographic characteristics, hair styling history, and family history of CCCA were noted. Examination included complete history, skin and scalp examination, photographs of the scalp, and scalp biopsies. Patient ages ranged from 14 to 19 years (mean age at onset 14 years). Five patients reported scalp symptoms such as tender papules, pruritus, and scaling. Four patients reported appreciable hair loss on the vertex of the scalp. One patient had used chemical relaxers and hair dyes in the past. Five patients had a known family history of CCCA. Because CCCA is not typically seen or suspected in children, it is likely to be misdiagnosed or underreported. The findings in these cases add weight to the concept that genetic susceptibility rather than hair care practices may play a significant role in causing CCCA.

Hair-care practices in African American women: potential for allergic contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that occurs when the skin is re-exposed to a substance to which it was previously sensitized. One significant source of exposure to sensitizing chemicals is through personal grooming and beauty products. While the role of cosmetics and hair-care products in the development of ACD is well-documented, there has been very little literature that specifically addresses the role of hair-care practices of patients with tightly curled hair, such as in patients of African descent, in the development of ACD in this population. This review provides an integrated summary of the hair-care practices of female African American patients and the potential for exposure to sensitizing agents at each stage. This review will also discuss the challenges faced in recognizing and assessing ACD in these patients.

The hair grooming practices of women of African descent in London, United Kingdom: findings of a cross-sectional study.

There is a lack of published data pertaining to the hair grooming practices of women of African descent in Europe. However, these data are important in facilitating culturally appropriate discussions on hair loss prevention. We sought to describe the hair grooming practices of adult women of African descent in London, UK. Analysis of pooled data collected from a questionnaire-based study exploring correlates of hair loss in women of African descent in London. A maximum of 242 subjects were included in the final data analysis. Subjects had a mean age of 41.1 years (CI: 39.3-42.9) and exhibited a diverse range of scalp hair phenotypes, although the majority (76.3%) had type 6, 7 or 8 hair. A percentage of 64.9 had more than five different hairstyles since childhood, with natural hairstyles being the most frequent current hairstyle (52.6%). The mean frequency of hair washing was 17.9 days (CI: 15.8-20.0), increasing to 32.8 days (28.6-37.0) when hair was braided or in a weave. The mean frequency of hair braiding/weaving was 63 days (CI: 56.3-69.7), whereas that for application of chemical relaxers was 88.6 days (CI: 75.6-101.6). While 59.2% of subjects avoided concurrent use of hair colours and chemical relaxers, only 46.3% avoided braiding chemically relaxed hair. The hair-care practices of women of African descent should be borne in mind when treating hair and scalp disorders in this group. Although the current trend is towards natural hairstyles, some adverse hair-care practices still persist which should be addressed through culturally appropriate public health messages on hair loss prevention.

Prevalence and pattern of alopecia in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ibadan

Background: Hair loss in African women appears to be on the increase and has been associated with some hair-care practices. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and possible hair-care factors associated with alopecia in females in some educational institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methodology: The respondents were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire containing information about their bio-data, hair-care practices, and history of hair loss if any. Subjects were examined for the presence and pattern of hair loss. Results: The prevalence of alopecia was 46.7%, with the traction alopecia being the most common (97.5%). The age range of those with alopecia was mainly 20-29 years. Hair loss was more common in subjects who had chemically treated their hair (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Alopecia is common among female students in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ibadan. Traction alopecia was the most common pattern of hair loss in this study supporting claims of hair-care practices as important etiological factors.

Hair care practices and structural evaluation of scalp and hair shaft parameters in African American and Caucasian women.

How African American hair fragility relates to hair care practices and biologic differences between races is not well understood. To assess the differences between perceptions of hair health, hair care practices, and several biologic hair parameters between Caucasian and African American women. A questionnaire on perceptions of hair health and hair care practices was administered. Biological and structural parameters of hair shaft and scalp, including growth, density, diameter, cycle, breakage, and scalp blood flow were also assessed in this case-control study. Significant differences between the Caucasian and African American women were observed in the questionnaire and biologic study data. Regarding self-reported perceptions of hair health, there were differences in the following: hair shaft type (P<0.001), hair breakage (P=0.040), and desire to change hair (P=0.001). Regarding self-reported hair care practices, there were differences in the following: location of haircutting (P=0.002) and washing (P=0.010), washing frequency (P<0.001), chemical relaxer use (P<0.001), hooded hair dryer use (P<0.001), and hair shaft conditioner use (P=0.005). The two groups had similar practices in regard to the use of hair color, frequency of hair color use, chemical curling agents, and handheld blow dryer use. Regarding biological and structural parameters, there were differences in the following: hair growth rate (P<0.001), density (P=0.0016), diameter (P=0.01), number of broken hairs (P<0.001), and blood flow (P=0.03). There was no significant difference in hair cycle parameters.The differences in hair care practices and hair fiber morphology among African American women may contribute to clinically observed variation in hair fragility and growth.

Hair loss in patients with skin of color.

Hair loss in skin of color patients can vary from the very simplest of diagnoses to a unique diagnostic challenge requiring extensive knowledge of historical symptoms, haircare practices, and previous treatments. There are several disorders in the literature that are noted to be more common in patients of African descent as compared to Caucasian populations. These disorders include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, dissecting cellulitis, discoid lesions of lupus erythematosus, traction alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, and hair breakage. While there is no definitive prevalence data for the various forms of hair loss in the skin of color population, it is clear that these disorders are a concern for many patients in this population along with common hair loss concerns, such as telogen effluvium and pattern hair loss. A careful detailed clinical examination, history, and potential histopathology will guide the clinician to appropriate management. Hair disorders in skin of color patients may present unique challenges to the clinician, and knowledge of accurate clinical presentation and treatment approaches is essential to providing quality care.

Updates in the understanding and treatments of skin & hair disorders in women of color.

Skin of color comprises a diverse and expanding population of individuals. In particular, women of color represent an increasing subset of patients who frequently seek dermatologic care. Acne, melasma, and alopecia are among the most common skin disorders seen in this patient population. Understanding the differences in the basic science of skin and hair is imperative in addressing their unique needs. Despite the paucity of conclusive data on racial and ethnic differences in skin of color, certain biologic differences do exist, which affect the disease presentations of several cutaneous disorders in pigmented skin. While the overall pathogenesis and treatments for acne in women of color are similar to Caucasian men and women, individuals with darker skin types present more frequently with dyschromias from acne, which can be difficult to manage. Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder seen commonly in women with darker skin types and is strongly associated with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, genetic factors, and hormonal influences. Lastly, certain hair care practices and hairstyles are unique among women of African descent, which may contribute to specific types of hair loss seen in this population, such as traction alopecia, trichorrhexis nodosa and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA).

Ethnic hair disorders.

The management of hair and scalp conditions is difficult in any patient, especially given the emotional and psychological implications of hair loss. This undertaking becomes even more challenging in the ethnic patient. Differences in hair care practices, hair shaft morphology, and follicular architecture add complexity to the task. It is imperative that the physician be knowledgeable about these practices and the phenotypic differences seen in ethnic hair in order to appropriately diagnose and treat these patients. In this chapter, we will discuss cultural practices and morphologic differences and explain how these relate to the specific disorders seen in ethnic populations. We will also review the most prominent of the ethnic hair conditions including acquired trichorrhexis nodosa, traction alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, pseudofolliculitis barbae, dissecting cellulitis, and acne keloidalis nuchae.

Anaphylactic Reaction After Ongoing Exposure to Hair Glue: A Novel Case Report

BackgroundLatex allergy is thought to be present in up to 6.5% of the general population, and can be much higher among those with chronic exposure. It is, however, uncommonly associated with severe anaphylactic reactions. Hair-care practices, such as the application of a hair weave, are a potential cause of latex-related anaphylaxis because the adhesives often contain natural rubber latex. Case ReportWe report the first case in the emergency medicine literature of successful treatment of a patient with airway compromise secondary to hair glue exposure. This case involved a 29-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with severe angioedema and airway compromise. The patient had recently had an adhesive substance applied to her scalp for a hair weave placement. The patient did respond initially to antihistamine and alpha-adrenergic medication, however, because the allergen could not be removed, she relapsed, was subsequently intubated, and admitted to the intensive care unit. The latex-containing hair glue was removed over a period of several hours using an oil-based hair-conditioning product. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?This unique and potentially lethal situation required innovative management. Successful resolution of this case required a high degree of cultural literacy leading to the correct diagnosis and treatment, and utilization of resources outside of the health care field. Clinicians treating patients in areas where similar hair-care practices are prevalent should be aware of this pathology, and consider similar management strategies.

Applying Behavioural Theory to the Challenge of Sustainable Development: Using Hairdressers as Diffusers of More Sustainable Hair-Care Practices

The challenges presented by sustainable development are broadly accepted, yet resource use increases unabated. It is increasingly acknowledged that while technical solutions may play a part, a key issue is behaviour change. In response to this, there has been a plethora of studies into how behaviour change can be enabled, predominantly from psychological and sociological perspectives. This has resulted in a substantial body of knowledge into the factors that drive behaviour change and how they can be manipulated to achieve desired social goals. In this paper, we describe a study that draws on this body of knowledge to design an intervention to drive behaviour change across the hairdressing sector, and by the process of diffusion, across the vast social networks of this occupational group to influence domestic hair-care practices. The intervention was successful: hairdressers indicated positive intentions to adopt more sustainable practices within their salons and pass them onto their customers. The customer survey (N = 776) confirms this: customers surveyed after their hairdresser attended the Green-Salon-Makeover intervention were significantly more likely to report that environmental issues had been considered in their salon visit and that they themselves would consider such issues in their hair-care practices at home than customers who were surveyed before the intervention.

The impact of hair care practices and attitudes toward hair management on exercise habits in African American women

The impact of hair care practices and attitudes toward hair management on exercise habits in African American women

Recurrent hair loss resulting from generalized proximal trichorrhexis nodosa in a Nigerian female

Hair and scalp disorders commonly seen in the African female have been associated with hair care practices. Distal trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) has been commonly reported with various forms of trauma to the hair from hair grooming practices. We report the case of recurrent generalized hair loss resulting from proximal TN in a 28-year-old Nigerian female with atopy. The use of chemical relaxers precipitated each episode of hair loss. Generalized proximal TN has been reported in those of afro Caribbean descent. The acute nature and extent of the hair loss suggest there may be some underlying structural defect in such individuals.

Hair Care Practices as a Barrier to Physical Activity in African American Women

To characterize the influence of hair style maintenance on exercise behavior in African American women. A 40-item survey with questions concerning hair care practices, physical activity, and the relationship between the two. University-affiliated dermatology department at an academic medical center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A total of 123 African American women from 21 to 60 years of age were surveyed; 103 women completed the questionnaire. The statistical significance of relationships between hair care practices and physical activity was determined. Fifty percent of African American women surveyed have modified their hair style to accommodate exercise and nearly 40% (37.9%) avoid exercise at times owing to hair-related issues. Respondents who exercised less owing to hair concerns were 2.9 times less likely to exercise more than 150 min/wk (95% CI,0.9-9.4; P=.08). Dermatologists can discuss hair management strategies during exercise that facilitate routinely performing exercise.

Dermatology for skin of color, 1st ed

Dermatology for skin of color, 1st ed

Hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair disorders in African American girls

Hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair disorders in African American girls

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia - an approach to diagnosis and management.

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) occurs primarily in African-American women and is the most common cause of scarring hair loss in this population. Since the mid 20th century, hair care practices of African-American women have been associated with CCCA, although there is developing evidence that the etiology of CCCA may be multifactorial. Clinically diagnosing CCCA may be challenging because it can resemble female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, or telogen effluvium. Therapeutic options are limited, thus the goal of treatment is to prevent progression of disease because once scar formation occurs, it is irreversible.