Local dermatologist says black women are losing their hair faster than other races
Extensions will cause a lot of weight, they pull on the hair. We see a lot of hair loss because of extensions
Nov 2010
Dr. Larry Shapiro says while hair loss is common for all women who
constantly manipulate their hair with the use of extensions or
chemicals, it is more common for black women and the damage done is
hard to reverse. "It's going to pull your hair out."
It's a message Dr. Shapiro says he has been trying to put out there
for years. "Extensions will cause a lot of weight, they pull on the
hair. We see a lot of hair loss because of extensions."
Dr. Shapiro says the frequent use of wearing extensions can
eventually cause a condition called traction alopecia. The hairline
is pushed back and can ultimately disappear. Though they're popular
with women of all races, they are most popular with black women
right after relaxers.
Stay at home mom Peta-Gaye Watson says she has relaxed her hair for
over 10 years but has never experienced the healthy long hair she
has strived for.
"I had immense tremendous breakage especially on top here, it
happens to me every two or three years," says Watson.
Dr. Shapiro says while aging does contribute to hair loss, relaxers
speed up the process for black women as they age. "Relaxers are
terrible for the hair they'll lose their hair over a period of
time."
Watson says in most black homes the idea that relaxed hair made a
woman more beautiful, acceptable and her hair more manageable, has
been passed down for generations.
"We were all raised that way all of us, our parents, our moms taught
us, their moms taught them and that's why we relax."
Watson decided to take a drastic step that many black women are
considering...she chopped her hair off.
"OK this is me this is what I look like this is who I am."
Source
.gif)
