Hair Loss in Women- Could Your Hairstyle Be Making You Go Bald?

According to a new study, braids and weaves may be causing permanent, scaring hair loss in women. Also called centrifugal alopecia, those with this condition are more likely to have suffered from Type 2 diabetes, bacterial scalp infections, and to have used hairstyles, such as braids and weaves, that are associated with traction. It may be that this is a vicious cycle, with the hairstyles increasing follicle damage and bacterial infections, and then the same hairstyles being used to cover up the hair loss caused by this damage.

Of the women of African American decent surveyed about their family and medical histories, current medical issues, and hair styling and grooming habits, over half suffered from central hair loss on some level. Those with hair loss were more likely to have a bacterial scalp infection, and almost 20 percent of those with the most advanced type of hair loss in women had bacterial infections of the skin. This is significantly higher than the just over 11% of all of the women in the study.

Some contributing factors may be the increased use of chemical relaxers, weaves, braids, extensions, and hot combs in those who had hair loss. Though diabetes was not prevalent among all the subjects, it was higher in the women with hair loss than in those without. In the past, research has suggested this condition is the result of metabolic issues, which would explain the increase instances of hair loss in women with Type 2 diabetes.
These hair styles are prevalent among women in African American communities, and they can be expensive. This may lead women to leave them in for months at a time to get their money’s worth, but the constant tugging and traction can cause folliculitis, which is an inflammation of hair follicles, along with scarring.

While it is possible that the use of braids, weaves, and other hair treatments that cause traction could be contributing to hair loss in women, more research is needed. There could be extenuating factors, including the use of chemical relaxers, which are contributing as well. In the meantime, if you have one of these hairstyles, it may be wise to take precautions. Change it out regularly, try to message and relax the scalp as much as possible, and keep it clean. Even if lesions or other injury occur, making sure the area is free of bacteria could reduce your risk significantly. Until more information is available this is the best option other that avoiding these hairstyles all together.