9.13.2012

Reader question: Naomi Campbell's hair line!


ANNA asked: 

Can u explain to me what is going on there, like biologically/physically? why is nothing growing there? I know from my friends from South Africa that hair need to recover after it gets relaxed (?) but why is it just happening in the front? Sorry, I don´t want to sound ignorant, I just try to understand..

Hi Anna,
You don't sound ignorant. It is something that a lot of women need to be aware of, so thanks for your question.

Any type of hair loss is called alopecia. Naomi Campbell has what is known as traction alopecia but there are different types of alopecia in different areas of the scalp. Traction alopecia is more common in black women because it occurs through continuous pulling of the hair and in her case - from weaves and extensions. Relaxers, hair dyes, bleaches and too much heat can also reduce the tensile strength of the hair which makes it weaker and fragile. 

It happens at the front and temple (the hair line) because that is where your hair is naturally weakest.  
(1) Biologically traction alopecia is caused by damage to the dermal papilla and hair follicle over a long period of time. The area becomes inflammed and this triggers the immune system to attack the roots of the follicles.

(2) Physically traction alopecia results in sudden shedding of hair but if it is discovered early enough the hair can regrow but if trauma is ongoing (years), the hair will never grow back - which is what I think is happening with Naomi. Symptoms include red bumps, thinning and raised skin.

59% of black women suffer some form of traction alopecia and the problem is that some notice the hair loss but continue doing the things that caused the problem in the first place. Hair needs to recover and the only way to do that is reduce stress. If the damage is permanent the only treatment option is a hair transplant.

I have never seen Naomi without some form of weave whether it's long or short and I know that during fashion shows there are hair stylists that style hair in all sorts of colours and ways...and I'm sure a lot of them have no clue how to treat black hair, so unfortunately her hair has suffered for her career.

I hope this answered your question. xx

1 comment:

  1. hej zeze, just discovered this post - thank you!
    i put your blog right now on my daily feed list, i am so happy that I remembered it tonight; love it!
    xx, anna

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