Tight is not right Dermatologist sounds alarm on braids, wigs and ponytails

A dermatologist is warning Jamaicans that repeatedly wearing popular hairstyles such as tight braids, cornrows, sleek ponytails and glued lace wigs could contribute to hair loss, which in some cases can become permanent.

Ahead of Alopecia Awareness Month in September, Dr Shasha-Marie Williams, who has postgraduate specialised training in dermatology from Cardiff University, said some everyday beauty practices can place continuous strain on the hair.

“A sleek ponytail, cornrows, relaxers, glued lace wigs and braids are common hairstyling practices in our culture. However, these styles can constantly pull and damage hair health, particularly when done tightly or repetitively. Over time, this can lead to hair loss,” Williams said.

“Hairstyling practices are linked to conditions such as traction alopecia, losing your edges, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia – hair loss beginning from the crown – where hair loss can become permanent,” she added.

While noticing strands of hair in a comb or shower may cause concern, Williams said shedding does not necessarily mean someone is experiencing alopecia.

“It is normal to lose approximately 50 to 100 hairs per day; however, excessive or sudden thinning may indicate an underlying issue,” she said, noting that hair loss can be caused by a wide range of factors, and it may be temporary or permanent.

“The causes of hair loss vary, ranging from genetics and underlying medical conditions to lifestyle factors and hairstyling practices,” she said, adding, “Hair loss or alopecia not only affects the scalp, but it can affect hairs on other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows and beard.”

She said one of the most common causes of hair loss is genetics, particularly androgenetic alopecia.

“This type of alopecia commonly presents as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, with progressive baldness in both men and women,” she said.

But Williams said several changes within the body can also affect a person’s hair.

“Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can also disrupt the normal hair growth cycle resulting in hair loss. In some cases, hair loss is linked to autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, a condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles,” she said. Nutritional deficiencies should not be overlooked either.

“Low iron, vitamin D, and protein are some of the deficiencies that can weaken hair and slow growth,” Williams said.

She said stress, illness and trauma can also trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes sudden shedding.

“Additionally, infections such as Tinea Capitis or ‘barber disease’, certain medications or medical treatments, for example chemotherapy, can lead to hair thinning or bald patches,” Williams added.

With hair loss having several possible causes, Williams said determining what is happening beneath the surface is important before deciding how it should be treated, and addressing the underlying issue can lead to stabilisation or regrowth.

“Treatments can range from medicated shampoos, topical solutions and medications to lifestyle adjustments and hair restoration procedures,” she said. However, Williams warned that waiting too long to seek professional attention could matter in cases where the follicles are being permanently damaged.

“Early consultation with a dermatologist can make a difference, as it leads to more accurate diagnosis and intervention which often lead to better outcomes,” she said.

“This is especially important for causes of alopecia that can lead to permanent hair loss, as early treatment can change the outlook.”