Over the years, black haircare has undergone a positive revolution. However, as a black man, there are certain problems you may face when it comes to your hair. In this article, we will look at some of these problems and how to solve them.
Luckily, most of these problems can easily be prevented or resolved by using the right products curated for black men’s hair care.
Breakage
This is one of the major causes of hair loss. Different things can cause hair breakage, such as:
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- Excessive heat use by frequently using blow dryers and hair straighteners. Hot weather can also cause your hair to break.
- Harsh chemicals. Using products with harsh chemicals such as SLS or alcohol can easily damage your hair.
- Aggressive detangling. Detangling your hair when wet and using the wrong combs can cause your hair to develop split ends and break.
Fix: Ensure that you regularly trim any split ends. If you don’t, the hair will keep splitting till it reaches the root.
Moisturize your hair regularly to avoid dryness. Dry hair will break off no matter what style you choose.
Eating a nutritious diet will enhance healthy hair growth. Your diet should contain omega 3, proteins, zinc, and iron as they promote hair growth and avoid hair loss.
Detangle your hair gently to avoid any breakage. You can either use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling on your hair.
Hair Loss
Seeing your hair fall off can be a scary thing to watch. Nevertheless, some causes of hair loss, such as the breakage mentioned above, can easily be remedied.
The main type of hair loss is known as Alopecia. There are various types of Alopecia, some of which include:
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- Traction/ Traumatic alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by rough handling of the hair by applying pressure or friction
- Alopecia areata. This is an autoimmune disease that causes sudden hair loss. It is mainly treated using corticosteroids.
- Androgenetic Alopecia. This hair loss is characterized by balding patches. It is also known as male-patterned baldness.
- Cicatricial Alopecia. This type of hair loss happens when scar tissue caused by inflammation prevents hair follicles from growing.
Fix: The type of hair loss you have will determine which treatment you will get. However, if your hair loss is caused by breakage, you can easily remedy this by avoiding what caused it in the first place.
Dandruff
If you have noticed white or yellow flakes on your hair, you probably have dandruff. This can be accompanied by a very itchy scalp. Many people assume that if you have dandruff, your scalp is dirty. This is not always the case.
Dandruff is mainly caused by overgrown fungi called Malassezia. Everyone has this fungus on their hair. However, when it goes on overdrive, the result is dandruff. Factors that can cause this fungus to thrive include:
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- Excessive build-up of products.
- Using the wrong hair care products. Harsh chemicals, especially those with sulfate, are detrimental to your scalp.
- Overwashing your hai This can rob your scalp and hair follicles of their natural oils.
- What you eat. What you eat will impact the growth of dandruff. Sugary and processed foods can promote the overgrowth of fungi.
Fix: Use a gentle shampoo that can cleanse your hair without harming it. Moisturize your scalp to prevent your scalp from drying out. You can also use a hot oil mask or homemade treatments to get rid of dandruff. Moreover, eat a balanced diet and avoid excess sugar and processed foods.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This condition presents symptoms similar to dandruff. Seborrheic Dermatitis also has a flaky and itchy scalp that can be inflamed. It can also be caused by the fungus Malassezia. Other factors that can make this condition flare up include:
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- Cold and dry weather.
- Stress.
- Increased androgen levels.
- A history of dermatitis, both personal and family.
Fix: As this condition may not disappear on its own, it is important to see a doctor, preferably a dermatologist, who will be able to diagnose you correctly and advise on the appropriate management and treatment.
Itchy scalp
An itchy scalp, also known as scalp pruritus, is one of the most irritating and popular problems faced by the majority of the population. Before you treat this nuisance, you will need to discover what is causing your itchy scalp. Various factors can cause an itchy scalp:
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- Build up. Product build-up happens when you continuously use products not suited to your hair. This build-up can cause you to have an itchy scalp.
- An allergic reaction. Your scalp could be reacting to a hair product you have used. Products high in sulfate or intensely fragranced can result in an itchy scalp.
- A dry scalp. Your itchy scalp could probably just be a result of dryness.
- As mentioned above, dandruff causes an itchy scalp.
Fix: Many people focus on the hair and forget the scalp. A healthy scalp leads to healthy hair. Check your hair products and ensure they are not full of harsh chemicals. Your hair care routine should also involve cleansing with a sulfate-free shampoo and moisturizing your scalp.
However, do not over-wash your hair, which will dry out your hair and continue causing an itchy scalp.
Drinking water hydrates your body, making your skin and scalp richer. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice. A doctor will be able to diagnose you and offer lasting solutions.
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