Hair Loss in Women of Color

Alopecia occurs at a higher rate in women of color (WOC) and has a negative psychosocial impact on the patient; thus it is imperative that all dermatologists are up to date on how to address hair loss-related concerns effectively in this population. Basic structural features of hair differ between ethnic groups and may contribute to hair loss later in life. Unique hair care practices in this group, which can play a role in hair loss in WOC, will be discussed in detail. Alopecia has a wide range of etiologic subtypes, certain forms of which are more common in WOC. Non-scarring alopecias of special focus to the WOC population include traction alopecia, trichorrhexis nodosa, and seborrheic dermatitis, the latter of which can be associated with alopecia. It is important to be familiar with non-scarring forms of alopecia, as prompt diagnosis can have a profound impact on the clinical course and total eventual hair loss associated with these diseases. Examples of scarring or cicatricial alopecias include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planopilaris, and frontal fibrosing alopecia. While some alopecias are potentially reversible, management of cicatricial alopecias focuses on symptom relief and halting the progression of hair loss.