Afro-Ethnic Hairstyling Trends, Risks, and Recommendations

January 2022 in “ Cosmetics ”

Sara Asbeck, Chelsi Riley-Prescott, Ella Glaser, Antonella Tosti

chemically relaxed hair Brazilian Keratin Treatments traction hairstyles braids weaves hair damage skin irritation carcinogen exposure Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia traction alopecia BKT CCCA

TLDR Avoid high-tension styles and use professional treatments to reduce hair damage and health risks.

The document "Afro-Ethnic Hairstyling Trends, Risks, and Recommendations" reviews the health risks associated with Afro-ethnic hairstyling practices, such as chemically relaxed hair, Brazilian Keratin Treatments (BKTs), and traction hairstyles like braids and weaves. It highlights the potential for hair damage, skin irritation, carcinogen exposure, and conditions like Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) and traction alopecia. The document recommends professional application of treatments, avoiding high-tension styles, and promoting natural hairstyles to mitigate these risks. It also calls for more research to better understand the links between hairstyling practices and conditions like CCCA.

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