Hair Density in African Americans

June 1999 in “ Archives of Dermatology ”

Leonard C. Sperling

hair density biopsy specimens scalp skin hair follicles terminal follicles terminal anagen hairs

TLDR African Americans have less hair density than whites.

In a retrospective case series study by Leonard C. Sperling, MD, involving 22 African American and 12 white patients, it was discovered that African Americans have a significantly lower hair density compared to whites. The study, which examined biopsy specimens of clinically healthy scalp skin, found that African Americans had fewer total hair follicles, terminal follicles, and terminal anagen hairs (P<.001). These findings suggest that the lower hair density in African Americans should be taken into account during scalp biopsy evaluations to prevent misdiagnosis, as the standards derived from white populations may not be applicable.

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Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research The Aesthetics of Follicular Transplantation

67 citations, September 1997 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

The document concludes that good cosmetic outcomes in hair transplantation depend on the surgeon's artistic skill and careful planning.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium: Increased Scalp Hair Shedding in Middle-Aged Women

234 citations, December 1996 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Middle-aged women with chronic telogen effluvium experience increased hair shedding but usually don't get significantly thinner hair.

research Chronic Telogen Effluvium

75 citations, October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Chronic Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in middle-aged women that usually doesn't lead to complete baldness.

research Histopathology of Non-Scarring Alopecia

122 citations, April 1995 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

The document describes how to tell different types of non-scarring hair loss apart by looking at hair and scalp tissue under a microscope.

research Diagnostic and Predictive Value of Horizontal Sections of Scalp Biopsy Specimens in Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia

309 citations, May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Clinical Aspects and Treatment

19 citations, January 1990 in “Springer eBooks”

research Histologic Response to Topically Applied Minoxidil in Male-Pattern Alopecia

38 citations, October 1988 in “Clinics in Dermatology”

Minoxidil can help grow hair and make hair follicles bigger, but it can also cause side effects.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community The Real Cause Of Androgenetic Alopecia

in Research/Science 667 upvotes 2 months ago

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.

community Lost density 60% all over scalp in 120 days (4months)

in Update 10 upvotes 6 months ago

A user lost 60% hair density in 4 months, started finasteride and microneedling, and has greasy, flaky, yellowish scalp. They are awaiting biopsy results, and another user suggested trying ketoconazole shampoo.

community 22F. Should I even bother getting a biopsy? Is there any point?

7 upvotes 8 years ago

A woman who has been experiencing hair loss for several years, and her question of whether there is any benefit to getting a biopsy to check if it's AGA or diffuse alopecia areata when no cure or very effective treatment exists. Treatments such as spironolactone and Minoxidil/finasteride/RU58841 have previously been discussed.

community Been using Dutasteride, Ru58841, Minoxidil, and Ketaconozole for years. Still can't stop shed, recession or loss of density.

in Treatment 1 upvotes 2 months ago

Despite using dutasteride, RU58841, minoxidil, and ketoconazole for years, the user continues to experience severe hair loss and thinning. They seek advice after multiple dermatologists confirmed androgenetic alopecia (AGA) but offered no effective solutions.

community Totally confused by doctors opinions, would appreciate some clarity

in Treatment 1 upvotes 2 weeks ago

The user is experiencing hair loss and confusion over conflicting medical advice, with treatments including minoxidil, finasteride, and topical corticosteroids. They are unsure about the necessity of a biopsy and the timing of using minoxidil, while also considering the impact of potential androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium.