Hair and Scalp Disorders in Women of African Descent: An Overview

The document from 2013 provides a comprehensive overview of hair and scalp disorders in women of African descent, discussing the unique characteristics of afro-textured hair and the impact of hair-grooming practices on hair health. It highlights the prevalence of both scarring and nonscarring alopecia in this demographic and the importance of clinicians being aware of these conditions due to increasing diversity. The review covers various disorders, including traction alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), and contact dermatitis, and emphasizes the need for detailed patient history, scalp examination, and ancillary tests like dermoscopy for diagnosis. The document notes the lack of randomized controlled studies for treatment in this population and the reliance on anecdotal evidence for current therapeutic strategies. It calls for more research to understand these conditions better and to develop evidence-based treatments, considering the potential for multiple concurrent diagnoses and the importance of early intervention to prevent progression and promote hair regrowth.