New research suggests that hair loss can be associated with having other common medical conditions, such as diabetes, acne, and breast cancer, according to a news release presented at the 2023 AAD Annual Meeting.

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is the most common type of hair loss seen in women with darker skin. However, conditions such as breast cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension are also common among Black women with CCCA. 

Pattern hair loss is also common among women. Acne is associated with early stages of female pattern hair loss due to an increase in hormones, whereas menopause and hypertension are common as female pattern hair loss progresses. 

Traction alopecia is another common hair loss type in women with skin of color due to hairstyles that pull the hair tightly. Some of the precautions to help prevent traction alopecia are:

• Loosening up the hairstyles
• Avoiding frequently wearing tight hairstyles that pull on the hair
• Changing hairstyles

Ingredients of the products are also important for women with any type of hair loss. Women with dark skin should use shampoos and hair products with moisturizing ingredients, such as vitamins A and E, jojoba oil, and shea butter, to avoid further dryness in the hair. 

As a last resort, when treatments are not effective in preventing hair loss, hair transplant is the permanent solution. “Hair transplants are most effective in patients with traction alopecia and female pattern hair loss. While patients with CCCA aren’t always ideal candidates for a hair transplant due to scarring, it is possible for them to have success,” concluded the news release.

Reference
Research suggests connection between hair loss in women and other diseases. News release presented at: AAD Annual Meeting; March 17–21, 2023; New Orleans, LA.