Do you make braids of your lovely locks? If yes then I am afraid that soon you may also be complaining of hair fall. The only solution I have for you is stop making tight braids of your beautiful hair. As according to the latest study of University of Cape Town (UCT) chemical relaxers, tight braiding and “corn rows” may leave you bald.
The study led by Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo, of UCT’s dermatology division conducted separate survey on two groups related with hairdressing in respect of scalp diseases. The first study was done over 1042 schoolgirls and the other on 874 adults.
The study results showed that one schoolgirl from a group of seven and one third of women suffer from traction alopecia (lessening hair line), which is due to the extreme continued pulling of hair - something that happens when we tie our hair in tight braids.
It was found by the study that traction alopecia was more common where hair was braided or had extensions or weaves attached whereas one in five of the girls surveyed who had relaxed hair had the condition, compared with just 5 percent of those with natural hair.
In adults, prevalence of traction alopecia was high in both relaxed hair and natural tightly braided hair, when compared with natural hair without braids.
Traction alopecia was highest when relaxed hair had extensions added. It means that relaxed hair may be weakened when extensions are added.
Khumalo said:
This can cause unsightly hair loss.
This study that helps investigate hairdressing and scalp disease in African hair has been published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The researchers believe that their efforts would help preserve the culture and prevent hair loss by educating the hairdressers and the public.
