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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- PubMed: Hair Transplantation, Scalp Reduction and Flap Rotation in Black Men
- PubMed: Hair Transplantation, Scalp Reduction and Flap Rotation in Black Men
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Hair Loss Treatment for African American Men
While male pattern baldness occurs less frequently in African-American men, hair loss can still be an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition 2. African-American men have the same choices as Anglo-American men when it comes to hair loss treatment 2. It's good to take into consideration a few factors when considering which treatment method is right for your condition.
Treatment Types
African-American men suffering from hair loss can choose between over-the-counter or prescription drugs to treat their baldness 2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has approved a number of prescription medications for use in combating hair loss. These medications come in the form of pills that you take daily to prevent hair loss and help regrow lost hair. You also can purchase over-the-counter hair-loss treatments at any drugstore.
- African-American men suffering from hair loss can choose between over-the-counter or prescription drugs to treat their baldness 2.
Hair Loss Causes
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Determining the cause of your hair loss can help you decide which treatment is best for you. African-American men often experience hair loss as a result of genetics, hormonal imbalances or medication 2. You also can experience hair loss as a result of an illness or surgery. Wearing tight hairstyles, such as cornrows, also can lead to hair loss.
- Determining the cause of your hair loss can help you decide which treatment is best for you.
- You also can experience hair loss as a result of an illness or surgery.
Expert Insight
If you are concerned with hair loss, see a dermatologist to discuss your treatment options. Try to find a doctor who specializes in, or has experience with, African-American hair in particular.
Supplementation
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According to "Black Health Magazine," African-American hair can benefit from good nutrition 3. Try to increase your dietary intake of vitamins that will promote healthy hair. Look for supplements or foods that are high in biotin as well as vitamins B5, B6 and B12. Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements; you can expect to see results in two or three months after changing your diet.
- According to "Black Health Magazine," African-American hair can benefit from good nutrition 3.
- Talk to your doctor before starting any supplements; you can expect to see results in two or three months after changing your diet.
Warning
Taking more than 25,000 IU of vitamin A per day can result in hair loss. If think large quantities of vitamin A might be contributing to your hair loss, discontinue taking the vitamin and contact your doctor.
Related Articles
References
- PubMed: Hair Transplantation, Scalp Reduction and Flap Rotation in Black Men
- American Hair Loss Association: Men's Hair Loss: Treatment
- Black Health Magazine: Hair
- Fabbrocini G, Cantelli M, Masarà A, Annunziata MC, Marasca C, Cacciapuoti S. Female pattern hair loss: A clinical, pathophysiologic, and therapeutic review. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;4(4):203-211. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.05.001
- Mirmirani P. Managing hair loss in midlife women. Maturitas. 2013;74(2):119-22. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.10.020
- Trost LB, Bergfeld WF, Calogeras E. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(5):824-44. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1104
- Park SY, Na SY, Kim JH, Cho S, Lee JH. Iron plays a certain role in patterned hair loss. J Korean Med Sci. 2013;28(6):934-8. doi:10.3346/jkms.2013.28.6.934
- Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(1):1-10. doi:10.5826/dpc.0701a01
- Vincent M, Yogiraj K. A Descriptive Study of Alopecia Patterns and their Relation to Thyroid Dysfunction. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):57-60. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.114701
- Davis SR, Castelo-branco C, Chedraui P, et al. Understanding weight gain at menopause. Climacteric. 2012;15(5):419-29. doi:10.3109/13697137.2012.707385
- Gupta AK, Charrette A. Topical Minoxidil: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Its Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia. Skinmed. 2015;13(3):185-9.
- American Academy of Dermatology. Thinning hair and hair loss: Could it be female pattern hair loss?
- Harvard Health Publications. Treating female pattern hair loss - Harvard health.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Female pattern baldness.
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Writer Bio
Leigh Good has been writing for magazines and newspapers for more than 10 years. Her work has been published in numerous print and online publications. Good has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Georgia State University.