by Melanye M. Maclin-Carroll, M.D.
(Excerpted from the April/May issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine)

Ladies, take a good look in the mirror at your hair. Are there any thinning or bald spots? Have you taken action, or are you hiding from reality? Well, please know that you are not alone. Believe it or not, in my dermatology research I’ve found that hair loss in women of color has reached epidemic proportions, with more than 50 percent of Black women suffering from the disorder.

What should I do first?

Hair loss, or alopecia, is an extremely devastating and complex issue. During the beginning phases, it’s important to conquer desperation, which can often lead to trying every product or gimmick on the market, covering up the issue with wigs or hats, or even braiding the few strands that are left on your scalp. It’s crucial to treat your hair loss at the first sign, rather than going into denial or feeling embarrassed.

The first step to figuring out why you are losing your hair is to find out if it’s the result of an internal medical condition or an external issue, such as chemical overprocessing. That means getting a clinical evaluation by your doctor, who will likely give you a complete physical and test your serum iron, thyroid and dihydrotesterone hormone levels. A biopsy may also be required, in some cases.

Pick up the April/May issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine to find out what you should do next to keep hair on your head.