Management of Alopecia in Female Skin of Color Patients with Hair Curl Types 3-4

Hair in patients of color may present with unique diagnostic and treatment challenges for health care providers unfamiliar with the differences in hair morphology, the various hair curl patterns, and the plethora of ethnic hair grooming practices of women of color. This course will provide an overview of the nuances in the management and treatment strategies of alopecia in female skin of color patients with hair curl patterns 3-4 that represent patients of African descent (tightly curled hair). It has been established that certain hair care practices, such as high-tension hairstyles, excessive heat, and chemical hair relaxers used in hair straightening have been associated with alopecia in this population and include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) and traction alopecia. In addition, the racial differences in the clinical presentation of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) in white patients compared to black patients will be discussed. Early recognition and medical intervention of all forms of alopecias in skin of color patients are paramount to prevent further hair loss especially in scarring conditions.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize the racial differences in hair morphology and curl type patterns
• Describe the most common types of alopecia in women of color
• Discuss ethnic hair grooming and hairstyles for female patients with curl types 3-4
• Identify treatment options and management strategies for alopecia in women of color with curl types 3-4