Causes of hair loss are fairly similar across all ethnic groups. However, a hair loss condition called Traction Alopecia is more common in people with African hair. Traction Alopecia is caused by the wearing of long-term hair styles (e.g. braids) that pull on the hair and result in permanent hair loss. Interestingly, people from Africa with black skin are more likely to experience problems with dandruff and their hair is more prone to dryness and brittleness.

African hair and scalp have their own set of unique circumstances that need to be considered in regard to hair transplantation. This type of hair is the thinnest in diameter and the lowest in hair density compared to all other ethnicities. The curly hair is in general more difficult to harvest and transplant and the scalp is more prone to changes in pigmentation, pimples during the healing process and unsightly scars. The hairline in a male with such hair is usually more flat in comparison to Caucasians and Asians.

At De Haar Hair Restoration we recommend the FUE Method of hair transplantation for African hair whereby the follicles are extracted one at a time with a handheld motorized punch device. The tiny punch sites heal quickly and they are usually imperceptible to the naked eye when the hair is worn short. In comparison, a scar, however thin, left behind by the FUT Strip Method hair transplant is usually difficult to hide in people with such hair.

Transplantation of this type of hair presents several challenges to the hair transplant physician and team. However, at De Haar Hair Restoration we have found our African hair and beard transplants to be a rewarding experience with beautiful results.