Doctor offers tips for healthy hair and scalp

 

If you've got the perfect African American skin care product, then you've probably been working on the perfect hairstyle to match. Sometimes, women go through some painful processes for their hair, and according to researchers from Henry Ford's Multicultural Dermatology Clinic, some of these procedures can cause scalp problems.

"Hair is an extremely important aspect of an African American woman's appearance," said researcher Diane Jackson-Richards, M.D. "Yet, many women who have a hair or scalp disease do not feel their physician takes them seriously. Physicians should become more familiar with the culturally accepted treatments for these diseases."

Jackson-Richards compiled some tips for African American women to help them avoid developing conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia, which can lead to hair loss.

First, the doctor suggested allowing two weeks between relaxing and coloring. Next, she said to wash braids or dreadlocks every two weeks, and to limit use of blow dryers and other heated hair styling products to once a week.

Finally, Jackson-Richards said that you shouldn't wear braids too tightly or for longer than three months, and recommended natural hair oils with jojoba, olive, shea or coconut oils.