5 tips for coping with alopecia

WHEN Will Smith decided to smack the bejesus out of Chris Rock, we’re positive the last thing on his mind was to bring monumental awareness to a fate that has gripped the lives of many people of colour today — a fate known as alopecia, which causes unwanted baldness in both men and women. The outlandish controversy which left many in a dumbfounded head spin, led to a spike in research on the term alopecia, as many took to their search engines to learn more about the disease. If Jada has it, and Will decided to enter a boxing match over it, then it must be important, right? Absolutely, as many are still trying to find ways to live with the disorder.

Hair loss (alopecia) can affect either your scalp or your entire body. It can be temporary or permanent and can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal part of ageing. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it is more common in men. A type of hair loss common in the black community is traction alopecia, which occurs when hair has been pulled tight for too long.

Apart from Jada Pinkett Smith who aired her struggle with alopecia in an Instagram video last December, celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Viola Davis and Samuel Jackson have also shared their experience with the disorder and how they’ve either overcome it or embraced it.

In an interview with Face 2 Face Africa, Campbell shared that she had to ramp up her haircare regimen because she lost all her hair to tension alopecia due to non-stop hair extensions. Davis’s alopecia came from high levels of stress which led to the complete shedding of her hair. She later admitted that it was the worst period of her life because she was always gripped with anxiety about the way she looked to other people.

“I went to bed one day and woke up with basically a mohawk at age 28,” said Davis in an interview with People Magazine.

You might be wondering, is there a cure for alopecia. Can it be reversed? And how are these celebrities managing to live with this disorder? A lot of us, both men and women, associate our beauty with our hair. When all is lost, it can create a mental breakdown of our identity and self-esteem. However, by making a few lifestyle changes both physical and mental, we can overcome the fear of hair loss.

Zipporah Hair and Skin (www.zipporahhairandskin.com) recently launched its growth oil which contains 20 powerful and nourishing oils that will combat alopecia. The oils within the growth oil product contain DHT blockers and stimulating properties geared at fighting dandruff, reducing eczema, promoting growth, strength and shine. Its growth oil consists of sunflower oil, hemp, jojoba, extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed oil, soybean oil (Non-GMO), d’Alpha vitamin E Oil, cedarwood essential Oil, chamomile extract, ginger root extract, stinging nettle extract, rosemary essential oil, thyme extract, lavender essential oil, lecithin, peppermint essential oil, tea tree essential oil, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and neem oil.

Here, Zipporah Hair and Skin has compiled five tips, tricks, and advice on how to cope with alopecia and nourish yourself from within.

1) Use products with active DHT blocker ingredients. DHT blockers will assist with preventing non-hereditary hair loss, by stopping your hair follicles from shrinking.

2) Use less tension on your hair. We all love a sleek up-do and tight bun, but is it really worth not having any edges? Love your scalp more by taking more breaks from wearing weaves and wigs.

3) If you can’t beat them, join them. Losing hair can be a daunting experience, but it is not as bad as holding on to something that no longer serves you in your current state and creates more suffering than it needs to. Davis had to learn to embrace her condition. “I am telling you, I have spent so much of my life not feeling comfortable in my skin. I am just so not there anymore.”

She said she used to wear wigs because of her condition but now wearing wigs is an option.

4) Seek counselling if you are experiencing social anxiety, depression, and paranoia because of your hair loss.

5) Eat a well-rounded diet with adequate protein.