Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association
What is the difference between hair loss and hair shedding?
- They are the same
- Hair shedding will stop on its own
- Hair loss will stop on its own
- New moms often experience hair loss
Hair loss occurs when something stops the hair from growing. Hair shedding is when the body sheds significantly more hairs every day.
New moms can often see excessive hair shedding about two months after giving birth. The shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth. This shedding is normal and temporary.
True or False – It’s normal to shed between 50 – 100 hairs a day.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Everyone loses some hair every day. The average person has about 100,000 hair follicles on their scalp.
What are some symptoms and signs of hair loss?
- Burning or stinging before sudden hair loss
- Scaly bald patches, often with sores or blisters that open and ooze pus
- Intense itching, burning, and tenderness where you have hair loss
- All of the above
Less hair is not the only sign of hair loss. The signs and symptoms that you develop depend on what’s causing your hair loss.
How should you wash your hair?
- By rubbing shampoo into the length of your hair
- By massaging shampoo into your scalp
- By using hot water only
- By skipping conditioner
Wash your hair by massaging shampoo gently into your scalp and rinsing while letting it flow through the length of your hair. Conditioner should e applied to the ends of hair after every shampoo. Hot water can dry out your scalp.
True or False – Sewn-in weaves are preferred to ones that use bonding glue for hair loss.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Which of the following is recommended to prevent hair damage?
- Do more than one service (coloring, relaxing, and perming) at the same time
- Only use conditioner when your hair feels brittle
- Wear a hat or leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide when in the sun
- Apply styling products that offer long-lasting hold
Have only one service—a coloring, relaxer, or perm. If you want more than one service, perm or relax your hair first, and do it two weeks before you color your hair. Products that offer longlasting hold can make your hair brittle.
True or False – Hair needs 100 brush strokes a day.
- TRUE
- FALSE
Brush and comb your hair only to style it. Hair never needs 100 brush strokes a day. That’s a myth and may cause split ends and breakage. Avoid pulling and tugging on your hair as you brush, comb, or style it.
How can you prevent hair damage from a weave or extensions?
- Get your natural hair in good shape
- Pay attention if you feel pain or have a headache from your hairstyle
- Protect the wisply baby hairs that grow around your hairline
- Give you hair breaks in between different styles
- All of the above
Because a weave or extensions often require women to wear their natural hair tightly pulled, this can be tough on hair. The constant pulling can cause strands of hair to break or fall out, and it could damage your hair follicles. Once the hair follicles are damaged, your hair cannot grow back, leading to permanent hair loss.
How you protect hair when swimming?
- Avoid swim caps
- Avoid swimmers shampoo
- Wet and condition hair before swimming
- All of the above
True or False – Stress can cause hair shedding.
- TRUE
- FALSE
The medical term for this condition is telogen effluvium. Most people notice the excessive hair shedding a few months after the stressful event. As your body readjusts, the excessive shedding stops. Within six to nine months, the hair tends to regains its normal fullness.
What is recommended by dermatologists to keep Black hair healthy?
- Wash your hair every day
- Use a hot oil treatment twice a month
- Apply relaxers often
- Avoid conditioner
Unique in appearance and structure, Black people’s hair is especially fragile and prone to injury and damage. To minimize damage and keep hair beautiful, wash your hair once a week or every other week to prevent build-up of hair care products, which can be drying. Conditioner and hot oil treatments can add additional moisture and elasticity to the hair. Use caution with relaxers.
True or False – The sun can damage your hair.
- TRUE
- FALSE
The sun can make your hair weak, dry, rough, faded and brittle. This is especially true if you dye, bleach or perm your hair. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside.