Q&A: What Styles Are Best Avoided for Caucasian, Afro-Caribbean & Asian Hair? (2024)

Claire

Question: What stylesand services would you avoid for Caucasian hair, African Caribbean hairand Asian hair?

Answer: Excessive tension placed on the hair shafts, often after wearing extensions, weaves, braids or tight ponytails, can lead to a type of hair loss called Traction Alopecia. The hair is pulledso tightlythat itdamages the follicle. If the tension is severe enough, or done over a long period, the hair follicle shrivels, resultingin thinner hair or it can shrivel completely stopping hair growth, causing hair loss. This damage can take up to two years before it becomes visible. It can affect hair of any race, however, Afro-Caribbean hair ismost vulnerable because this race tends to weave and braid their hair significantly more than other races.

African Caribbean hair
Afro-Caribbean hair in particular should avoid overstyling. This is because the hair grows in a tight spiral, making it difficult for the natural oils produced by the scalp to work their way to the ends of the hair. As a result this hair is moreprone to certain scalp problems and is often dryer and more likely to break. Hair breakage willeventually lead to thinning hair which is often the early stage of hair loss.

In summary,Afro-Caribbeans must follow the advice below and take extra-precautions in using the correct hair care products.

The wearing of extensionsoften pulls and plucks the hair out of the roots or it causes the hair to break off very close to the scalp resulting in bald patches. All hair typesshould avoid this hairstyle butespecially hair that is dry and prone to breakage (any race) and African Caribbean hair.

Perming & Colouring
Chemical process such as perming and colouring the hair in one sitting as the hair can be over processed to the point of breakage. This often results in thinning hair. All hair types are susceptible to this chemical damage but particularly hair that is dry and prone to breakage (any race) and African Caribbean hair.

Regular Colouring
Repeated colouring such as when a person colours his or her hair only to dislike the result and then colours it again on the same day. The hair must be left alone for a week or ideally two weeks before having the colour re-done. This advice applies to all races.

Plaits and Braiding
Any plaits worn for a long period can cause excessive tension on any hair type. Theplait should be big, loose, and worn for a short period. Braiding and corn rows arein particular very bad for Afro-Caribbean hair.

How to Treat Hair that is Damaged from Excessive Styling
Sometimes, after a break from styling, the hair will return to its former condition. However, if the hair has been severely weakened from overstyling,a shorthair loss treatment programme canhelp thehair follicles return to a healthy hair growth cycle. To find out more about hair loss treatments, contact the Belgravia Centre for a free consultation.

More Information:
Hair Types and Race Differences
Asian Hair Facts
Hair Care for Afro-CaribbeanStyles
Hair Loss Product Reviews