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Review
. 2023 Oct 4;9(3):e111.
doi: 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000111. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Considerations and recommendations on camouflage in alopecia in Black women

Marta Taye  1 , Nourine Ahmed Kamili  1 , Crystal Aguh  2 , Loren D Krueger  1
Affiliations
Review

Considerations and recommendations on camouflage in alopecia in Black women

Marta Taye et al. Int J Womens Dermatol. .

Abstract

Alopecia is among the leading dermatological concerns affecting Black women. For many women, hair is a central component of identity and self-expression, the loss of which can have significant psychosocial effects. Hair camouflage is often utilized to minimize the visibility of hair loss, provide aesthetic benefits, and improve quality of life. The versatility and affordability of hair camouflage allows patients with alopecia to conceal hair loss, increasing self-confidence, and decreasing social stigma. However, hair camouflage practices often involve adhesives, chemicals, and/or high-tension braiding, all of which can exacerbate alopecia. Accordingly, special considerations should be made to protect patients' natural hair from damage while using these styling practices. A better understanding of best practices for some of the most widely used camouflage options-wigs, extensions, topical hair fibers, and micropigmentation-can help clinicians establish rapport with Black women and optimize individually-tailored therapeutic plans during active treatment and end-stage hair loss.

Keywords: alopecia; camouflage; extensions; hair transplant; microblading; wig.

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Conflict of interest statement

C.A. serves as a consultant for Pfizer, Lilly, Myovant Sciences & Olaplex and receives grant funding from Janssen. L.K. is a speaker for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Example of a synthetic fiber wig styled into twists (A). Wig caps made with net foundation of nylon are popular for being versatile and lightweight (B).
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Example of a weave, a type of hair extension added to existing hair (A). Weaves consist of “hair tracks” of hair extensions that can be applied to the scalp with adhesives (B).
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Example of traction alopecia concealed using hair fibers along the frontal hairline.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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