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Do you know who really have a lot on their minds? Breakdancers. That’s right — these head-spinning, gravity-defying performers often carry more on their scalps than just hair.<br /><br />In fact, one dancer found himself with a literal <keyword id="23520423" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bulge" source="keywords">bulge</keyword> on his head after years of dedicated <keyword id="19921722" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="headspin" source="keywords">headspin</keyword> practice. This condition, known in the breakdancing world as a "<keyword id="23517131" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="headspin-hole" source="Orion">headspin hole</keyword>," has now spun its way into the medical literature, thanks to one unusual and eye-opening case.<br /><h2>What is that bulge?</h2>In a paper a team of doctors shared the story of a man who developed what they called a "<keyword id="23520424" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="breakdance-bulge" source="Orion">breakdance bulge</keyword>" on the top of his head after nearly two decades of practicing headspins. The man, in his early 30s, had spent 19 years perfecting his head spins, dedicating about five days a week to his craft. Of each 1.5-hour session, two to seven minutes were spent directly on headspins — moves that put direct pressure on the crown of his head.<br /><br />As a result, a bulbous lump of tissue had gradually formed, becoming tender to the touch and surrounded by a circular patch of <keyword id="20082522" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hair-loss" source="keywords">hair loss</keyword>. The bump, which had grown larger over the past five years, became significant enough to interfere with his daily life, prompting him to seek medical advice.<br /><div type="twitter" handle="Rainmaker1973" handlename="Rainmaker1973" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1844711336502018235"></div>"The presence of the lesion and associated discomfort were aesthetically displeasing to the patient," the doctors reported in their case study, "but the protuberance had not hindered the patient from continuing his head-spinning activities."<br /><br />Upon physical examination, doctors found that the skin covering the bump moved easily, suggesting the mass was positioned between the skin and skull. A structural scan of his head confirmed this and revealed that both the skin above and the skull below had thickened around the bump — a probable response to the repeated stress of years of headspins.<br /><h2>A little off the top</h2>During surgery, doctors removed the large lump of fibrous tissue and shaved down the thickened portion of the dancer’s skull to bring it back to a normal width. The patient was pleased with the results. "I have received a lot of positive feedback, and people say it looks well done, that I have a nice scar," he shared. "Many say that they no longer notice that I have a bump and that my head looks completely normal."<br /><br />Although "<keyword id="23520422" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="breakdance" source="keywords">breakdance</keyword> bulge" or "headspin hole" may sound like rare and niche afflictions, these conditions are actually well-known within the breakdancing community. However, they are scarcely documented in medical literature. The limited research that does exist hints that frequent headspins may lead to <keyword id="21087868" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="scalp-issues" source="keywords">scalp issues</keyword>, including hair loss and bumps.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112536415" title="Rumors that Raygun&amp;#39;s husband judged her Olympic qualifier are false. Here&amp;#39;s how the viral Australian breakdancer actually got to Paris." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>In some cases, the physical trauma and scarring can cause <keyword id="23520425" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="traction-alopecia" source="keywords">traction alopecia</keyword>, which happens when hair follicles are damaged due to repeated pulling at the roots. This was observed in a study from Germany that surveyed 100 breakers: around 60% reported head-related overuse injuries, with 31% experiencing hair loss and 24% developing painless bumps on their heads. Scalp inflammation was present in approximately 37% of these cases.<br /><br />While headspin-induced bumps are mostly considered aesthetic issues by doctors, the risks for breakdancers may extend beyond the cosmetic. There is some evidence linking headspins to a higher likelihood of developing lichen planopilaris, an inflammatory condition in which immune cells attack hair follicles, leading to bald patches.<br /><br />Nonetheless, as the dancer in this case proved, the passion for breaking can spin strong enough to overshadow the small sacrifices that come with it. For <keyword id="22569945" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="b-boys" source="keywords">b-boys</keyword> and <keyword id="22726237" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="b-girls" source="keywords">b-girls</keyword> around the world, a little "breakdance bulge" might just be another sign of a life spent defying gravity.<br /><br />The findings of this research have been published in <em>BMJ Case Reports </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://casereports.bmj.com/lookup/doi/10.1136/bcr-2024-261854">here</a>.<br />

Intense breakdancing practice led to a dancer developing a bald, cone-shaped bulge on the top of his head — check images here

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When I was young, traction alopecia from tight hairstyles caused me to experience some hair loss.</li><li>I started treatment for it, but it took awhile for me to change my mindset about my hair.</li></ul><p>"Hit the back of her head with this hammer three times a day," a local acupuncturist said.</p><p>I had made an appointment seeking help for the alopecia that started developing in my early teens. His remedy sounded terrifying. My mother intervened and refused his treatment suggestion for me.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/black-women-honor-crown-act-advocate-to-end-hair-discrimination-2021-7">Hair is a major part</a> of many women's identity; it affects how we feel, how we look, and how we show up. If something as simple as a bad hair day can easily ruin your mood, something as drastic as losing hair feels like losing yourself.</p><h2>Finding answers — and a solution</h2><p>There are several reasons someone can lose their hair, and a visit to a healthcare professional soon revealed that I had traction alopecia. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are many kinds of alopecia, including alopecia areata, which causes a person to lose hair in patches on the scalp or other places on the body, alopecia totalis, which leads to hair loss across the entire scalp, and even alopecia universalis, which causes hair loss across the entire body. Thankfully, my alopecia was on the milder side and induced by tight hairstyles.</p><p>If I could travel back in time, I would love to tell my hairdressers that doing your hair did not have to be synonymous with pain.</p><p>Hairdressers I went to used harsh chemical relaxers and styles that required heat. While things have gotten a bit better since the time I grew up, misinformation about Black hair continues to spread. I was always told things like, "Black hair is <a href="https://www.insider.com/microaggressions-against-black-peoples-hair-stop-making-2021-3">hard to manage</a>, hard to grow, and must continually be straightened to be acceptable." These things aren't true, yet I believed them to be for a while.</p><div type="image" title="Tina Charisma in a white dress smiling at the camera" height="1280" width="1249" msid="96092944" hostid="261" sizebytes="143738"></div><p>The myths about Black hair fed into my lack of experience and knowledge about my own hair. Once I was diagnosed with alopecia, I was given an ointment as a treatment, and my hair started to grow back. But my mindset toward it did not change, so my hair growth was stunted yet again. After one visit to the hairdressers when my hair was relaxed for far too long, I experienced even more hair loss. Finally, I did a big chop and decided to start my natural-hair journey. </p><h2>Relearning what it's like to love my hair</h2><p>It has been 12 years now since that experience. My natural-hair journey has not been linear but instead consisted of redefinition and reeducation. After doing my big chop, I had to learn about products and make sure that what I was <a href="https://www.insider.com/toxic-chemical-spreads-cancer-hair-products-for-black-women-2022-6">using on my hair was good for it</a>, and I decided to forego the tight styles that had gotten me into this situation in the first place.</p><p>Over the years, the Black-hair space has continually been revolutionized, which is empowering for Black women like me. It's because of this that I have found and enjoyed some great products specifically formulated for Afro hair, such as those from Adwoa Beauty and <a href="https://www.treasuretress.co.uk/">Treasure Tress</a>. I have also educated myself through exhibitions like "<a href="https://www.theblackhairexperience.com/">The Black Hair Experience</a>." The process of rediscovering what really works for my hair and what I specifically need has been eye-opening.</p><div type="image" title="Tina at the Black Hair Experience" height="1280" width="960" msid="96092945" hostid="261" sizebytes="78786"></div><p>Hair loss can affect anyone, but it's imperative that we are all equally equipped to address it. No matter our backgrounds, we all should be able to show up as our authentic selves, hair texture and all. My natural-hair journey has become one of self-love and -care that I have decided to take responsibility for by embracing it and nurturing it.</p>

I had traction alopecia from tight hair styles when I was young. After getting a big chop a few years ago, I started my natural-hair journey, and I finally love my hair texture.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The most common type of hair loss in women is androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss.</li><li>Hair loss can be caused by genetics, stress, medications, or autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata.</li><li>A dermatologist can help determine what's causing your hair loss and how best to treat it.</li></ul><p>Losing <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding#:~:text=It's%20normal%20to%20shed%20between,this%20condition%20is%20telogen%20effluvium." target="_blank" rel="noopener">between 50 and 100 hairs every day</a> is normal, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/why-is-my-hair-falling-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shedding</a> significantly more than that can <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-your-hair-loss-normal-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signal a problem</a>.</p><p>Roughly <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one-third of women</a> experience female pattern hair loss, or androgenetic <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/baldness-alopecia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alopecia</a>, at some point in their lives, and it becomes increasingly likely as you age. In fact, a <a href="https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/9000/prevalence_of_female_pattern_hair_loss_in.96812.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2022 study</a> found that 52.2% of postmenopausal women experience some degree of female pattern hair loss.</p><p>Fortunately, hair loss is generally not considered dangerous, according to <a href="https://www.yalemedicine.org/specialists/jeffrey_m_cohen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jeffrey M. Cohen</a>, MD, Yale Medicine dermatologist.</p><p>However, Cohen says it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that does present <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> risks, such as<a href="https://www.insider.com/thyroid-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> hypothyroidism</a>. </p><p>Additionally, he notes that hair loss can cause a psychological impact and be emotionally taxing for those who identify as women, which can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1261195/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead to anxiety and depression</a>.</p><p>Here's what to know about common causes of hair loss in women, as well as how it can be treated and prevented. </p><h2><strong>Types of hair loss in women</strong></h2><p>Here are some of the most common types of <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hair loss</a>: </p><ol><li><strong>Androgenetic alopecia</strong> — otherwise known as female pattern hair loss — is the most common type of hair loss in women, and it involves hair thinning on the top and sides of the head. </li><li><strong>Telogen effluvium</strong> is the <a href="https://www.americanhairloss.org/types_of_hair_loss/effluviums.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second most common</a>. It's usually triggered by stress, which causes a sudden surge in the number of dormant hair follicles, thus leading to increased shedding. It can also come after you've experienced a high fever or illness, which is why many people have reported hair shedding after contracting COVID-19.</li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482293/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Anagen effluvium</strong></a> is rapid hair loss caused by medications, such as chemotherapy drugs.</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/jada-pinkett-smith-alopecia-causes-symptoms-hair-loss-disease-2022-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Alopecia areata</strong></a> is an <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/alopecia-areata/#causes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autoimmune condition</a> in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles. It often causes hair loss in patches, but can also affect the entire scalp or body.</li></ol><h2><strong>What causes alopecia?</strong></h2><p>There are many different causes for hair loss in women. Some of the most common are the following:</p><h3>Genetics </h3><p>Female pattern <keyword id="12554871" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="baldness" source="Orion">baldness</keyword>, in particular, has been found to <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">run in families</a>. If <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">your parents have pattern baldness</a>, you're more likely to experience it. </p><p>While <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3364959/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> has found a strong link between hair loss in men and the AR gene on the "X" chromosome, researchers<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28453904/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> have yet to isolate</a> a specific gene for hair loss in women.</p><p>Researchers think that alopecia areata might be genetic, but it could also be caused by environmental factors, such as stress.</p><h3><keyword id="6358235" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="menopause" source="Orion">Menopause</keyword></h3><p>Post-menopausal women typically experience <a href="https://www.insider.com/thinning-hair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thinning hair</a>, says Alexander Zuriarrain, MD, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with <a href="https://www.zuriplasticsurgery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zuri Plastic Surgery</a>. </p><p>In fact, up to <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two-thirds of women</a> experience <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thinning-hair-in-women-why-it-happens-and-what-helps-2020032719267" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hair thinning</a> or bald spots after <a href="https://www.insider.com/menopause-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">menopause</a>. </p><p>This happens because during menopause, women produce <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less estrogen and progesterone</a>, which trigger an increase in the production of androgens. Androgens are considered to be male hormones that are <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss#:~:text=Androgens%20include%20testosterone%20and%20other,for%20treatment%20of%20androgenic%20alopecia." target="_blank" rel="noopener">linked to shrinking hair follicles and hair loss</a>.</p><h3>Nutrient deficiencies</h3><p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34553483/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2021 study</a> found that <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin D</a> plays a key role in hair growth, and that deficiency in this vitamin is linked to androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, among other types of alopecia. </p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitamin D deficiency</a> is very common, affecting <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6075634/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">41.6% of US adults</a> — but you can easily get more of this nutrient through <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-foods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foods like</a> salmon, mushrooms, egg yolks, fortified orange juice and milk. You can also take an over the counter <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-side-effects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">supplement</a> if you do not prefer these foods. </p><p>An <a href="https://www.insider.com/iron-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">iron deficiency</a> can also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678013/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contribute to hair loss</a>, says Zuriarrain, so it's a good idea to incorporate <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-high-in-iron#:~:text=Foods%20that%20are%20rich%20in,dark%20leafy%20greens%2C%20like%20spinach." target="_blank" rel="noopener">iron-rich foods</a> like lentils and beans, fortified milk, and spinach, or other dark leafy greens into your diet. You can also try<a href="https://www.insider.com/iron-supplement-side-effects" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> a supplement</a>.</p><h2><strong>Symptoms and risk factors</strong></h2><p>Female pattern hair loss can present in a number of different ways, says Cohen, including thinning at the top or sides of the head or widening of the central part. </p><p>While your risk of hair loss grows with age, there are also other risk factors that increase your <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chances of hair loss</a> including:</p><ul><li>Women who are older than 40</li><li>Women who have already been through <a href="https://www.insider.com/menopause-age" target="_blank" rel="noopener">menopause</a>, especially if they are also taking testosterone.</li><li>Women who <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/new-moms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have just had a baby</a></li><li>Women who have experienced <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/in-depth/hair-loss/art-20046920" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemotherapy</a></li><li>Women with severe <a href="https://www.btf-thyroid.org/hair-loss-and-thyroid-disorders#:~:text=Severe%20and%20prolonged%20hypothyroidism%20and,months%20and%20may%20be%20incomplete." target="_blank" rel="noopener">thyroid disease</a></li><li>Women with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin D deficiency</a></li></ul><div type="image" title="A bald patch is shown on the back of a woman’s head." height="3840" width="5119" msid="90553548" hostid="261"></div><h2><strong>How do doctors diagnose alopecia?</strong></h2><p>A <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">physical exam</a> by a dermatologist or other healthcare provider can reveal what type of hair loss you have, which will determine the recommended treatment. </p><p>Your doctor may visually examine your scalp and gently tug on small sections of hair — if six or more strands come out, that may <a href="https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicate you have telogen effluvium</a>, anagen effluvium, or early androgenetic alopecia.</p><p>Usually, a dermatologist will be able to identify the type and cause of hair loss during a physical exam, but if they need more info for a diagnosis — for example, if they notice lesions on the scalp — they may <a href="https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">conduct blood tests or a scalp biopsy</a>.</p><p>Blood tests can check for: </p><ul><li>Hormone levels to rule out underlying causes like thyroid disease or menopause.</li><li>Vitamin or mineral deficiencies to rule out autoimmune diseases that might affect your ability to absorb nutrients. </li></ul><p>A biopsy typically entails puncturing the scalp to remove a small sample of tissue, which is then submitted for testing. A lab analysis of the sample can help to <a href="https://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/0815/p356.html#:~:text=If%20hair%20loss%20does%20not,hair%20loss%20should%20be%20obtained." target="_blank" rel="noopener">determine which type of hair loss you have</a>.</p><p>"Women who experience hair loss not associated with pregnancy or stress should be evaluated by their primary care physicians to rule out other causes of hair loss such as thyroid disease, <a href="https://www.insider.com/iron-deficiency#:~:text=Medical%20term%3A%20Anemia%20is%20a,not%20caused%20by%20iron%20deficiency." target="_blank" rel="noopener">anemia</a>, autoimmune diseases, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-pcos#:~:text=Polycystic%20ovary%20syndrome%2C%20or%20PCOS,15%20to%2044%20years%20old." target="_blank" rel="noopener">polycystic ovarian syndrome</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-deal-with-psoriasis-dermatologist-tips-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">psoriasis</a>, and seborrheic dermatitis," says Zuriarrain.</p><h2><strong>Hair loss treatments</strong></h2><p>The right treatment for hair loss depends on the cause. Zuriarrain says hair loss related to hormonal changes from pregnancy or stress is usually only temporary, and therefore may require you to wait to give birth or take steps to<a href="https://www.insider.com/stress-relief" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> mitigate your stress levels</a> in order to treat it.</p><p>If your hair loss seems to be triggered by something else, you may consider supplements or medications. But not all supplements on the market may have scientific backing. Here are some of the ones that do:</p><ul><li><strong>Vitamin D:</strong> A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2019 review</a> found vitamin D supplements can help improve androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, two of the most common types of hair loss. </li><li><strong>Omega 3 and 6 plus antioxidants:</strong> A small <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25573272/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study</a> found that a supplement with omega fatty acids along with antioxidants helped to improve hair density. Of the participants who took this supplement for six months, 89.9% reported a reduction in hair loss. If you have an iron deficiency, <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/treating-female-pattern-hair-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">supplementing with this mineral</a> may help to slow or stop hair loss. </li><li><strong>Viviscal:</strong> A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4389977/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study</a> of women with self-perceived thinning hair found that taking the natural marine collagen protein supplement Viviscal for 90 days decreased hair shedding while improving hair quality and strength. </li><li><strong>Nutrafol: </strong>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29742189/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018 study</a> found that a "significant percentage" of subjects who took the plant-based supplement Nutrafol saw an improvement in hair growth, volume, thickness, and hair growth rate.</li></ul><p>As for medications, the only FDA-approved hair loss medication for both men and women is <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-topical-route/side-effects/drg-20068750?p=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minoxidil</a> (2% or 5%). This medication is available over-the-counter and applied topically to the scalp, but may take several months until you see results. </p><p>"Minoxidil helps by keeping the hair in the strongest part of the hair cycle to improve the overall thickness of the hair," says Cohen. "This can be very safe and very effective for women with hair loss."</p><p>Another <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prescription hair loss medication</a> is<a href="https://www.aocd.org/page/FemalePatternHair" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Spironolactone</a>, a type of steroid that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769411/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hinders the effects of androgens in the body</a> and tends to be more effective for women who experience pre-menopausal hair loss. </p><p>Corticosteroids are sometimes used to suppress the immune system and <a href="https://nyulangone.org/conditions/hair-loss/treatments/medication-for-hair-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener">treat alopecia areata</a>. They can either be applied topically or injected directly into the scalp. While corticosteroids may not treat the condition completely, they have been found to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7365156/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moderately improve</a> hair growth in adults and children.</p><p>Beyond supplements and medicine, other treatment options include:</p><ul><li><strong>Hormone replacement therapy:</strong> For postmenopausal women, <a href="https://www.aocd.org/page/FemalePatternHair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hormone replacement</a> therapies, like <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/conjugated-estrogens-and-medroxyprogesterone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075469?p=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prempro</a>, are a common prescription medication. </li><li><strong>Laser therapy:</strong> A small <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7373546/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 study</a> found that <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">low-level laser therapy</a> increased hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia. FDA-approved at-home devices include the HairMax Lasercomb and the Theradome LH80 PRO helmet.</li><li><a href="https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/hair-transplantation-and-restoration/women" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Hair transplants</strong></a> are a form of surgical treatment that involves grafting hair onto thinning or balding areas. However, it requires you to have a patch of strong hair growth from which grafts can be pulled. For most, this is typically the back of the head.</li></ul><h2><strong>How to prevent hair loss</strong></h2><p>It's unlikely that you can prevent hair loss related to aging, heredity, or disease, says Cohen.</p><p>However, if your hair loss is caused by something that's more related to lifestyle, then there are associated lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk: </p><ul><li>Maintain a well-balanced diet that meets all your vitamin and mineral requirements</li><li>Reduce stress in your everyday life </li><li>Quit smoking </li><li>Avoid tight hairstyles or hair products laden with chemicals and sulfates, which can all contribute to traction alopecia</li></ul><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>In women, hair loss becomes increasingly common with age — particularly after menopause. But it can also be caused by other factors such as genetics, malnutrition, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disorders. </p><p>That's why it's a good idea to inform your doctor about your hair loss, so they can determine the root cause and best course of treatment.</p><p>While hair loss caused by aging or genetics is unavoidable, you can address hair loss if it's related to your lifestyle by making sure you're mitigating stress, getting enough vitamin D and iron, and using gentler hair products and styling tactics. </p><p>If making those changes doesn't help, your doctor may conduct a series of tests to identify any potential underlying medical conditions.</p>

More than 50% of postmenopausal women experience hair loss &mdash; here's what causes alopecia and how to treat it

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Sofia Richie, the daughter of singer Lionel Richie, is one of TikTok's most popular "it girls."</li><li>She often sports a slick bun, and she recently shared a tutorial on how fans can recreate the look. </li></ul><p>Sofia Richie is known for many things — her <a href="https://www.insider.com/sofia-richie-style-how-to-dress-old-money-trend-2023-6">old money aesthetic</a>, her <a href="https://www.insider.com/sofia-richie-elliot-grainge-marry-wedding-photos-france-2023-4">lavish wedding festivities</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/scott-disick-sofia-richie-relationship-timeline">her famous family and friends</a>, and, of course, her slick bun. </p><p>Earlier this week, Richie, 25, gave fans a tutorial on how she does her <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sofiarichiegrainge/video/7274253851136494891?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signature sleek hairstyle on TikTok</a>, in a video that has already received over 21.3 million views and 2.3 million likes.</p><p>She begins the tutorial by saying she'd just gotten out of the shower and that it was the "perfect opportunity" to show fans how she crafts the look.</p><p>Richie said she's mastered doing the bun with any product, but she preferred working with hair oil, Oribe lotion hair lotion, and a hair mask.</p> <p>"Honestly because it started wet, it is so secured onto your head," she says at the end of the TikTok, adding that damp hair helped the bun become firm like a "helmet" without being "sticky" or "hard."</p><p>But while fans appear to be loving Richie's guide to achieving her signature sleek bun, hairstylists on the platform have issued warnings about a key part of her method — wet hair. </p><h2>Styling wet hair can cause it to 'snap off,' hairstylists say</h2><p>TikToker Abbey Yung, who describes herself as a trichologist in training and posts regular content about hair and skincare, responded to Richie's tutorial <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@abbeyyung/video/7275450413380554030?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in a TikTok</a> warning viewers trying to grow out damaged hair not to try the sleek style with wet hair. </p><p>"Don't try this hairstyle if you're trying to grow out damaged hair," Yung said in her stitch with Richie's original video.</p> <p>"Wet hair is incredibly fragile and susceptible to breakage," she added. "Even when our hair is dry, brushing, pulling, and twisting on it are what ultimately causes our hair to snap off, so the potential for breakage just becomes so much worse."</p><p>British hairstylist and colorist Rachel Valentine echoed Yung's warnings in <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelvalentinehair/video/7275004781196741921" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her own response to Richie's TikTok</a>. </p><p>"Yes it looks amazing, however, this is going to be so damaging if you do this to your hair," she said. "Our hair is like an elastic band and when it's wet it's really stretchy and if you think about the more your going to be stretching that elastic band and putting it under stress, the more likely it is to break."</p><p>Another issue that fans of the hairstyle should be aware of is <a href="https://www.insider.com/mistakes-styling-hair-2018-3">the damage</a> a tight, slick bun can do to hair over time.</p><p>According <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/traction-alopecia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to Healthline</a>, repeatedly pulling hair back into a tight updo can cause Traction alopecia, a condition first identified by doctors in Greenland in the early 1900s after they discovered women styling their hair into ponytails were losing hair along their hairline.</p>

Hairstylists warn Sofia Richie fans that they could damage their hair by trying to recreate her iconic sleek bun

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Felicia Leatherwood is a celebrity hairstylist who specializes in natural haircare. </strong></li><li><strong>Leatherwood has worked with celebrities like Issa Rae, Viola Davis, Ava DuVernay, and Jill Scott. </strong></li></ul><p><em>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Felicia Leatherwood, a celebrity stylist and natural hair expert who's worked in the industry for over two decades. It has been edited for length and clarity.</em></p><p>I've been doing hair since I was 16, but on the books, I started professionally in 2000. During my career, I've worked with several celebrities, including Ava DuVernay, Viola Davis, and Issa Rae. I styled Issa's hair on "Insecure," and HBO interviewed me about the looks. It went viral on social media and in that space, I got a lot of DMs of people saying, "Take your flowers." </p> <p>At that moment, I was able to have gratitude for what I've done and what I've built – and then I went back to work. </p><h2><strong>Don't use combs to detangle natural curls and coils because they don't always break up knots</strong></h2><p>I wouldn't use a comb because the little teeth of the comb don't always break up the hair, especially if you have what's known as "fairy knots," which is where the strand in the most micro level will loop into itself and create a knot. </p> <p>When you use a <a href="http://www.felicialeatherwood.com/brush" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detangling brush,</a> always start on the ends and work your way toward the scalp while the hair has conditioner on it. Never begin at the scalp when you have natural hair texture or textured hair.</p><h2><strong>Using non-moisturizing shampoos and products while washing natural hair will cause dryness</strong></h2><p>Your hair products, including shampoo, should be moisturizing instead.</p><p>If you have tight curly, or kinky, coarse hair, you should look for a shampoo that softens the hair. One of my tips is to use a conditioning shampoo or add conditioner to a shampoo that dries your hair out. </p><p>If your hair is straight, wavy, or loosely curled, then you can do a clarifying shampoo because the sebum, which is the oil that naturally comes from the things we eat and creates buildup, is not the best with those textures. Sebum can make straight or loosely curled hair stringy.</p><h2><strong>I would avoid products that have alcohol </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Black woman styles her natural hair" height="2921" width="3887" msid="100380628" hostid="261" sizebytes="199408"></div><p>If you read a product's ingredients and see alcohol come up like three times while having 4A to 4C texture hair, I would say, "Don't do it." The alcohol is going to dry your hair out.</p><p>And I definitely want to make sure that women understand that as a hairstylist, I've talked to so many different types of women. Some say, "I want nothing to do with parabens or sulfates." On the other hand, I've had other women tell me their hair likes parabens and they do not mind over-the-counter products that have sulfates and parabens. </p><p>So, I often say if you notice that your body, scalp, or skin is sensitive, avoid those chemicals. </p><p>Also, any ingredient that's in relaxers and perms should not be in your shampoos, conditioners, or anything you use on your hair. I'd also avoid <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-avoid-toxic-chemical-phthalates-in-food-makeup-toiletries-2021-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">phthalates</a> because they're harmful. </p><h2><strong>Try not to use styling products that won't work with your hair texture</strong></h2><div type="image" title="Black women with natural hair" height="2097" width="3264" msid="100380630" hostid="261" sizebytes="450206"></div><p>Gels, mousses, and foams are fine for wavy to curly hair, but creams tend to weigh hair down when you're in that loose curl category. Creams can make the hair heavy and mess with the curl.</p><p>If your hair is coarse, coily, or has a tighter curl, creams are better. Creams and butters work best because they coat and seal the hair's cuticle layers to provide moisture. </p><h2><strong>Some people with natural hair don't like shrinkage, but don't use a blow dryer too often</strong></h2><p>Some people really like to stretch their hair because they don't like the shrinkage, but don't use the blow dryer often. Every other week is enough, or two to three times a month.</p><p>Before using a blow dryer, you'll need a heat protectant because the heat will break the cuticle bonds down on the hair. </p> <h2><strong>With protective styles </strong>like braids, <strong>make sure not to pull your edges too tight</strong></h2> <p>People should hold their edges when a braider starts with their hair so they can literally release the tension. The client should be able to hold the very tip of that braid at the base of the scalp so that the braider or the hair cells is not pulling the hair, causing traction alopecia.</p>

I've styled Issa Rae's hair for nearly a decade. From ditching combs to holding your edges during protective styles, here's how to care for natural hair.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>If your hair keeps falling out, then it may be due to androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata. </li><li>It could also be because you aren't getting enough protein, zinc, and iron in your diet.</li><li>Wearing tight hairstyles like buns can also damage your hair follicles and cause shedding. </li></ul><p>It can be very alarming if you start noticing more hairs on your pillow or seeing bald spots in the mirror. There are many possible causes for <keyword id="129494" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Hair-loss">hair loss</keyword>, both serious and benign. The good news is that there are also many solutions. Here are five common causes of hair loss and how to fix it.</p><h2>1. Telogen effluvium</h2><p>Telogen effluvium, sometimes referred to as stress shedding, is a common cause for hair loss, says <a href="https://www.vivedermatology.com/Our-Physicians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Susan Bard, MD</a>, board-certified dermatologist at <a href="http://www.vivedermatology.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vive Dermatology</a>. </p><p>When you experience an intense period of emotional or physical stress, your body goes into survival mode. It stops non-essential functions to preserve nutrients - and growing hair is something your body deems non-essential, says Bard.</p><p>But you typically won't experience shedding until three to six months after the period of stress because it takes time for the stressor to shift the hair cycle.  </p><p>This can be caused by many stressors, Bard says, such as:</p><ul><li>Fever</li><li>Illness</li><li>Thyroid or organ dysfunction</li><li>Surgery</li><li>Medication changes</li><li>Pregnancy or postpartum</li><li>Psychological stressors such as a major life change</li></ul><p><strong>How to fix it: </strong></p><p>There are a couple of ways to address hair loss caused by telogen effluvium, Bard says, including:</p><ul><li>Hair supplements: <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-biotin-as-good-as-advertised-for-your-hair-loss/">Biotin</a>, a type of B vitamin, can help improve hair growth.</li><li>Patience: Within several months, the issue should resolve on its own.</li></ul><h2>2. Hair styling</h2><p>Wearing styles that pull on the scalp, like tight buns or ponytails, cause traction alopecia. This happens because constant pulling on the hair can cause hair breakages as well as inflammation and scarring.</p><p>Traction alopecia can sometimes result in permanent hair loss through destruction of the hair follicle, says Strachan. </p><p><strong>How to fix it:</strong></p><p>To prevent further damage and hair loss, try out different hairstyles that are easier on the scalp and avoid using chemicals on your hair. </p><h2>3. Malnourishment</h2><p>If you aren't getting enough nutrients from your diet, this can result in hair loss, says <a href="http://www.dinastrachanmd.com/">Dina Strachan, MD</a>, board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert at <a href="https://www.dinastrachanmd.com/">Aglow Dermatology</a>. This is most common in people who are deficient in zinc, iron, and protein.</p><p>Protein in particular is crucial for hair growth. If your body is low on protein, it will prioritize using the <a href="https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=aa102618" target="_blank" rel="noopener">protein for more essential bodily functions</a> rather than hair growth. </p><p><strong>How to fix it:</strong></p>Related Article Module: The best vitamins to help your hair's growth, thickness, and overall <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword><p>Blood tests can identify any deficiencies that may explain your hair loss. If a deficiency is the root cause, you can speak with your doctor about reversing the hair loss with diet and supplements. </p><h2>4. Androgenetic alopecia</h2><p>This condition, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is extremely common. It's estimated to affect <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/#frequency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">50 million men and 30 million women</a> in the US. </p><p>Androgenetic alopecia is often genetic and will usually start sometime after puberty and before age 40, says Strachan.</p><p><strong>How to fix it: </strong></p><p>There are options for treating androgenic alopecia, including: </p><ul><li><strong>Over-the-counter treatments:</strong> A popular over-the-counter treatment is <a href="https://www.rogaine.com/why-rogaine-works/how-rogaine-works">Rogaine</a><strong>, </strong>which is a topical remedy that works by stimulating your hair follicles and increasing the size of them and making your hair thicker.</li><li><strong>Medication:</strong> <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Finasteride </a>is a prescription medicine that inhibits a hormone that stunts hair growth. Just keep in mind that typically only men and menopausal women are prescribed finasteride, due to the fact that it can cause birth defects for women of childbearing potential, says Strachan.</li><li><strong>Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): </strong>During the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PRP</a> procedure, platelets of your own blood are injected into your scalp, which aids in tissue renewal and subsequent hair growth. </li><li><strong>Surgical hair transplant:</strong>  This involves harvesting healthy hair and replanting it in areas of hair loss.</li></ul><h2>5. Alopecia areata </h2><p>An autoimmune disease called alopecia areata causes the body to wrongfully attack the hair cells, leading to hair loss, says Bard. This condition affects around<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/alopecia-areata/#frequency" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> one out of 500-1000 people</a> in the US. Usually, there is a genetic predisposition to developing this disease, but it can also be triggered by emotional or physical trauma.</p><p>"It typically presents as discrete patches of hair loss on the scalp or beard and may progress to the entire body in very severe cases," says Bard. Hair will <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/types/alopecia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">typically grow back in the bald patches</a>, but it may fall out again. It depends on the individual. </p><p><strong>How to fix it: </strong></p><p>As soon as you notice a bald patch, you should see a dermatologist, says Bard. Alopecia areata must be diagnosed by a doctor, and sometimes a biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Bard says treatments include:</p><ul><li>Steroid injections</li><li>Topical medications</li><li>Systemic immunomodulators (medications that affect the immune system in a way that improves overactivity that maybe causing the problem)</li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>Determining the reason why your hair is falling out in the first place is crucial to finding the right treatment that will reverse the process. See a dermatologist or a trichologist (who focuses on the hair and scalp) when you notice excessive hair loss so that you can get your beautiful hair back. </p><a data-type="60709a92df0dbb6606289516">5 science-backed ways to make your hair grow faster, including supplements and DIY hair masks</a><a data-type="604b876a8b558078f8722d45">Rice water can make your hair grow longer and stronger: A guide to making it at home</a><a data-type="604bbd55ed75a40f555be574">Why biotin isn't a miracle hair-growth supplement - and the side effects you should know before taking it</a><a data-type="5fe24bcb935fea38fc27ade6">5 tips to get thicker hair and common causes of hair loss or thinning</a>

5 reasons why your hair may be falling out, including 'stress shedding'

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Getty/Angela Weiss</span></p><p class="caption">Though he recently cut his hair for a role, Jared Leto was a fan of the man bun.</p></div><p></p></div></div><keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="science">Science</keyword> has a warning for guys who wear man buns: do it and you're going to lose it. </p><p><span style="text-decoration: line-through;"></span>When hair is pulled back into an overly tight style, it causes unnecessary strain on follicles, specifically on the front hairline, and can result in a condition called traction alopecia. </p><p>"They're putting traction on the hair follicles that the hair is not really meant to take," Dr. Sabra Sullivan, a dermatologist from Mississippi, <a href="http://mic.com/articles/125687/science-has-bad-news-for-guys-with-man-buns">told Mic</a>. This pulling can cause hair follicle death and even scarring.</p><p>Dr. <span>Sullivan</span> adds that traction alopecia in men is becoming more common, and that hairstyles like the man bun should shoulder at least some of the blame. </p><p>Similarly tight hairstyles, like ponytails, can also cause the issue.</p><p>If you are going to wear the look, make sure to keep the bun loose, as it's really the tightness of the style that causes traction alopecia, notes Dr.<span> Sullivan. </span> </p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/tourists-captured-by-gunmen-at-a-philippine-resort-2015-9">Footage shows tourists captured by gunmen at a Philippine resort</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="1pdWludzr-Z739unKqQFZY7SiOx7B73s" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

Wearing a man bun can have this unwelcome side effect

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><p class="source"><span>Arun Nevader/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">The man bun is increasingly popular on the red carpet and the runway.</p></div><p></p></div></div>Rumors have <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/man-bun-can-cause-hair-loss-2015-9">been circulating</a> that the man bun - the latest in men's hairstyle trends - causes damage to the hair follicles, including <span>hair-follicle death, scarring, and even baldness.</span></p><p><span><span>"They're putting traction on the hair follicles that the hair is not really meant to take," Dr. Sabra Sullivan, a dermatologist from Mississippi, recently </span><a href="http://mic.com/articles/125687/science-has-bad-news-for-guys-with-man-buns">told millenial news site Mic</a> about people who use the hairstyle. This can result, she said, in a condition known as traction alopecia, which is becoming more and more common among men, partly due to the man bun.</span></p><p><span>But other dermatologists say there's no need to freak out. We spoke with Dr. Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist with New York City practice <a href="http://www.wexlerdermatology.com/">Wexler Dermatology</a>, about whether the man bun is any real cause for concern.</span></p><p>"Traction alopecia is caused by wearing a hairstyle that continuously pulls really tight on the hair and hair follicles, resulting in such damage that they don't grow hair anymore," she said. "With regards to the man bun, if they're not pulling it tight, they're not losing hair."</p><p>The real cause for concern is repeatedly wearing the style, and wearing it too tight. Occasionally pulling your hair back into a bun, ponytail, or any other up-do - provided it's not pulling on the hair follicles - is perfectly fine, said Fusco. "If the hair is put up loosely, you can put it up every day," said Dr. Airan.</p><p>"It's like wearing cornrows or weaves or any other tight style," Dr. Fusco said. "It has to be continuous to cause damage."</p><p>New York <a href="http://www.drlisaairan.com/">dermatologist Lisa Airan</a> agreed.</p><p>"If the tension is every day and constant, it is more likely to lead to alopecia," Dr. Airan said.</p><p>Dr. Fusco also warns, however, that men who are genetically prone to male-pattern baldness or thinning should approach the man bun with caution. And sticking with the same supertight 'do every day is a bad idea.</p><p>"If a man already has androgenic male-pattern thinning at the temple, pulling it tight might make it worse," she noted.</p><p>The point that both Dr. Fusco and Dr. Airan make is that the man bun and similar styles are no cause for alarm so long as you take care of your hair and scalp. If you're into the man bun, Fusco suggests using a soft scrunchi rather than a rubber band and loosening it up if you ever feel pain, itching, or redness.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/more-attractive-man-science-image-2015-9">Scientifically proven things men can do to be more attractive</a></h3>        <div>            <div>        <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="FrMW11bDpOHYdYbuWMGNvmFNMW6eWufV" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>        </div>        </div>            </div>

Rumors are circulating that wearing a man bun will make you go bald

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Stylists from the legendary Khamit Kinks natural <keyword id="11988739" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="hair" source="Orion">hair</keyword> <keyword id="6358603" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="salon" source="Orion">salon</keyword> opened the Kinky Kollective in 2019. </strong></li><li><strong>The pandemic almost ruined their business, as novices on YouTube recycled their trademark styles.</strong></li></ul><p>Khamit Kinks, known for its celebrity clientele that included Solange Knowles, Oprah, Lennie Kravitz, and Stevie Wonder, was, for years, <em>the</em> New York City salon for styling and caring for natural hair. </p><p>Anu Prestonia, the salon's owner, had started working with hair as a student at Howard University and later styled covers for Essence Magazine. In 1997, she opened Khamit Kinks in TriBeCa, where it occupied the same block as Jay-Z (before he married Beyonce), Maxwell, and Robert DeNiro. ''Sometimes people – <keyword id="11940579" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="black" source="Orion">Black</keyword> and white – squint as they go by as if they were wondering what we were doing in a mostly white area,'' Anu <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/06/nyregion/moving-on-up-the-hair-braider-to-the-stars.html">said</a> at the time. ''But I say, why not?'' When the rent spiked in Manhattan a few years after that, she moved Khamit Kinks across the Brooklyn Bridge to Boerum Hill. </p><p>From 2011 to 2019, the salon at 400 Atlantic Avenue was known to be a space for well-heeled <keyword id="12297901" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="black-women" source="Orion">Black women</keyword> and men to receive expert hair care and hang out. Stylists were trained in trichology – issues related to the hair and scalp – and clients came to them as they transitioned from chemically treated styles and tight braids, known to cause <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5896661/">traction alopecia</a>, to natural styles that aren't so damaging to hair follicles. The styles they invented took on lives of their own: Goddess Braids, the Senegalese Twist, the Casamas, the Chaka Khan, and Extension Locs.  </p><p>Natural hair was having a renaissance, and Brooklyn felt like the center of that. For so long, natural, tightly-coiled African hair had been considered an act of protest against Eurocentric beauty standards. A rejection of anti-Black dictates of what Black women must do to fit into a corporate culture that despises natural hair. Gradually, Black style icons like Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong'o, and Issa Rae helped to shift these expectations, and more stylists learned how to work with natural hair to create sleek looks that didn't wreak havoc on the scalp. (In 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives approved <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/888">the Crown Act</a> to ban hair discrimination, but it has not passed the Senate. New York passed a <a href="http://www.nysed.gov/news/2021/honor-international-day-girl-state-education-department-issues-guidance-schools-regarding">version</a> of the law in 2019.) </p><p>I discovered Khamit Kinks in 2010. After years of using chemical straighteners and adding heavy extensions that weakened my hair at the roots, I was experiencing a lot of hair loss. I was desperate for a natural hair expert. For the next eight years, I remained a loyal client as stylists coaxed my hair back to health. It wasn't cheap – a single visit would set me back a few hundred dollars, and the 20% tip was non-negotiable – but there was no other place like it. </p><div type="image" title="xxx" height="3333" width="5000" msid="89161945" hostid="261"></div><p>But then, Anu announced, in a rush, that she was shutting down and retiring. While many of us saw a successful business, the reality was more complicated, as Anu explained in a recent email. "I would never open a brick and mortar business again, particularly not in New York, and only if I owned the building," she wrote. "Had I owned the properties I rented, I would still be in business now." (Anu has since started a <a href="https://anuessentials.com/">new business</a> producing perfume and natural beauty products.)</p><p>In her farewell email, Anu passed the baton to Taeisha Black, a 20-year veteran of the salon who had worked as a stylist and then as Khamit Kinks' manager.  </p><p>For Taeisha – whom Angela Bassett once called to consult personally  – it was a bittersweet moment. (Note to readers: We're using first names to avoid confusion.) </p><h2><strong><div type="image" title="xxx" height="5000" width="3333" msid="89161946" hostid="261"></div></strong></h2><p>Taeisha had long dreamed about opening her own salon in Brooklyn. Then in her mid-40s, she wondered if this was finally the moment to climb out from behind the shadow of Anu, a larger-than-life figure who had been called the "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/06/nyregion/moving-on-up-the-hair-braider-to-the-stars.html">the Hair Braider to the Stars</a>."  Nurturing and styling natural hair, particularly the 4C, which is categorized as the tightest coil in the <a href="https://www.allure.com/gallery/curl-hair-type-guide">curly hair texture</a> chart, was Taeisha's passion. Her craft. Her <keyword id="6360041" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="life" source="Orion">life</keyword>'s calling.</p><p>As her excitement grew, the business plan seemed to write itself: There would be a storefront on Atlantic Ave, just like Khamit Kinks. She would paint the walls at the entrance a bright yellow and she would find a vintage velour couch in teal or turquoise for the reception area. From her years managing Khamit Kinks, Taeisha had mastered the art of running a smooth operation, including keeping wait times (a common complaint in many Black salons) to a minimum. The stylists she had worked alongside already had the skills, and there was a built-in clientele.</p><p>One Monday that October, she sat down with her lawyer to discuss the details, and her dream seemed to disintegrate. There was no way she could take on the weight of a $13,000 to $15,000 a month rent on Atlantic Avenue, where high-end shops had been taking the place of Yemeni restaurants and pharmacies. Maybe she could rent a suite, week-to-week, in a Harlem high-rise, her lawyer suggested. </p><p>Taeisha remembers weeping quietly in the chair across from him. "I thought I was too good to be in a suite," she said later. There was nothing wrong with Harlem, home to the Apollo Theater and the Cotton Club. Taeisha was a born and raised Harlemite. Brooklyn just better embodied the Afrocentric culture – the braiding, the hair twisting, the head wraps; a certain ideal of a gorgeous, polished, confident Black woman – that Taeisha loved and embraced. "Black hair is history. It's a community," Taeisha said.</p><p>But a suite in Harlem was what was possible, now. A few weeks after meeting with the lawyer, Black invited five Khamit Kinks stylists to join the new venture, called the Kinky Kollective. Two stylists, Jahmillah Collier and Anta Fall Diakhate, said yes. </p><p>Jahmillah, had started at Khamit Kinks with Taeisha when they were both 22, and she "had the creative edge," Taeisha said. "She was the trendsetter." One of her creations, the Baby Curl Twist, was adopted by the actress <a href="https://www.curlynikki.com/2010/01/tracie-thoms-natural-hair-celebrity.html">Tracie Thoms</a> as her signature look until recently, and went mainstream as the Passion Twist. </p><div type="image" title="xxx" height="5000" width="3333" msid="89161947" hostid="261"></div><p>Anta, who had come to New York from Senegal and was a few years younger, was a master braider. She had always balanced shifts at Khamit Kinks with her day job as an accountant at H&amp;R Block, but she had taken the salon's closure especially hard. </p><p>Anta helped Taeisha find space in a 26-suite building in Harlem, two blocks from the Apollo Theater, where various stylists and aestheticians had also set up shop. The three women launched a crowd-funding campaign on Indiegogo and raised about $8,000. Working together, their vision was brought to life: A 90s R&amp;B playlist was assembled, the walls were done up with solid color panels of fuchsia, green, yellow, purple, and blue. As word spread, it turned out that many of the old Brooklyn clients didn't mind traveling to Harlem to get their hair done, and new clients appeared from New Jersey, the Bronx, and upper Manhattan. </p><p>On December 7, 2019, the Kinky Kollective studio opened in Harlem.  </p><p>Three months later, COVID-19 came to New York. </p><p>In the blink of an eye, the city shut down, including all non-essential businesses like salons. The vibrant Harlem streets were transformed into an eerie pandemic landscape. Client relationships formed over years now hung in limbo. Just months after taking a leap of faith, Taeisha, Jahmillah, and Anta were on their own, unsure if they'd even have a business to return to. It was devastating.</p><h2><strong>YouTube Appropriation</strong> </h2><p>When Taeisha approached her about joining the Kinky Kollective, Anta hadn't needed much convincing. Over the years, Khamit Kinks had become her closest community, the place and people she looked forward to seeing the most after a stressful week studying business administration or preparing taxes from her desk at H&amp;R Block. Taeisha, Jahmillah, and the other stylists had helped her learn English. It was with them that she learned proper braiding techniques that didn't cause tension on the follicles and lead to hair loss. At Khamit Kinks' "First Friday" meetings, where they discussed customer reviews, she had learned professionalism, like being militant about honoring clients' appointment times and not chatting on her cell phone while braiding.</p><p>So, when Anu announced the salon's closing with just a week's notice, Anta had felt angry and unmoored. "I felt like a family member was leaving me. I cried so much that day," Anta recalls. "People were like, 'What's going on with you? Have you lost your mom?' Once it sunk in that it was gonna be gone for good, it really was tough for me. It took a while to get used to it."</p><p>But this new salon would be even better – a partnership among equals. What's more, Anta's clients had reassured her that "wherever I would go, they would come." </p><p>Jahmillah's path had been different. As one of Khamit Kinks' most successful stylists, she had struck out on her own, visiting private clients at home, even before the salon shuttered. Often, she worked seven days a week.</p><div type="image" title="xxx" height="5000" width="3333" msid="89161950" hostid="261"></div><p>When <keyword id="8764262" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid" source="Orion">Covid</keyword> hit, Jahmillah focused on self-care. With the extra time at home, she was more consistent about doing the exercises and stretches that she hopes will ward off varicose veins and carpal tunnel syndrome – professional hazards of her work. Jahmillah's creativity was also flowing and she started putting together ideas for brand new styles. To pay her bills, she set up a curbside service for custom wigs. </p><p>Jahmillah was also keeping up with online trends, which quickly gave way to concern that her clients – Black men and women – were getting terrible advice while in lockdown.</p><p>"YouTube amateurs, who were not licensed or educated in caring for natural hair as far as nourishment, and only do the technical work like adding extensions, were teaching people how to braid their own hair," Jahmillah said. "They encouraged the use of gel for a sleek look, but gel tends to wear the edges down" – the baby hairs around the hairline – "causing hair loss." </p><p>Her fears were confirmed as clients – slightly desperate about the deteriorating state of their hair – started reaching out. "I think I'm just going to cut it off!" they were telling her. "I don't know what to do."</p><p>"If they were desperate enough to chop it all off, it meant that they'd be back when we re-opened and I needed to be prepared for clients who were each going to be uniquely transformed by the pandemic," she said. </p><p>But by the third month of the shutdown, the situation was getting increasingly dispiriting. Some of the styles that Jahmillah and other Khamit Kinks stylists had created eons ago – and perhaps derided as "too ethnic" at the time – were now being recycled with new names. The Trini Braid had reappeared as the Knotless Braid, and the Silky Dread was now the Faux Loc. </p><p>Jahmillah felt a little hurt and wistful. A pioneer, she was being pushed aside, her ideas taken without credit. </p><p>"Social media has become the gateway for appropriation," she said. "I've watched other creatives and innovators kind of get put on the sideline while a newbie uses social media to promote the style."</p><h2><strong>'Just have to pray and see what happens'</strong></h2><p>When we spoke last October, Taeisha swore that her lawyer's advice to rent a suite had been prescient. Had they signed an expensive long-term lease, how would they have stayed in business? But as week-to-week renters, the Kinky Kollective had avoided that crushing responsibility during the pandemic. But in those quiet months at home with her two daughters – one four and the other 26 – she had felt that same wave of self-doubt that had hit her back when they had discussed finances in his office. </p><p>That June, after the murder of George Floyd, there had been anger in the streets, but also a sense that the world was changing. If ever there was a moment to open a salon for natural hair, one that celebrated and nourished Black beauty and created space for Black New Yorkers to be themselves, it had to be now. </p><p>"Honestly, it was hard to hold that tension between where I wanted to be and where I am now," Taeisha said. "I'm holding it together because of God. I mean praying, and crying, and pleading, and begging."</p><p>Taeisha, Jahmillah, and Anta checked in via text, sharing information they were getting about when they could open up, what loans and grants were available for independent contractors, and just regular conversations like, "Wow, this is crazy. What are we gonna do?"</p><p>The chats would often end the same way: "Just have to pray and see what happens."</p><h2><strong>Kinky Kollective Reopens</strong></h2><p>In July 2020, the Kinky Kollective reopened its doors.</p><p>Right away, an influx of clients descended. A few clients asked for private sessions (one brought her own humidifier) and were willing to pay a premium for that.  That winter, after the vaccine rollout, when it felt safer to share space, more requests poured in. Because the space was small, the three women arranged to alternate work days to meet social distancing guidelines. Vaccine mandates were a touchy subject and they didn't necessarily agree. They expected their clients to also have wide-ranging views. </p><p>Jahmillah had been right about clients' hair suffering under the stewardship of self-appointed online experts and their improper braiding techniques and bad product recommendations. "Some of them actually did big chops," Jahmillah said. Many welcomed the social distancing restrictions: "They appreciate this new privacy as we nurse their hair back to health," she told me. </p><div type="image" title="xxx" height="3333" width="5000" msid="89161951" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="xxx" height="5000" width="3333" msid="89161952" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="xxx" height="3333" width="5000" msid="89161953" hostid="261"></div><div type="image" title="xxx" height="3333" width="5000" msid="89161954" hostid="261"></div><p>Home hair care requests trickled in, too. Taeisha, thinking of her four-year-old daughter who was too young to be vaccinated, was less inclined to acquiesce. "In the client's mind, it's safer to have the stylist go to their home. But then the stylist has to travel and encounters several people along the way," she said. "I know a barber who died of Covid after seeing home clients before the vaccines were available."</p><p>Though still a vibrant, joyous space, the suite sometimes felt empty.</p><p>Still, despite the uncertainty, there are some exciting possibilities for what comes next. Jahmillah wants to open an online natural hair school focused on caring for kinky hair. Anta, who completed her <a href="https://www.sisterlocks.com/">Sisterlocks</a> (miniature dreadlocks) certification during the lockdown, now wants to become a Sisterlocks ambassador and see the Kinky Kollective expand. Taeisha joined a mastermind group to help stay focused on the dream, and she just launched a Kinky Kollective line of hair and beauty products, which is sold at the salon.  </p><p>They plan to do their own thing, and work as a unit. It was, after all, the three of them that did this, together. When the story of the Black hair revolution is told, Taeisha wants the Kinky Kollective to be part of that history. "The pandemic was evidence that you can be all the way at the top, and come crashing down," Taeisha said. It also underscored a timeless lesson: "We need each other," she said. </p><div type="image" title="xxx" height="3333" width="5000" msid="89162098" hostid="261"></div>

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