Traction alopecia in black women is a pervasive condition. It arises from cultural, social, and cosmetic considerations. The etiology and historical aspects are reviewed. Treatment, which has not been previously reported, is presented, although Norwood has published on the treatment of androgenic alopecia in women.

Male pattern hair loss in blacks appears to occur later, less frequently, and with less severity, than in whites. Treatment with the usual surgical modalities is successful; however, particular attention must be paid to the properties of black skin and hair which require alteration of technique. Treatment, procedures, and techniques and their differences, as contrasted to those in whites and Orientals, are presented.