‘Relaxers’ damage hair: Evidence from amino acid analysis

Khumalo, Nonhlanhla P.; Stone, Janet; Gumedze, Freedom; McGrath, Emily; Ngwanya, Mzudumile R.; Berker, David de

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.04.061

Cited by 62 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…While it is clear that chemical relaxers weaken the hair shaft, which can result in increased breakage, it is unclear whether it is related to the development of CCCA. 11,12 The fact that most African Americans use chemical relaxers in combination with braiding and other hair grooming practices makes it even more difficult to tease out a relationship. Moreover, it is difficult to find a chemical relaxer-naïve comparison group because of the early age at which African American children have their hair chemically relaxed and braided (Table 3).…”

Section: Commentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical and Environmental Risk Factors for the Development of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Kyei

Bergfeld²,

Piliang³

et al. 2011

Arch Dermatol

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To investigate medical and environmental risk factors for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), the most common type of scarring alopecia in African American women.Design: A population study involving a quantitative cross-sectional survey of risk factors for CCCA. Survey results are then correlated with a clinical evaluation for CCCA using a standardized, previously published central scalp alopecia photographic scale.Setting: Two African American churches and a health fair for African American women in Cleveland, Ohio.Participants: A total of 326 African American women who participated in the hair study.Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of CCCA in the general African American population and risk factors associated with CCCA.Results: Of the 326 responders, 28% received a grade of 2 or higher using a standardized, previously pub-lished central scalp alopecia photographic scale, a score consistent with clinically evident central hair loss. Advanced central hair loss with clinical signs of scarring (grade Ն3) was seen in 59% of these respondents and was interpreted as clinically consistent with CCCA. Diabetes mellitus type 2 was significantly higher in those with CCCA (P=.01), as were bacterial scalp infections (P=.045) and hair styles associated with traction (eg, from braids and weaves) (P =.02). Conclusions:Our survey results suggest that there is a high prevalence of central hair loss among African American women. Hair styles causing traction as well as inflammation in the form of bacterial infection may be contributing to the development of CCCA. The increase in diabetes mellitus type 2 among those with CCCA is in line with the recent theory that cicatricial alopecia may be a manifestation of metabolic dysregulation.

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Section: Commentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical and Environmental Risk Factors for the Development of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia

Kyei

Bergfeld²,

Piliang³

et al. 2011

Arch Dermatol

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“…Therefore, prospective studies need to be undertaken to understand whether or how "relaxers" induce inflammation and whether Arg or Cit can substantially reduce hair damage and fragility (Khumalo et al, 2010). Decreased Cit has also been associated with inflammation.…”

Section: Citrulline: Effects Of Amino Acids On Hair Strengthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arginine and Citrulline as Nutraceuticals

Kaore¹,

Kaore²

2016

Nutraceuticals

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“…On the biochemical level, a study of Khumalo et al [35] observed a reduction in the levels of cystine in chemical-exposed hair when compared to virgin hair. As explained above, cystine is responsible for the intrinsic resistance of the shaft and thus is considered fundamental for hair strength; a low cystine level is considered an indicator of fragility risk.…”

Section: Hair Straighteningmentioning

confidence: 99%