Signs of Alopecia and How Curlkalon Hair Can Help

Hair is a huge part of our identity and culture, especially for Black women. So noticing your hair thinning or bald spots can feel scary and disheartening. You’re not alone – almost half of African-American women report experiencing hair loss, often at the crown or top of the scalp. The good news is that understanding the signs of alopecia (hair loss) and making gentle hair care changes can help you protect your hair. In this article, we’ll explain what alopecia is, highlight common types affecting Black women (like CCCA, traction alopecia, androgenetic alopecia, and alopecia areata), and describe early symptoms to watch for. We’ll also discuss how certain hairstyling practices (think tight braids, relaxers, heat styling) can contribute to hair loss, and offer empowering solutions. In particular, we’ll show how Curlkalon Hair’s features – such as its non-toxic, alkaline-free synthetic fiber and lightweight, no–leave-out designs – can be friendly to your scalp and hairline. Finally, we share protective styling tips for women with thinning hair or alopecia, so you can look fabulous while nurturing your natural hair. Let’s dive in!

What Is Alopecia?

Alopecia is simply the medical term for hair loss. It can range from slight thinning to bald patches or widespread hair loss. Hair loss can have many causes – some types are genetic or autoimmune, while others are triggered by scalp inflammation, scarring, or physical stress on the hair. For Black women, alopecia is unfortunately common and often underdiagnosed. Dermatologists note that African-American women face unique challenges with hair loss, and certain types of alopecia disproportionately affect Black women. In fact, CCCA (central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia) has been identified as the number one cause of hair loss in African-American women, with traction alopecia (from tight hairstyles) and female pattern hair loss also being frequent issues. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition, can affect anyone including Black women.

The earlier you catch the signs of alopecia, the better chance you have to stop or even reverse some hair loss. “Women who are dealing with hair loss should consider changing their styling practices and visit a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment,” advises Dr. Yolanda Lenzy of the American Academy of Dermatology. It’s important to remember that it’s not “just hair” – hair loss can affect your confidence and well-being. But with knowledge and the right approaches, you can take action to keep your hair and scalp healthier.

Common Types of Alopecia in Black Women

Not all alopecia is the same. Here are four common types of hair loss that often affect Black women, along with their causes and early warning signs. We’ll keep the language simple and relatable, so you know what to look out for.

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)

Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia, or CCCA, is a form of scarring alopecia that predominantly affects Black women, usually in mid-life. The hair loss typically starts at the center (crown) of the scalp and spreads outward in a circular pattern. (The name literally means “scarring hair loss that spreads out from the center.”) In CCCA, inflammation attacks the hair follicles; as it advances, scar tissue can form where follicles were destroyed, leading to permanent hair loss if not treated early.

Early Signs & Symptoms: The first sign may be noticeable thinning or hair breakage at the crown of your head. Many women with CCCA report that their scalp feels tender, itchy, or even has a tingling/burning sensation in that central area. You might feel tiny bumps or a scaly texture on the crown as inflammation develops. These symptoms often come before obvious bald spots, so don’t ignore a persistently sore or itchy crown. Over time, without intervention, the hair loss can radiate outward from the center and the scalp may look shiny or smooth in the balding area (a sign of scarring). If you notice a small round thin spot at your crown accompanied by scalp discomfort, consider it a red flag and see a dermatologist promptly.

“CCCA often begins insidiously – maybe your crown feels sore when combing or you see more breakage there. That hair breakage, especially at the center, may be the first sign,” notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Don’t dismiss scalp itching or pain as “nothing”; inflammation from CCCA can cause intense itch or tenderness that women sometimes dismiss. Early dermatologic treatment can reduce inflammation and help save your follicles, so early detection is key.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated tension or pulling on the hair. Unlike CCCA which is primarily medical, traction alopecia is usually self-inflicted over time by our styling habits – though we certainly don’t intend to cause it. This type of hair loss is very common among Black women due to certain hairstyles we love (braids, cornrows, weaves, tight ponytails, etc.) that, when worn too tightly or for too long, pull on the hair roots. The constant tension can damage the hair follicles. The good news is that traction alopecia is preventable – and often reversible if caught early, because it doesn’t cause scarring unless it’s prolonged and severe.

Early Signs & Symptoms: Traction alopecia usually shows up along the hairline or edges first (temples, forehead, or nape), where hair is pulled the most. You might notice your “edges” thin ning or little baby hairs breaking off. Early on, you could see small bumps or redness around the hair follicles at those tension points– sometimes mistaken for simple irritation or acne. These flesh-colored bumps along a tight braid line or ponytail line are a warning sign of follicle stress. Hair loss can then appear as symmetrical thinning, often receding backwards from the forehead or around the entire hairline. Your scalp might be sore or tender to the touch in those areas. If you’ve worn braids or a weave for a long period, you might see thinner or missing hair when you finally remove the style – that’s a sign the style was too stressful for your strands. The very front hair near your forehead may show short, broken-off hairs or noticeably less density. One clue is that very fine “baby hairs” often remain at the hairline while the thicker hairs farther back recede. This gives the edges a thinned-out appearance. Catching it early is critical: at first, traction hair loss is usually temporary, but if the pulling continues for months or years, it can lead to permanent follicle damage and scarring.

According to the Skin of Color Society, you should take note if you see tiny bumps and thinning around your hairline shortly after a style – that’s a telltale sign of traction alopecia starting. Dr. Crystal Aguh, a Johns Hopkins dermatologist, explains that “some hairstyles meant to improve our self-confidence actually lead to hair and scalp damage.” In particular, tight braids, dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions (especially on chemically relaxed hair) are high-risk styles for traction alopecia. The constant pulling and added weight “can result in significant breakage and eventually traction alopecia”, which affects an estimated one-third of African-American women. The silver lining is her reminder that “traction alopecia is entirely preventable, and early intervention can stop or even reverse it”. So if you notice your hairstyles are thinning your edges, act sooner rather than later – loosen up those styles and give your hair some TLC (we’ll cover how later).

Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)

Not all hair loss is caused by styling or inflammation. Androgenetic alopecia, al

so known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL), is a genetically inherited form of thinning that many women experience as they get older. In Black women, female pattern hair loss often manifests as diffuse thinning on the crown and along the part line, rather than obvious bald patches. Essentially, the hair growth phase shortens under the influence of hormones and genetics, and hairs gradually become finer and fewer. If your mother, aunts, or grandmothers have a history of thinning hair with age, you might be prone to this too.

Early Signs & Symptoms: Female pattern hair loss tends to be gradual and often first noticed as a widening part or less fullness on top. For example, you might realize you can see more of your scalp under bright light, or your usual hairstyle doesn’t cover like
it used to. Your ponytail may feel thinner or require more wraps of the hair tie than before – a subtle sign that overall volume has decreased. You likely won’t have scalp pain or itching, as this type of alopecia is not caused by irritation but by genetics. Instead, you may simply see more hair shedding in your comb or sink, and a general reduction in hair density. Look at photos of yourself from a few years ago – does your hair part look broader now? Do you find yourself styling your hair to cover thinner spots? Commonly, women notice the crown (the top-back of your head) getting sparsely populated, or the frontal area right behind the hairline becoming see-through. One encouraging note: unlike scarring alopecias, androgenetic alopecia doesn’t destroy follicles, so treatments can often stimulate regrowth or at least halt the progression. But you need to recognize it and take action (like seeing a dermatologist for medications such as minoxidil) to make a difference.

Dermatologists describe female pattern hair loss as thinning that often “starts around your part” and spreads outwards over the top of the scalp. Because it creeps up slowly, it can be hard to notice until a lot of hair is lost. Dr. Lenzy points out that early on, you might catch it by observing that your ponytail isn’t as thick or your part looks wider than before. These subtle signs are important for Black women, who might otherwise attribute thinning to aging or styling damage. If you spot these changes, don’t be shy about consulting a dermatologist – there are treatments specifically for female pattern hair loss that can help preserve the hair you have and even regrow some. In the meantime, gentle styling (avoiding further stress on those thinning areas) is crucial.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. It often presents as sudden, patchy hair loss. The classic sign is one or more round, totally smooth bald patches on the scalp. The size of the patches can vary from a coin to a larger area. Alopecia areata can affect anyone regardless of race or age – including African American women in their 50s and beyond. It’s not caused by styling or products; instead, triggers can include stress or other immune factors, but often it arises unpredictably. The good news is that alopecia areata does not scar the scalp, so hair follicles can regrow hair in the affected area (sometimes on their own, or with medical treatment), although it may come and go in cycles.

Early Signs & Symptoms: Alopecia areata often starts abruptly. You might be styling your hair and suddenly notice a small round bald spot that wasn’t there before. The patch typically has completely smooth skin – no redness, no scabs, just an empty spot where hair should be. The edges of the patch may have a few isolated short hairs that look narrower at the base (these are called “exclamation point” hairs, a hallmark for dermatologists, but you might just notice the hairs around the patch look a bit unusual). Some people feel an itchy or tingling sensation in the area shortly before the hair falls out, but many have no warning at all. Alopecia areata patches are often round or oval and can occur anywhere on the scalp (sometimes even on eyebrows or other body hair). In Black women, these patches might be first noticed when doing a hair parting or during scalp maintenance, since they can hide under other hair until they get larger. If the condition progresses, you may get multiple patches that sometimes merge into larger bald areas. In rare severe cases, alopecia areata can lead to loss of all scalp hair (alopecia totalis) or even body hair (alopecia universalis), but most commonly it’s a few patches. Check the health of your nails as well – alopecia areata can sometimes cause fingernail changes like tiny pits or ridges, which can be another clue.

Because alopecia areata results in very distinct bald spots, it tends to be noticed earlier than diffuse thinning. If you spot a smooth, round bald patch, don’t panic – see a dermatologist. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the first sign is often a round or oval bald patch with no visible irritation on the skin, meaning the scalp in that spot looks normal (not inflamed or scarred). Some people with alopecia areata report feeling “itching or burning” in an area right before a patch appears, so that can be an early warning sign as well. The Skin of Color Society and other experts have been hosting discussions on alopecia areata in patients of color, as this condition can sometimes be emotionally distressing – but treatments like corticosteroid injections or new medications can help hair grow back. The key takeaway is that alopecia areata is autoimmune; you didn’t cause it, and support is available (from dermatologists and support groups) to help you through regrowth and styling in the meantime.

Now that we’ve outlined the types of alopecia and early signs, you might be wondering: what causes these hair loss conditions, and what can I do about it? In the next sections, we’ll tackle how your hair care practices can impact (and sometimes worsen) these forms of alopecia, and importantly, how changing those practices – including using gentle protective styles like those from Curlkalon – can help manage or even prevent further hair loss.

How Hairstyle Practices Can Contribute to Hair Loss

For many Black women, our styling habits are a big factor in hair health. We love our braids, twists, weaves, wigs, relaxers, and hot combs – they are expressions of creativity and culture. However, the way we style our hair can sometimes inadvertently lead to or exacerbate hair loss. Let’s break down a few common practices and how they relate to the types of alopecia:

Tight or Prolonged Tension Styles: As discussed with traction alopecia, hairstyles that constantly pull on the hair root can cause hairs to loosen and fall out over time. Think of styles like tight box braids, cornrows, bantu knots, sleek high ponytails, heavy locs or extensions. If you keep these styles in for a long time (months on end) or repeatedly redo them without breaks, the hair follicles don’t get a chance to recover. Dr. Lenzy explains, “When hair loss is caused by styling practices, the problem is usually chronic use... long-term repeated use can result in hair loss.” In other words, one tight ponytail for a special occasion won’t make you bald – but wearing a super-tight ponytail every day for years might start to thin your edges. A Johns Hopkins study categorized hairstyles by risk level and found that high-risk styles for traction alopecia include “braids, dreadlocks, weaves, and extensions (especially on relaxed hair)”, mainly due to the tension and weight they put on the follicles. They noted an alarming statistic: about 33% of African-American women suffer from traction alopecia, largely because of these hairstyle choices. The development of traction alopecia can be sneaky – you might not notice until a lot of damage is done – so it’s important to rotate styles and not stay in a tight look indefinitely (we’ll give tips on safer styling next).

Chemical Relaxers and Dyes: Chemical treatments like relaxers (perms) and hair dyes can weaken the hair shaft and irritate the scalp if not done carefully. While androgenetic alopecia is genetic, frequent relaxing or coloring on already thinning hair can accelerate breakage and loss. Relaxers straighten hair by breaking down protein bonds – but over time, this can make hair more dry and brittle, prone to snapping off. When brittle hair is then put into a tension style, it’s a double whammy: the strand might break and the follicle can be yanked. Dermatologist Dr. Valerie Callender notes that women of African descent often have hair that is naturally coarse, dry, and fragile, and harsh chemical treatments can exacerbate that fragility. Moreover, if relaxer chemicals are applied incorrectly, they can cause burns or inflammation on the scalp, potentially triggering scarring or central hair loss. Still, avoiding scalp burns and stretching out relaxer touch-ups are good practices to protect your follicles. If you have alopecia areata or other medical hair loss, chemicals won’t cause it, but dermatologists often advise avoiding additional stress like relaxers during active hair loss periods. On the flip side, going natural or using gentler no-lye relaxers under professional supervision may reduce irritation. Hair dyes, particularly bleach or high-lift colors, similarly can weaken hair and sometimes cause allergic scalp reactions leading to shedding. If you notice increased shedding or breakage after chemical treatments, consider pausing them to let your hair recover.
Heat Styling: Many of us grew up getting our hair pressed with hot combs or flat ironing our leave-out to blend with extensions. High heat (from flat irons, curling irons, hot curlers, blow dryers) can damage the hair shaft, making hairs more prone to breakage and loss. Heat doesn’t typically cause alopecia at the follicle level (it doesn’t make the hair fall out from the root immediately), but over time, heat-damaged hair can break off so much that your overall density looks thinner. Also, repeatedly burning the scalp with hot tools could potentially cause local damage. Minimize (or completely avoid) heat styling, urges Dr. Crystal Aguh, “including hair dryers, flat irons and curling irons. These wear out the hair and can lead to major hair loss.” If you must use heat occasionally, use a protectant spray and low/medium settings. But if you’re dealing with alopecia or fragile hair, it’s best to embrace heat-free styling methods (roller sets, air drying, or protective styles that don’t require straightening your texture). This is especially relevant for those with traction alopecia – sometimes women will flat iron their hair to pull it into a tight style more easily, which is a double strain (heat + tension). Try to break that cycle by either wearing hair in its natural texture more or using extensions that match your texture (so you don’t have to straighten your hair to blend – more on how Curlkalon helps with that later).
Wigs and Weaves (Application Methods): Wigs and sew-in weaves can be protective or destructive, depending on how they’re done. If you use glue or adhesive tapes directly on your hair or hairline (for lace fronts or quick weaves), removing them can pull out your natural hair, causing patches of traction alopecia or breaking off your edges. Similarly, sew-ins that are stitched too tightly onto your braided base can cause tension bumps and thinning where the thread is constantly pulling. Wig caps that are rough (like standard cotton or nylon caps) can rub against your edges and nape, weakening those hairs. Dermatologists have noted that clips and combs inside wigs that press on the same spot daily can cause localized breakage. None of this means you must ditch wigs or weaves – but how you apply and maintain them matters. Opt for glueless wigs or use a protective barrier under adhesives. Choose satin-lined wig caps or wrap your hair in a silk scarf under a wig to reduce friction. And take the wig off regularly to let your scalp breathe (don’t sleep in it constantly if you can avoid it). For weaves and sew-ins, ensure your braids underneath aren’t too tight, and give your hair a break between installs. A Johns Hopkins review recommended that sewn or glued extensions be removed after 6–8 weeks, with a rest period before the next install.

In summary, many of the hair care practices traditionally popular among Black women – while beautiful and convenient – can contribute to hair loss if overdone. The key factors are tension, weight, chemicals, and heat. By reducing these factors, you can significantly lower your risk of further hair loss. In the words of Dr. Aguh, “Dermatologists need to be conscious that telling patients to abandon beloved styles won’t work for everyone. Instead, we can educate on making the best hairstyling choices to minimize preventable hair loss.” This means you don’t have to sacrifice style, but you may need to tweak how you achieve it.

Next, let’s explore one of those gentler choices – using Curlkalon Hair for protective styling – and why it might be a game-changer for women with thinning hair or sensitive scalps.

How Curlkalon Hair Can Help Protect Your Hair & Scalp

If you’re dealing with alopecia or hair thinning, protective styles can be a lifesaver – but only if they truly protect your hair instead of harming it. This is where Curlkalon Hair comes in. Curlkalon is a brand that creates innovative synthetic hair extensions (like crochet curls, wigs, and clip-ins) designed specifically to be gentle on your scalp and hairline. Unlike some traditional extensions that might aggravate hair loss, Curlkalon’s features aim to support healthy hair growth while you rock a fabulous style. Let’s break down those features and why they matter:

Non-Toxic, Alkaline-Free Synthetic Fiber: Many synthetic braiding hairs on the market (often made of Kanekalon fibers) come coated with an alkaline chemical to preserve the hair and make it heat-resistant. Unfortunately, this alkaline lye coating can seriously irritate your scalp – it’s the reason a lot of people experience that infamous “itchy braid” feeling after getting extensions. You might even have to do an apple cider vinegar soak on the hair before installing to remove that chemical film. Curlkalon’s hair is different. The brand uses **premium synthetic fibers that are alkaline-free and non-toxic, meaning no harsh chemical coating to cause scalp irritation. In short: no itch! If you have a sensitive scalp or any form of alopecia that has made your scalp tender, using extensions that won’t trigger inflammation is crucial. By eliminating toxic chemicals, Curlkalon extensions help keep your scalp’s pH and health in balance. You can enjoy a protective style without the “patting and scratching” routine. (Fun fact: Many women who are allergic to regular synthetic hair find they can wear Curlkalon hair with no issues, because it doesn’t have that allergenic coating.)

Lightweight & Low-Tension Design: One of the standout features of Curlkalon Hair is how lightweight it is. Heavy extensions can tug on your fragile roots, but Curlkalon’s curls are consciously made to be fluffy and light, yet full-looking. This is a big deal if your hair is thinning, because you want to avoid any extra weight. According to the company, their lightweight, low-tension design helps prevent thinning and breakage, allowing your natural hair to thrive underneath. Women who switch to lighter hair often immediately feel the difference – no more headaches from a heavy weave, and no more constant pulling sensation. “Using Curlkalon brand hair is ideal because it is extremely lightweight and does not pull on the hair follicles when installed,” one Curlkalon customer notes. That means you can have the volume and length you desire without sacrificing your edges or causing more traction stress. If you’ve ever taken out a heavy box braid install and seen strands of your hair coming out with the extension, you know why lighter is better. Curlkalon’s curls (which are often installed as crochet braids or used in wigs) put minimal strain on your roots – truly protecting rather than straining your hair.
No Leave-Out Required: Many traditional sew-in weaves or half-wigs require you to leave out a portion of your own hair, usually at the front or crown, to cover tracks or blend with the extensions. For women with alopecia, that “leave-out” section is often exactly where the hair is weakest (e.g., the crown in CCCA, or the hairline in traction alopecia). Constantly flat ironing or styling that leave-out to match the extensions can further damage it. Curlkalon’s styles are designed with full coverage in mind – no leave-out needed. For example, if you install Curlkalon’s crochet curls, they cover your entire head in bouncy, natural-looking curls without any of your own hair left exposed. If you wear one of their wigs or clip-ins, they’re made to blend seamlessly without you having to straighten or manipulate your hair to hide anything. The Curlkalon Headband Wig, for instance, is noted as “requiring no leave-out and no glue, the ultimate protective style”curlkalon.com – you literally just cover all your hair and go. By eliminating the leave-out, Curlkalon styles allow ALL of your hair to stay protected. You can keep your delicate hairline and part area braided down or covered, not battling to blend with extensions. This is especially helpful if your hair loss is localized – you can install extensions over the thinning area (with care), rather than struggling to hide it with your own hair. And since there’s no leave-out, you won’t need to apply heat or harsh styling to any part of your natural hair. It’s a truly protective approach.
Pre-Curled, Natural-Looking Textures: Curlkalon specializes in curly and coily textured extensions that mimic Black natural hair patterns (from rod-set curls to kinky-coily). Why does this matter for alopecia? Because it means you can achieve a style that looks like your own natural hair at its healthiest, without having to chemically alter or strain your real hair. For example, if your hair is thinning, you might not want to constantly twist-out or rod-set your own hair for volume (that can be a lot of manipulation). Curlkalon’s “curls on a roll” concept delivers pre-curled synthetic pieces (named after women like Toni, Saniya, Kenzie curls) that you simply crochet in for an instant full style. These curls are bouncy, soft, and resemble a fresh salon set. You get the aesthetic of a full head of curls without the work or damage. Also, because the texture is like natural hair, you don’t need to slick your edges or make everything bone-straight; a bit of your own edges peeking or a little frizz actually just blends in. This is a relief for those with traction alopecia at the hairline – you can gently brush your baby hairs or let them be, rather than gelling them severely to match a straight weave. The extension hair working with your texture means less tension overall.
Consciously Created for Healthy Scalps: Curlkalon emphasizes that their entire line is about “protection without compromise.” The extensions are itch-free (alkaline-free), lightweight, and made to look realistic. The fibers are also non-flammable without needing the harsh coating, which is a safety plus. Many users report that Curlkalon hair feels soft and doesn’t have that plasticky shine – making it blend well and not irritate. This all adds up to a better experience for someone with scalp sensitivities or hair loss. While it is still important to install any extensions carefully (improper installation can cause tension even with gentle hair), Curlkalon’s products give you a head start by removing common risk factors (no chemicals, less weight, etc.).

In essence, Curlkalon Hair offers Black women with alopecia or thinning hair a way to still enjoy versatile hairstyles without jeopardizing their recovery. You can have that glamorous curly bob or flowing twist-out look without glue, without tight braids, and without pain. By using Curlkalon curls in a crochet style, for example, you’d cornrow your hair loosely (looser than traditional braids since the hair is lightweight) and then crochet the curls through – achieving a full style that lasts weeks, yet you can literally slide the curls out easily when it’s time to remove, with minimal shedding of your own hair. No yanking out of tracks or spending hours detangling glued pieces.

Many women recovering from CCCA or traction alopecia choose crochet styles or lightweight wigs as a protective measure. Curlkalon essentially perfects those options by taking away the typical downsides (itchiness, heaviness, unnatural look). The result is you can give your scalp a break to heal and your edges a chance to regrow, all while still feeling confident and stylish. Remember, protective styling should protect – and that’s the philosophy Curlkalon was created with.

(All cited content has been referenced to provide factual support for the information and tips shared in this article. We encourage readers to consult these sources and a medical professional for further guidance on managing alopecia.)

Sources:

Lenzy, Y. (AAD 2016). Survey on African-American Women and Hair Loss – American Academy of Dermatology.
Agbai, O. & Aguh, C. (2022). Hair Loss in Black Women: Insider Tips – American Academy of Dermatolog.
Skin of Color Society – Traction Alopecia Patient Education.
Aguh, C. et al. (2016). “All Hairstyles Are Not Created Equal” – Johns Hopkins Medicine/JAAD.
“Help Doc! My Hair is Shedding – Tips from Dr. Crystal Aguh” – Hopkins Medicine.
Curlkalon Hair – The Curl Hub Blog: Curlkalon Edgefull Combats Hair Loss; Curlkalon website product features.
“Why does braiding hair make my scalp itch?” – InkMyKinks blog (re: alkaline coating on synthetic hair)
Essence Magazine (2016) – Study Urges Black Women to Avoid Extensions (Dr. Aguh quote).
ScienceDaily (2016) – Almost Half of Black Women Report Hair Loss (Dr. Lenzy/AAD study).