UK-based hair, make-up and skincare consultant Eryca Freemantle told The Voice that she and her team have seen several cases where black women have damaged their hair.
“The main ones are where chemicals have been left on the hair for too long, wrong chemicals have been used, severe pulling of the hair when braiding, harsh gels used in the hair, pulling hair back too severely when wearing a ponytail, (and) adding glue and extension to weak parts of the head, that is, temple and hairline,” said Freemantle, who is an ambassador for the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology. The organisation works to improve standards and get beauty therapists qualified. She added, “We think it depends on where the customer goes to get her hair done, and the treatment given.”
Freemantle said while many hairdressers are doing fantastic jobs, “there are so many hairdressers that are under-qualified to do the job. We think the media and government are missing out on a massive educational concept that could help save the hair of many WOC [women of colour], through simple education and training.”
Freemantle continued, “Research tells us that there are still too many harsh chemicals available in products to the public. Our advice would be to seek the best hairdressers and stylists. After all, you are worth it.”
Hobbs, an expert in hair and scalp disorders, urged women to “make sure your hairdresser is properly qualified.” He added, “Although most types of traumatic hair loss are recoverable when caught in time, black skin can quickly scar, causing permanent hair loss. The advice I give to women with this problem, if their hair is thinning, is to see a qualified member of the Institute of Trichologists.”
Freemantle said the risks of hair damage are increasing with each generation of black women who get weaves or braids that are too tight, or a perm from an unqualified hairstylist.
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