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The month of September holds a special place in the hearts of people who experience any kind of hair loss. As we step into this month, it’s time to shine a spotlight on Alopecia Awareness Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness for people living with Alopecia. 

Alopecia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can range from mild to severe. Beyond the physical impact it can have on one’s appearance, Alopecia often leads to emotional and psychological struggles. Alopecia Awareness Month provides a great opportunity to spread knowledge, share stories, and inspire empathy.

What Causes Alopecia?

There are a variety of factors that can cause Alopecia. Typically, people lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair daily, but that is usually not noticeable because new hair grows back immediately to replace the fallen ones. However, in many other cases, these fallen hairs do not grow back, causing what we know as hair loss or Alopecia. Why is this so? There are a number of reasons. Let’s look at four of them:

1. Heredity: This is the most common cause of hair loss, or Alopecia. It is called Androgenic Alopecia, Male-Pattern Baldness, or Female-Pattern Baldness and typically happens with aging. It usually follows a gradual and mostly predictable process: bald spots on the crown of the head and a receding hairline in men, and thinning hair down the middle and a receding hairline in women.

2. Medications: Certain types of medications and supplements can cause hair loss in both men and women. Some medications for cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure can trigger hair loss.

3. Hairstyles and Hair Treatments: A staple hairstyle for many Africans is the cornrow, or ‘all back.’ While this hairstyle can give you a more natural and authentic look, it may cause hair loss if not done right. When the hair is pulled tight, as is mostly the case with cornrows, it can cause your hair to fall out, starting with the hairline. This is called Traction Alopecia and the repeated tension on the hair over time can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss. The initial symptoms of Traction Alopecia include tenderness, itching, and redness of the scalp in the areas where tension is applied. Also, excessive hairstyling, the use of tight wigs, and certain ‘hair treatments’ can cause Traction Alopecia.

4. Hormonal Changes: Certain conditions that affect your hormones, like pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, can cause hair loss. 

The Impact of Alopecia

As has been established, and contrary to popular belief, family history (heredity) is not the sole cause of hair loss or Alopecia. As a matter of fact, anyone, irrespective of family history, can experience hair loss as a result of several other factors.

Therefore, the impact of Alopecia can be far-reaching. And for most people, having a full head of hair is not just a superficial aspect of their appearance; it is closely tied to their identity, self-esteem, and confidence. When people experience hair loss due to Alopecia, it can have a profound impact on their lives.

It is for this reason that Vinci Hair Clinic exists: to help as many people as possible who experience any form of hair loss regain their identity, self-esteem, and confidence.

To achieve this and as a way to mark this year’s Alopecia Awareness Month, we have lined up a series of events to create awareness and help people better understand hair loss and Alopecia, while also providing them with lasting solutions.

One of such events will take place on Monday 4th September, when we will be showcasing the new face of Vinci Africa. Our latest Brand Ambassador is an accomplished woman who has experienced hair loss for years. She came to Vinci Hair Clinic, and we have begun the process of restoring her hair.

You, too, can leverage the amazing opportunities the month of September brings. If you’ve been experiencing hair loss and have no idea what to do or where to start, we offer a free consultation. Just walk into any of our clinics in Accra, Lagos, or Abuja.

You can also reach out to us through any of the various channels available on this website.

Remember, it is our goal to see you with a full head of hair.

Happy Alopecia Awareness Month!