Hair loss in patients with skin of color

Hair loss in skin of color patients can vary from the very simplest of diagnoses to a unique diagnostic challenge requiring extensive knowledge of historical symptoms, haircare practices, and previous treatments. There are several disorders in the literature that are noted to be more common in patients of African descent as compared to Caucasian populations. These disorders include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, dissecting cellulitis, discoid lesions of lupus erythematosus, traction alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis, and hair breakage. While there is no definitive prevalence data for the various forms of hair loss in the skin of color population, it is clear that these disorders are a concern for many patients in this population along with common hair loss concerns, such as telogen effluvium and pattern hair loss. A careful detailed clinical examination, history, and potential histopathology will guide the clinician to appropriate management. Hair disorders in skin of color patients may present unique challenges to the clinician, and knowledge of accurate clinical presentation and treatment approaches is essential to providing quality care.