title: Clinical and anthropological perspectives on chemical relaxing of afro-textured hair.
abstract: The culturally engrained practice of 'relaxing' afro-textured hair has been linked with hair and scalp disorders. Herein, we discuss the evolution of human hair types, focusing in particular on afro-textured hair. We explore the biological features of this hair type, and discuss the different methods employed to straighten afro-textured hair, focusing in particular on chemical straightening. We also examine clinical, anthropological, and psychological issues associated with this latter practice. Examples of common scalp pathologies associated with chronic hair relaxing, such as alopecia, hair breakage, caustic burns and irritant contact dermatitis, are also highlighted. The data presented herein should enable clinicians to engage in culturally appropriate discussions with their patients about issues of appearance and conformity.
authors.affiliation: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Aryiku
authors.affiliation: Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salam
authors.affiliation: Departments of Dermatology and Histopathology, The North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, UK.
authors.forename: O E
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Dadzie
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Jablonski
mesh_terms: D001505:Beauty Culture / Q000379:methods*; D044383:Black People; D004954:Esthetics; D006197:Hair / Q000187:drug effects*; D006203:Hair Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D006203:Hair Preparations