When Nobody Had Answers To Our Hair Loss This Remarkable Doctor Found One

PushBlack
June 27, 2019

Dr. Ncoza Dlova is one of the few Black dermatologists in South Africa! Her studies typically center consumers of skin-lightening products, helping them make better decisions while ensuring those products are regulated.

Well, now she’s earned worldwide praise for discovering a gene behind permanent hair loss in women of African descent. In her words, “This is probably the biggest breakthrough in South African Dermatology.”

From 2013 to 2017, Dr. Dlova and her team studied patients from South Africa and the U.S with Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) - one of the most common causes of hair loss among Black women. 

CCCA starts from the center of the scalp and spreads outward - destroying the hair follicles, which leads to scarring and permanent hair loss.

So, what’s the science behind this discovery? It’s related to a gene called “PAD13,” which helps with the growth of the hair shaft. In most patients with CCCA, the gene was mutated.

People with the genetic mutation are predisposed to CCCA, and damaging hairstyles, like chemicals, tractions, heat and tight weaves, can trigger hair loss. 

Dr. Dlova’s incredible scientific breakthrough sheds light on how damaging hairstyles can further contribute to hair loss. So, share this news - someone you care about will find it useful!

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