Discover the most common hair loss diagnoses for women of color, including CCCA, traction alopecia, and female pattern hair loss. Learn symptoms, causes, and treatments tailored to Black women’s hair health.
MMARA is a digital health platform created by three sisters to help you spot early signs of hair loss and take control with personalized care rooted in your daily habits.
Last updated:
September 9, 2025
Chart explaining the instances of various types of hair loss and key interventions.
Hair is more than just hair — it’s identity, culture, beauty, and confidence. For women of color, especially Black women, the experience of hair loss can feel deeply personal and at times isolating. Hair loss can reflect a complex interplay of health status, hormonal shifts, lifestyle habits, inherited. That’s why no two cases of hair loss are the same.
But here’s the truth: you are not alone. Millions of women of color experience some form of hair loss, and yet the unique patterns, causes, and diagnoses often don’t get the attention they deserve in mainstream discussions.
Understanding the most common types of hair loss in women of color is a first step toward reclaiming control, finding the right treatments, and protecting long-term hair health. And understanding your unique pattern is a critical step toward meaningful, long-term recovery.
Why Hair Loss Is Different for Women of Color
While hair loss affects women of every background, it often presents differently in women of color because of three main factors:
Hair texture and curl pattern – tightly coiled hair is more fragile at its bends and can break or thin more easily.
Styling practices – protective styles, braids, chemical relaxers, and heat styling can create added stress on the scalp.
Health disparities – women of color are often underrepresented in dermatology research, meaning delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common.
These differences mean that the same type of alopecia may look or feel different for women of color, and some conditions (like CCCA) are disproportionately prevalent.
Prominent Hair Loss Diagnoses
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
The hallmark hair loss condition for Black women
CCCA is the most common type of scarring alopecia in Black women. It begins at the crown and expands outward, often in a circular pattern. Symptoms for CCCA include scalp tenderness, burning, itching, and permanent follicle damage if untreated. CCCA can cause irreversible scarring if not caught early. Genetics play a role, but hair care practices (tight styles, relaxers, frequent heat) may accelerate it. To treat CCCA, early dermatology evaluation is critical and anti-inflammatory treatments (like corticosteroids) and avoiding scalp tension are key strategies.
Traction Alopecia
When styling practices take a toll
Traction Alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the scalp, usually from braids, weaves, tight ponytails, or extensions. Symptoms of traction alopecia include thinning or bald patches along the edges and temples, broken hairs, and tenderness. Despite the high incidence of women of color who suffer from traction alopecia, it is largely a preventable form of hair loss and can be reversed if caught early. If not caught and addressed early enough, follicles may scar permanently over time. Effective ways to treat traction alopecia include reducing tight hairstyles, rotating protective styles, and giving the scalp rest. In early stages, regrowth treatments (like minoxidil, rosemary oil) may help.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Genetics and hormones at play
Also known as female pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia is hereditary and linked to hormonal changes. Symptoms of this type of hair loss include gradual thinning at the crown, widening part lines, and reduced hair density overall. While common in all women, androgenetic alopecia can look different on women of color, with thinning concentrated at the crown.Treatments for androgenetic alopecia include FDA-approved treatments like topical minoxidil, oral medications (such as spironolactone), and low-level laser therapy are often recommended.
Telogen Effluvium
The stress-related hair loss
Telogen Effluvium is a temporary shedding condition triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, childbirth, or medications. Symptoms of TE include diffuse thinning all over the scalp, often noticed in the shower or on pillows. While seeing clumps of your hair fall out is frightening, it is usually reversible once the underlying trigger is resolved. That’s why key interventions for TE include identifying and addressing the root cause, managing stress, and supporting recovery with balanced nutrition and gentle care.
Alopecia Areata
An autoimmune connection
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Symptoms of AA include patchy bald spots, sudden circular areas of loss, sometimes with regrowth in one area and new patches in another. Alopecia areata can overlap with other types of alopecia, making diagnosis more complex. Treatment for AA includes steroid injections, topical immunotherapy, and systemic treatments. Emotional support and community connection are also important.
Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Thinning edges or widening parts
Unusual shedding or breakage beyond normal
Scalp pain, itching, or burning
Bald patches appearing suddenly
Hair not regrowing after shedding
If you notice these signs, it’s best to consult a dermatologist or trichologist experienced in treating women of color. Early diagnosis makes a huge difference in preventing permanent damage.
Holistic & Lifestyle Considerations For Hair Loss
As you can see, hair loss isn’t just about follicles—it’s also about lifestyle. Women of color may experience overlapping triggers like stress, hormonal shifts, or nutritional gaps. To help protect your follicles and best support your overall health, a holistic approach is the best approach. Monitoring and managing the below factors can help identify root causes of hair loss and support hair regrowth.
Nutrition: iron, vitamin D, zinc, and protein all play critical roles in hair growth.
Stress management: high cortisol levels can worsen shedding—practices like yoga, meditation, or therapy can help.
Protective styling done right: styles should protect, not pull. Rotate looks and avoid excessive tension.
Routine scalp care: gentle cleansing, scalp massages, and avoiding buildup support overall hair health.
Emotional support: hair loss can affect self-esteem. Support groups, therapy, and community can help.
Hair loss quick guide
These charts highlight the most common hair loss diagnoses in women of color, the distinct symptoms they present, and the interventions that can help—because healing starts with personalization. Hair loss isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is the path to regrowth. This chart may provide a starting point, but monitoring your unique lifestyle, health and habits is an essential step in designing a treatment plan that will deliver long-term results.
Not sure how or what to track? The MMARA Hair Coach app is a first of its kind hair coach app helping women experiencing hair loss to regain control of their hair health through holistic, personalized and tech-powered interventions.
Hair loss is never “just” cosmetic—it reflects your health, your heritage, and your lifestyle. For women of color, the path to diagnosis and treatment is often delayed, but awareness changes everything. Knowing the most common conditions—CCCA, traction alopecia, female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata—can empower you to seek the right help early.
If you’re starting to notice changes, trust your instincts: consult a specialist, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to advocate for your unique needs. Your hair health is worth the care.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
