A bad hair day becomes something more when it’s not just one day, but every day. You might feel like your hair is in a state of crisis and are unsure of what to do. Don’t worry. Many dermatologists provide medical care to women with hair issues on a daily basis. 

If you love your current hairstyle, but it’s causing hair damage, then you don’t necessarily need to switch the style. You might just need to switch up how you are doing and maintaining the style. Don’t normalize hair itching, balding, and breakage. Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde underscored the importance of Black women knowing how to properly care for natural hairstyles.

“Proper care of natural hairstyles empowers Black women to maintain the health, beauty and integrity of their hair, while also embracing their natural texture and cultural heritage,” she said.

Here are signs it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Persistently Itching, Flaking Or Burning

When you apply cream and oils to your scalp, it can actually contribute to itching and flaking. This happens as yeast develops on the scalp. As it progresses, it can go from itchy and unpleasant to painful. Your scalp will most likely have a flaky, unhealthy look.

Don’t worry as this is super common. Yeast infections are one of the most frequent causes of an itchy scalp. Other causes include dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis and allergic reactions. Your dermatologist will be able to determine the cause behind an irritation and recommend proper treatment. 

There Are Rashes In The Scalp

A common rash that appears on the scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. For Black women and people with darker skin tones, it might appear to be pink, slightly purple or lighter than the surrounding skin. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike dandruff, this rash inflammation, which may appear as swelling and inflammation of the skin.

Hair Is Falling Out In Clumps

It’s never too early to see your dermatologist. Oftentimes, when hair sheds or falls out in clumps, it is connected to physical and emotional stress. This is telogen effluvium, and it is usually temporary. When you visit your dermatologist, they will ask about your hair loss symptoms, your diet, your emotional well-being, and how you are caring for your hair. 

Hair Is Thinning

Hair thinning is common in women ages 30 to 60 years old. Other causes could be a hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiency or stress.  

There Are Bald Spots 

Alopecia areata is when there are bald patches on the scalp. Genetic or immune factors are typically the culprits. Another form of alopecia is traction alopecia. A strain on the hair follicles typically causes this. Certain hairstyles, like baldie braids, have the potential for traction alopecia if you pull your hair too tightly into the braids.