Nurturing Roots: Healthy Hair Care Matters

I remember combing my hair and clumps being pulled onto the comb. Washing my hair and it just falling out in my hands. Every so often I have “hot spots” with lupus lesions dead in the middle of my head. They burn and itch relentlessly. In addition, trying to brush my hair is sometimes nearly impossible due to the pain every stroke can give me. Can anyone relate? I know I’m not alone on that journey.

Living with lupus means constantly adjusting and paying attention to how my body feels and reacts to various things. One thing I’ve learned over time is that lupus doesn't just affect my organs or joints. It also has an impact on my hair. For Black women like me, who often have naturally textured or curly hair, the challenge of maintaining healthy hair is even greater. For me, it is important to remember to take care of my hair as part of our healthcare.

Lupus and hair

First, let's talk about how lupus can affect hair health. Lupus can cause hair loss, thinning, and changes in texture. This can be due to inflammation from lupus itself or from medications, like steroids. For me, it’s been frustrating at times. To see my hair thin out and break off has been difficult, especially when my natural hair has always been so healthy and strong.

Hair is such a personal thing, and for Black women, it’s deeply tied to our identity and culture. In fact, for most people it is an extension of who they are. A mane of hair that frames the face and sets the look. When lupus causes hair problems, it’s not just physical, it can be emotional too. I had to learn how to adjust my hair care routine to not only protect my hair but also create healthy roots for my tresses.

Differences in hair

Understanding the differing types of hair is key to choosing the right products and routines. Some hair is more fragile and has a unique curl pattern. This makes it prone to dryness. In addition, the natural oils from the scalp have a harder time moving down the curly strands. Ultimately, this means extra work to keep the hair moisturized. Because of this, Black women’s hair needs more intensive moisturizing and gentle handling to avoid breakage.

On the other hand, there is hair that tends to be straighter. Hence allowing natural oils to move more freely from the scalp to the ends of the hair. This can lead to excessive oiliness. It may often be a challenge to retain thickness.

Regardless of your ethnicity, if you have lupus, you may experience hair issues. Be it because of inflammation, medications or even alopecia.

Nurturing roots with healthy hair practices

As a Black woman, I fall into the naturally curly course hair. Knowing that my hair is more fragile due to its natural texture and the added stress of lupus, I had to find new ways to care for it. Here are some tips that have worked for me:

1. Moisturize regularly. Since my hair is naturally drier, keeping it moisturized is essential. I use leave-in conditioners and oils, like coconut oil or argan oil, to lock in moisture.
2. Limit heat styling. Heat can damage hair, especially for those of us with lupus who already have hair thinning or breakage. I’ve switched to heat-free styles like braids and twist-outs.
3. Be gentle with styling. Tight hairstyles can pull on the hairline and lead to more breakage. Instead, I opt for looser styles that give my scalp a break.
4. Protect hair at night. Using a satin scarf or pillowcase helps reduce friction while I sleep, which can prevent breakage. This is a small change, but it makes a huge difference.
5. Use natural or gentle products. Harsh chemicals, like sulfates and parabens, can strip the hair of its natural oils. I always check product labels and choose those that are free of these ingredients.
6. Speak with professionals. I met with a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner and with my dermatologist. This helped me to get to the root of the problem and begin to do what’s best for my body.

Lupus hair care requires patience

Taking care of my hair as a Black woman with lupus is not easy. It requires a lot of patience. Some days, my hair feels weaker than others, and I must be okay with that. What I’ve learned over time is that small adjustments in my hair care routine can lead to healthier hair over the long term.

Emotional impact and self-care

It’s important to talk about the emotional toll that hair loss or damage can take on someone with lupus. For me, seeing my hair change was difficult. I had to remind myself that my health comes first and that I’m more than just my hair. It was a process of acceptance and self-love.

In the end, taking care of my hair has become a form of self-care. By using products that nourish my scalp, being gentle with my tresses, and avoiding harsh chemicals, I’m showing my body the care it needs.

As a Black woman living with lupus, I have to remember that my hair deserves the same level of attention that I give to other parts of my body. Healthy hair care routines can help me feel more confident and empowered, even on the toughest days.

So, to all my fellow lupus warriors out there, don’t forget to be kind to your hair. It’s a journey, but it’s one worth taking.