Dr Omanwa and Dr Pancholi say Kenyan women contribute in hurting their hair follicles and therefore contributing to hair loss.
Tight hairstyles, they say, strain and destroy hair follicles: especially from the edges; hence the receding hairline synonymous with women who prefer tight braiding.
Use of harsh hair treatment chemicals, they say, kill hair follicles, burn the scalp and destroy hair bulbs while also eroding hair density.
Dr Pancholi adds that the use of weaves – either tightly sewn into hair or perched onto the scalp using glue – is just as bad. During removal, follicles are damaged. It is better to use “wigs” than weaves, Dr Pancholi says.
The easiest way to care for hair, Dr Pancholi says, is to minimally disturb it. “Let the hair grow. Wash it and keep it moist. And avoid too much handling on it,” he says.