A woman’s hair is often closely tied to confidence. It reflects her personality, is how she expresses herself, and is an important part of her identity. Therefore, if this hair condition deteriorates rapidly, especially later in life, it can be devastating to one’s self-esteem.
This was the case for Mantso Pout Nomzamo, a South African media personality who started experiencing hair loss in her 30s. “I’ve always had long, thick hair since I was young. I used to wear braids, but I never thought that hair loss would be an issue later on. I wanted to do whatever I wanted with my hair. But last year, in my mid-30s, I started noticing that my hair was thinning,” she explains.
Mantso Paut Nomzamo, Image: Supplied
Since her mother suffered from alopecia, Manteau wondered if the condition was inherited. She stopped braiding her hair or wearing it in tight ponytails, tried every oil, over-the-counter hair care product, and home remedy, and even changed the type of pillowcase she was using, but the problem only got worse. It was.
In her search for answers, Manzo had the opportunity to interview Dr. Kashmal Karan, medical director of the Alvi Armani Hair Restoration Clinic in Sandton, on 947’s radio talk show. After their discussion, she was invited to visit the clinic. She received a consultation, where they finally discovered the root of her problem.
“When Mantzo first came to us this year, she initially had traction alopecia,” says Dr. Curran. “It has seriously affected her self-confidence and she had hoped that a hair transplant would be the solution. Unfortunately, further tests revealed that Manzo specifically suffered from cicatricial alopecia. It turns out that this is a type of alopecia that causes dead hair follicles and intradermal scarring that is invisible to the naked eye, but that damages the scalp to the point where surgery is no longer viable. It will be an option.”
Dr. Curran said the condition is very common among African women, who from an early age wear their hair in tight braids, cornrows, dreadlocks, or ponytails, or straighten their hair. It explains that people are encouraged to use chemical emollients or hair extensions or weaves. Adds excess weight and tension to the scalp.
Although hair transplantation was not an option, Dr. Curran outlined another path to slowing and hopefully stopping hair loss. “In the case of cicatricial alopecia, attempting a hair transplant is like planting a seed in concrete instead of fertile soil. The follicles are too damaged. Instead, the patient’s own blood is used. “We recommended platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to promote healing and regenerate remaining follicles over time.”
Image: Instagram/@braidsgang
Reflecting on his experience, Mantzor says: “Hair is a very sensitive subject for women and you have to protect it while you have it. People always stare at you, as if wondering why you don’t do anything about it.” Some people actually mention it, but I think it’s because they don’t know that it comes across as pretty insensitive.
“No woman wants to go bald. Hair is part of your personality and when your hair is beautiful, you feel really good about yourself. Losing your hair can make you especially less confident. Especially if it’s too late, I recommend you to go to Alvi Armani and get hair transplant surgery. “Think about what you’re doing wrong and what you can do to keep your scalp healthy,” she concluded.
