Hair care and epidemiological‐clinical profile of traction alopecia among women in hair salons in Yaoundé, Cameroon

BACKGROUND: Hair is valued by all individuals especially women. The perception of beauty is specific to everyone. In order to fulfil their ideal beauty, women use various methods to modify their hair's appearance. Afro hair is particularly fragile, so using these methods can be particularly deleterious for black women's hair. OBJECTIVES: Describe hair care practices of women living in Yaoundé, determine the prevalence of traction alopecia (TA) and describe its clinical profile. METHODS: We carried out a cross‐sectional study in hairdressing saloon in Yaoundé. A questionnaire was administered and scalp exams were performed to determine Marginal TA severity score. RESULTS: We included 223 women with a mean age of 24.9 ± 7 years. The prevalence of TA was 34.5%. Mild and moderate stages were most represented. As far as haircare is concerned, extensions were regularly used by 95.1% of participants. Wigs were regularly worn by 58.7% of participants. Chemical hair straightening was done by 87.9% of women and was performed twice to thrice a year by 43.9%. Almost 76% of women used hair straightener and hair dryer. Hair washing was done monthly by 43.8% of participants and the main cosmetic used was shampoo (75.3%). CONCLUSION: Traction alopecia is a very common disease in women living in Yaoundé. Extensions, wigs and shampooing are their main hair care practices.