I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Kari Williams at the “A Night Out with Shea Moisture” event that was held back in September. Dr Williams, a trichologist, shared with us that evening her journey to studying in the field of trichology (scientific study of the health of hair and scalp) and the causes of common scalp disorders that women, specifically African American women, face. I was so impressed with the wealth of knowledge she shared and how effortlessly she explained the field of trichology to us, being that most of us were not exposed to this area of study before the event! I’m so honored that Dr. Williams has agreed to contribute bi-weekly guest posts covering the topics of scalp and hair health. Keep posted as I know that she’ll be sharing great and useful information!
Meet Dr. Kari Williams
About Dr. Kari Williams
An expert on hair and scalp disorders, Dr. Kari Williams is possibly one of the most distinguished hair care practitioners in the country because of her advanced studies and application.
She has earned degrees from three respected universities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, a Master of Arts from the International Institute of Trichology and a PhD from the Élan Center of Trichology. Trichology is the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders. Dr. Kari is also a licensed barber, professional hair designer and natural hair care specialist.
She has been invited to train at various beauty colleges and regularly holds seminars for parents and stylists to educate them on scientifically proven methods that will prevent hair damage, reverse hair loss, proper hair products, application of the appropriate technique of braiding, hair extensions, hair weaving and non-surgical systems. She has appeared on BET’s My Black Is Beautiful, featured on Essence.com and contributed to Essence magazine.
When she isn’t consulting or training, she is serving her clients at her salon, Mahogany Hair Revolution Salon and Trichology Clinic in Beverly Hills.
What Is Trichology?
Trichology is the scientific study of hair and scalp disorders and studies the growth, anatomy and physiology of the hair shaft and follicle. Many people wonder when it is appropriate to contact a Trichologist. Well, if you need solutions for hair loss, thinning, breakage, baldness, scaly problems, itchy, dry and/or oily scalp, a Trichologist can assist you. Many problems of the hair and scalp may be an indication of, or a result of systemic conditions. A Trichologist works closely with other professionals such as family practitioners, medical doctors, nutritionists, dermatologists and other Trichologists. The basis for correct treatment is an accurate diagnosis, which begins with a good consultation.
“I have found that there is a definite need in the natural hair world for direction, and a return to practical education about curly, tightly coiled hair. Consumers have turned to each other for advice and instruction on how to care for their natural hair. Outlets like Youtube have been great at generating interest in going natural, but they lack the expertise of a natural hair professional. We really need to understand what our hair can and can’t do so that we can have realistic expectations. Accurate information is required in order to break down the hair myths that have permeated our culture for so long. Since there is no formal education on care for curly or kinky hair, many cosmetologists don’t have enough knowledge on how to deal with our hair. Never fear, Dr. Kari is here and healthy natural hair is my specialty! In my next post I will discuss breaking down some of those hair myths so we can get back to the root of hair health.”
If you all have any scalp or hair – related questions for Dr. Williams, please email them to me at mae@naturalchica with SUBJECT: [Dr. Kari Williams] or post them as a comment below. We look forward to more information from Dr. Williams!
My six year old daughter,has for as long as I can remember some type of rash/tiny bumps that appear around mainly her edges that itch. Lately I’ve noticed them more in the back of her head. Her pediatrician couldn’t give me a diagnosis. Could it be an allergic reaction to certain products?
It definitely could be an allergic reaction, but lets rule out some other causes first. How have you been styling her hair? What type of products are you using? Do you mix products? Does she have eczema? Answers to these questions will help me determine what the cause may be.
I have suffered with pimple like bumps on the crown of my head for the past two years. I have been to countless dermatologists and other physicians there is usually only temporary relief. I have been told I have Cicatrical Alopecia from a dermatologist who examined me for less than one minute. My current dermatologist gave me steriods injection (no diagnosis though) to the site and it helped for a few months now the painful pimples are back with avengence please help and advise. I have very thick hair and I don’t want to loose my hair. I don’t use harsh chemicals, sulfates or anything like that. I shampoo my hair with no poo cleansing conditioner and deep condition every week. Please HELP!
When you first noticed the pimples how were you wearing your hair? Have you used a relaxer or any form of chemical on your hair before? Do the pimples itch? Are there any other symptoms associated with the pimples? Has the area of hair loss spread? Is there any history of hair loss in your family? Please feel free to leave the answers here or email me at dr.kariwilliams@gmail.com so that we can go more in depth. I may need to see some pictures to help assist in giving an opinion on what may be happening to your scalp.
I’m very excited about this new feature, I hope to learn alot! My question is about my scalp area on the very top of my head. Sometimes it gets VERY itchy, and its not a surface itch, but like a really tingling itch just below the surface of my scalp. I notice that the hair in this area tends to grow slower and is difficult to keep moisturized. Could this perhaps be damage from getting relaxers or what? Is this a common issue?
How long have you experienced the itching? The cause may be due to the use of relaxers, but it may also be a sign of female patterned baldness. This is a hereditary condition and can only be confirmed through a scalp biopsy performed by a dermatologist. If there is inflammation in the epidermal layer of your scalp it can be reduced to slow down the effects of hair loss. The symptoms of hereditary hair loss include shrinking follicles that produce finer, shorter hairs. The thinning is diffuse in the crown of the head and there is sometimes an itching sensation.
Over the years with a relaxer I noticed that I began to get thinner and thinner temples. I did the BC last august and am natural now, but although my temples are thickening they’re not quite there yet. Is the damage permanent or is there anything that I can do to sort out my temples? (I never pull my hair straight back).
Congratulations on taking the step towards chemical free hair! The hair line is always a big concern. We can only determine if the hair will grown back if there are active follicles present. Sometimes after years of trauma, the body will heal itself and the follicles will degenerate. I recommend, that you continue to avoid styles that add stress to the hairline, stimulate the area through manual manipulation to increase blood flow to that area and add essential oils that increase stimulation like peppermint oil, tea tree oil, rosemary and ylang-ylang.
Awesome! This is an amazing addition! I hope this post gets FLOODED with questions because the facts WILL be delivered so I hope everyone is ready to receive!
I’m lending a listening ear…can’t wait to learn…thanks so much!
Hi, my scalp is very tender and itchy especially in the crown area. I am natural and have thick hair. My husband wats he sees nothing but I can feel like a small bump in some places…is this normal? What can I do that won’t cost me an arm and a leg:)
Hey Kandi, I accidentally posted the response to your question under Valerie below. So you can find your answer there.
I’m so glad that you’re contributing to this website Dr. Williams! Thank you both NikkiMae and Dr. Williams.
My question has to do with thinning hair in areas. I have been diagnosed with eczema at an early age. Sometimes the eczema effects my scalp. There has been times, albeit years ago where my scalp would itch so much that I would scratch patches of hair away. I had bald patches for years until the condition lessened and the hair began to grow back. I have used the steroid gels to decrease the itching in the past too but haven’t had to do so in a very long time. My concern is how the hair seems to be very slow to grow and thinned out in those areas. Did I destroy the follicles by scratching so much? Is there anyway to thicken the hair?
Sorry Valerie the comment below is for Kandi. But for you my love, your experience with eczema of the scalp is very common. Unfortunately the trauma to your scalp from the eczema breakouts and scratching may have caused the follicles to shrink therefore producing shorter finer hairs in those areas. My best recommendation is to be kind to those areas. Avoid styles that add extra stress and tension and increase stimulation to those areas through manual manipulation.
The bump you feel may be inflammation of a hair follicle. This can be caused by irritation from a product you are using on your scalp. It could also be due to a bacterial infection. If you scratch your scalp and create an open cut or wound, bacteria can enter and spread to nearby hair follicles. If there is a Trichologist in your area you can confirm the diagnosis with them. Or see a dermatologist. The key is to confirm exactly the cause of your scalp pimple before proceeding with treatment because you want to be sure the treatment will be effective.
I have been natural for about 21 months(last relaxer February 2010), and within the past 2 months I have discovered a few dime-sized bald spots on my scalp. They don’t seem to be getting any bigger, but when I first discovered them there were only 4, now there are 6. Is there anything I can do to restore hair growth in these areas and to stop this condition from getting worse? Thank you in advance for your advice
Hello Shana, typically when someone describes hair loss the way you have I immediately think alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune form of hair loss where the body attacks its own tissues. Because I cannot see the condition of your scalp where you are experiencing the hair loss I highly recommend you see a dermatologist in your area who is concerned with hair and scalp health. There may be a number of things causing your hair loss. Anything from a bacterial infection to systemic changes that are interrupting your hair growth cycle. You want to make sure you receive an accurate diagnosis so you can then implement an effective regimen that will give you results.
Hi
After years of relaxers and tight braids my hairline is really sparse despite being natural now for 7 years and dispensing with tight hairstyles long ago. The hair just doesn’t seem to want grow there. Is there anything I can do to help remedy this situation?
Thanks!
Based on your hair styling history and the amount of time that has passed, your hair follicles in that are have probably degenerated, or disappeared. I always encourage increased circulation to the scalp through manual manipulation or using products that stimulate the scalp. This increases circulation, carrying key nutrients to follicle sites, and helps hair cells regenerate. While you continue to nurture this area, continue to practice the avoidance of tightly braided styles and opt for styles that enhance your beauty and show off your curls. Preserving your hair is the goal and keeping what you have healthy is most important.
I was recently diagnosed with seborrhoeic dermatitis after suffering with flakes on my face and scalp as well as a white line on my hairline for years. it had gotten so bad that could no longer even bear to relax my hair because of the “fire” it caused no matter how careful I was. needless to say the doctor prescribed a cream for my face which found out was a steroid and even though it works, i do not feel comfortable using it on my face. are there any remedies that you recommend for my face as well for my hair (I have natural hair)?
Hi Gigi, I know the word “steroid” sounds scary and when we hear it we immediately think of illegal drug use by athletes or a synthetic harmful chemical. Hopefully I can ease your apprehension about using what has been prescribed to you by explaining the purpose of this particular steroid cream. The steroid you were prescribed is a derivative of the natural steroid hormone that your body produces in response to inflammation. The steroid is included in a number of topical creams and ointments to help control control the symptoms of the inflammation in localized areas of the skin. These symptoms typically include itching, and we don’t want you to scratch because it can cause infection. Just remember….its WORKING, and we want it to work. I hope this helps you feel more comfortable using the product.
Very excited for this informative blog! We need more education about our hair! Thanks!
Oh thank GOODNESS!! I am in DIRE need of advice! I’m so thankful for this new feature! My advice isn’t scalp related, it’s eye-lash related. For whatever reason, my eyelashes grow out but then they curl in, and sometimes they itch or hurt when they grow in. Because of this, for the past few months or so, I have been plucking them out (only the top lashes) and no matter how bad I try to grow them back, I can’t stop plucking them out out of sheer frustration. My top eyelids are COMPLETELY bald! What can I do to stop plucking them? I don’t think it’s psychological because when I pluck them, there’s REALLY an issue and they are bothering me, I don’t enjoy it. I asked a doctor about Latisse but she said using it wont mean that they won’t grow the same as they are now. PLEEEASE HELP! I feel so ugly without them….
Thanks in Advance
Jessica, I really wish I could help you but my area of expertise is hair disorders of the scalp. What type of doctor did you consult with before? Are you in the LA area. If you are, I can recommend an excellent dermatologist who may be able to help you. I know you are frustrated, but please try to refrain from plucking out your eyelashes. And remember, that you are beautiful. Reciting positive affirmations to yourself may really help you during this time.
so glad to have found your site. I suffer from an itchy scalp that usually flares up more on wash day. I use natural hair products and have even changed the products to see if that would help. There are no rashes, no redness or anything. Just that itch. It calms down after a while but just wondering why it happens. I was wondering if it were parasites?
When you say it flares up on wash day, do you mean when you use your shampoo and conditioners? If so, it could be an allergic reaction to an ingredient in your products. Although you use natural products, your scalp could be responding to one of the essential oils or even the fragrance. You would be surprised of the possible allergens that could be affecting you. Try taking an antihistamine when the itching flares up. If the itching ceases after taking the antihistamine, you are dealing with an allergic reaction to something and you want to determine what it is. You can also incorporate a tar based shampoo into your cleansing regimen. Tar helps to soothe itching. You can try T-Gel by Neutrogena. Apply the shampoo directly to your scalp, massage it in and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. You can repeat this twice depending on how much your scalp is itching. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Medicated shampoos used alone can be drying.
Hi Mae and Dr. Williams,
I have an issue with synthetic hair. I am natural and in the winter i like to get my hair in braid extensions (kinky twists or cornrows). It doesn’t matter which synthetic hair i purchase, my scalp itches and burns like crazy. I also wait at least a week or two before washing my hair with the extensions in to seek relief. But to no avail, my scalp still itch. Also, could it be from the tightness of the braids?
Thank you in advance for your time.
Hello Karen,
It sounds like you are allergic to synthetic hair and the only way to really experience relief is to not use it. You should consider some human hair options for twist extensions and braids…and these options do exist and can produce some really nice styles. The investment in human hair is going to be more, but at least you will no longer have the scalp discomfort.
Another option is to try and wash the synthetic hair before braiding it or twisting it into you hair. Use hot water and a clarifying shampoo. I like Lemon Fluff. Its really old school and you should be able to find it at the majority of beauty supply stores. Your scalp could be irritated by the chemicals used on the hair for color or texture. Washing it first may help remove some of this residue.
I’m 65 and been natural for 2 yrs. I use color in my hair, but what product to use becuse i use everything some one tell me to use for thinning hair
Hello Evelyn,
Do you want to know what products are best for coloring your hair or products to improve thinning?
Hello Dr. Kari,
Thank you so much for providing this service to our community. I have noticed thining hair at my crown and visited my dermatologist. She advised to stop using relaxers and heat and put me on monoxidil and a rotation of anti-dandruff shampoos. I have not relaxed my hair since Sep 2009 and have completely stopped using heat. I stopped using minoxidil after a few months as hair grew all over my body but sadly not on my crown. I have since noticed that the thinning now looks bald and the area is getting bigger. I have been seeing another dermatologist who only diagnosed it alopecia and was not able to determine a cause. I have been tested for autoimmune disorders and all results have been negative. I have also had my thyroid tested and the results have been within normal ranges. I have gotten steroid shots in my scalp and have been put back on minoxidil and biotin pills. I have not seen any results. I will be getting my second course of steroid shots later this month. Is there anything my dermatologist is overlooking? This is very depressing to me and would appreciate any advice you can give me.
Hello Chris,
I definitely understand how difficult and frustrating this process can be. Have any of the dermatologists you’ve seen performed a scalp biopsy? The scalp biopsy will help determine why your hair is thinning and if there is scar tissue. If there is scar tissue then the hair will not grow back unfortunately. Are there any symptoms associated with your hair loss? You mentioned the dermatologist put you on a rotation of anti-dandruff shampoos. Were you dealing with flaking and itching on the scalp?
My cousin is experiencing serious breakage and her front hair practicaly gone. she has stopped relaxing her and has cut off all of her relaxed ends. She has been natural fro more than 7months but she is still experiencing hair loss. She is really freaking out. I would really love to help her but i actually have no idea what to do as well. Please could you advice me. Thanks