Meet Our New Guest Contributor: Dr. Kari Williams, Trichologist

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 WilliamsAn 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!