Hair Hormones

Fundamentals

The intricate dance of life within our bodies, a symphony of unseen forces, finds a remarkable conductor in what we affectionately term ‘Hair Hormones.’ At its simplest, the phrase Hair Hormones refers to the diverse array of chemical messengers, or hormones, that orchestrate the growth, texture, and overall health of our hair. These powerful internal signals are not mere whispers; they are directives that guide the very journey of each strand, from its nascent emergence to its eventual release. Understanding this fundamental connection allows us to appreciate the biological underpinnings of our hair’s vitality.

Consider the hair itself ❉ a complex structure, rooted in the skin, that responds acutely to the body’s internal environment. Hair follicles, those tiny organs responsible for hair production, are remarkably sensitive to hormonal fluctuations. This means that changes in these chemical messengers can lead to observable shifts in our hair’s appearance, density, and even its characteristic curl pattern. It is a biological truth, yet one often overlooked in the rush of daily life.

Within the context of textured hair, particularly that of Black and mixed-race individuals, the influence of these hormones takes on an even deeper resonance. Our hair, with its remarkable variations in curl, coil, and wave, is a testament to genetic heritage, yes, but also to the subtle yet profound influence of these internal chemical compositions. The definition of Hair Hormones, then, extends beyond mere biological explanation; it becomes an invitation to explore how these elemental forces have shaped hair traditions and care practices across generations.

Hair Hormones are the body’s internal messengers, influencing hair growth, texture, and health, particularly significant in the unique expressions of textured hair.

Think of a sapling reaching for the sun; its growth is guided by unseen signals within its very being. So too with our hair. Hormones such as Androgens, Estrogens, and Thyroid Hormones play a central role in the vitality and growth of hair. Androgens, often associated with male characteristics, are present in both men and women and can either stimulate or inhibit hair growth depending on their levels and the hair’s location on the body.

Estrogens, conversely, are known to promote hair growth, contributing to hair that is softer, thicker, and appears healthier. Thyroid hormones, produced by the thyroid gland, are metabolic regulators that also hold sway over hair growth and the hair cycle, affecting its protein synthesis and energy metabolism.

The interplay of these hormones is a constant, subtle conversation within the body. When this conversation is balanced, hair tends to thrive. When there are shifts, however, the hair often reflects these changes. This basic understanding provides a groundwork for delving into the deeper historical and cultural interpretations of hair health, particularly within communities that have long understood the body as an interconnected whole.

The Body’s Whispers in the Strand

From the earliest moments of hair follicle formation, a molecular genetic process guides its development, with hormones like thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin-like growth factor-I, and prolactin all contributing to its healthy progression. The story of our hair is, in essence, a story of these internal dialogues. It is a constant unfolding, responsive to our internal rhythms and the broader experiences of life.

For individuals with textured hair, the intrinsic characteristics of the hair follicle itself, which determines the curl pattern, are also intertwined with these hormonal influences. While genetics largely dictates the shape of the hair follicle—round for straight hair, more oval for curly hair—hormonal shifts can still affect the hair’s texture, thickness, and growth rate. This inherent responsiveness of textured hair to internal states has long been observed and understood within traditional care systems, even if the precise scientific terminology was yet to be articulated.

Intermediate

Moving beyond the fundamental understanding, the intermediate meaning of ‘Hair Hormones’ invites a closer look at the specific roles these biological agents play in the dynamic life cycle of hair, especially as it relates to the distinctive qualities of textured hair. The hair growth cycle, a continuous process of growth, rest, and shedding, is exquisitely sensitive to hormonal regulation. This rhythmic dance, occurring within each hair follicle, can be profoundly altered by imbalances or shifts in the body’s hormonal landscape.

Three primary categories of hormones hold particular sway over hair:

• Androgens ❉ These are a group of sex hormones, including testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While present in both men and women, higher levels or increased sensitivity to androgens can lead to conditions like androgenic alopecia, where hair follicles shrink and hair becomes finer and shorter over time. This phenomenon is a common cause of hair thinning across all hair types, including textured hair.
• Estrogens ❉ Predominantly female sex hormones, estrogens are known for their protective and growth-promoting effects on hair. Higher estrogen levels often correlate with longer anagen (growth) phases, leading to thicker, more lustrous hair. This is particularly noticeable during pregnancy, when elevated estrogen can result in many women experiencing their best hair quality. Conversely, a drop in estrogen, such as during the postpartum period or menopause, can lead to increased hair shedding and thinning.
• Thyroid Hormones ❉ The thyroid gland produces hormones (T3 and T4) that regulate metabolism throughout the body, including within hair follicles. Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can disrupt the hair cycle, leading to hair that is dry, brittle, and prone to thinning or diffuse hair loss. These conditions can profoundly impact the vitality of textured hair, making it more susceptible to breakage and reducing its characteristic bounce.

Beyond these major players, other hormones like cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone,’ can also significantly impact hair health. Elevated cortisol levels, a consequence of prolonged stress, can prematurely push hair follicles into the resting phase, resulting in increased hair shedding. This connection between stress and hair loss is particularly poignant within communities that have historically faced systemic stressors, where the body’s physical responses, including hair changes, can mirror societal pressures.

Hormonal shifts, from androgens to estrogens and thyroid regulators, directly influence hair’s life cycle, manifesting visibly in textured hair’s density and vitality.

The intermediate interpretation of Hair Hormones also recognizes that the impact of these chemical messengers is not uniform across all individuals or hair types. Genetic predispositions play a significant role in how sensitive hair follicles are to particular hormones. For instance, certain hair follicles might be genetically more susceptible to the effects of DHT, leading to localized thinning patterns. This inherent variability underscores the importance of a personalized approach to hair care, one that acknowledges both universal biological principles and individual heritage.

Hormonal Rhythms and Textured Hair ❉ A Deeper Look

The sensitivity of textured hair to hormonal changes is a topic of increasing discussion. Consider the profound transformations many Black and mixed-race women experience during life stages marked by significant hormonal shifts:

• Puberty ❉ The surge of androgens during puberty can lead to the development of coarser, darker terminal hair in various body areas, including the scalp. For some, this period might coincide with a noticeable shift in their hair’s curl pattern or thickness.
• Pregnancy and Postpartum ❉ The elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy often result in a period of increased hair density and reduced shedding, leading to a ‘pregnancy glow’ for hair. However, the precipitous drop in estrogen after childbirth can trigger a temporary but often alarming period of hair shedding, known as postpartum hair loss. This experience, while common, can be particularly distressing for new mothers with textured hair, who may already be navigating significant changes in their self-perception. Traditional practices, often passed down through generations, have long offered remedies for this phase, focusing on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the hair.
• Menopause ❉ As women approach menopause, estrogen levels decline while androgen levels may remain constant or even increase, leading to a relative increase in androgens. This shift can result in hair thinning on the scalp and, for some, the growth of coarser hair in other areas. Black women, in particular, may experience earlier onset and more intense symptoms during menopause, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to health and hair care during this transition.

The understanding of Hair Hormones at this level allows us to connect the scientific explanation of these physiological events with the lived experiences and ancestral wisdom that have guided hair care for centuries. Traditional African and diasporic hair care practices often intuitively addressed these hormonal shifts, employing natural ingredients and rituals aimed at promoting balance and resilience.

For example, certain African ethnobotanical traditions have long utilized plants for hair health, some of which possess properties that could indirectly support hormonal balance or mitigate their effects. While direct scientific studies on the hormonal activity of these traditional remedies specifically for textured hair are still emerging, the historical application speaks to a deep, empirical understanding of the body’s interconnectedness. The practice of scalp massage, prevalent in many ancestral hair care rituals, is now understood to increase blood flow to hair follicles and reduce stress hormones like cortisol, thereby promoting healthier hair growth.

This interplay between historical practice and scientific explanation provides a rich framework for appreciating the wisdom embedded in textured hair heritage. It underscores that the care of our hair has always been, at its heart, a holistic endeavor.

Academic

The academic elucidation of ‘Hair Hormones’ transcends simple definitions, positioning it as a complex, dynamic interplay of endocrine signaling pathways that intricately regulate the follicular morphogenesis and cyclical behavior of hair. This deeper interpretation acknowledges that hair is not merely a static appendage but a highly responsive biological tissue, profoundly influenced by systemic hormonal milieu and local hormonal metabolism within the follicular unit. The meaning here delves into the molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations of hormonal influence, with particular emphasis on how these factors uniquely shape and impact textured hair, a biological and cultural marvel.

At its core, the scientific meaning of Hair Hormones revolves around the precise actions of various steroid and peptide hormones on the hair follicle, a mini-organ undergoing continuous cycles of growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and rest (telogen).

The principal hormonal actors include:

1. Androgens ❉ Primarily testosterone and its metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), exert profound, often differential, effects on hair growth depending on the body region. In genetically predisposed individuals, scalp hair follicles can exhibit heightened sensitivity to normal circulating levels of androgens, leading to miniaturization—a process where follicles progressively shrink, producing finer, shorter, and less pigmented hair, characteristic of androgenic alopecia. This hypersensitivity is not due to an excess of hormones, but rather the hair roots’ inherent reactivity. The dermal papilla cells within the hair follicle contain androgen receptors, mediating these effects. For textured hair, this miniaturization can alter curl patterns, leading to a perceived ‘loosening’ of curl or a reduction in volume, which can be distressing for individuals whose identity is closely tied to their hair’s natural form.
2. Estrogens ❉ These steroid hormones, particularly estradiol, generally prolong the anagen phase, promoting robust hair growth and density. Estrogen receptors are found in hair follicles, and their presence is particularly noted in melanocytes, suggesting a role in hair pigmentation as well. The fluctuating levels of estrogen across a woman’s lifespan—from the heightened states during pregnancy to the significant decline in menopause—directly correlate with observable changes in hair quality and density. Notably, studies indicate that Black Women’s Hair, in Particular, may Exhibit Higher Estrogen Receptor Content Compared to White Hair, Suggesting a Potentially Different or More Pronounced Response to Estrogenic Influences (Rosado, 2003, p. 61). This biological distinction underscores why hormonal shifts might manifest uniquely in textured hair, influencing its resilience and how it responds to care.
3. Thyroid Hormones ❉ Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), regulated by TSH, are metabolic linchpins, influencing cellular functions, including hair follicle metabolism and protein synthesis. Both hypothyroidism (insufficient thyroid hormones) and hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormones) can lead to diffuse hair loss and changes in hair texture, making hair dry, brittle, and lacking vitality. The impact of thyroid dysfunction on textured hair can be particularly acute, exacerbating dryness and fragility, conditions that are often already a concern for individuals with tightly coiled strands.
4. Cortisol ❉ As a primary stress hormone, chronically elevated cortisol levels can disrupt the hair growth cycle by prematurely shifting follicles into the telogen (resting) phase, leading to increased shedding, a condition known as telogen effluvium. The pervasive impact of stress on hair health, particularly in communities facing ongoing socio-economic and racial stressors, adds another layer of complexity to understanding hair changes. Traditional wellness practices, including those from the African diaspora, often incorporated stress-reducing rituals that, unbeknownst to practitioners in scientific terms, served to mitigate cortisol’s effects.

The academic discussion also extends to the intricate feedback loops and local enzymatic conversions that modulate hormonal action within the hair follicle itself. For example, the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone to the more potent DHT, a key factor in androgenic alopecia. Furthermore, the presence of various receptors (e.g. androgen receptors, estrogen receptors, thyroid hormone receptors, melatonin receptors) within different follicular cells dictates the specific response to circulating hormones.

From a research perspective, understanding Hair Hormones in textured hair involves navigating the intersection of genetics, endocrinology, and dermatological science, all while acknowledging the historical and cultural contexts that shape hair care practices. The prevalence of certain hair loss conditions, such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) or traction alopecia, within Black women’s communities, while not solely hormonal, can be exacerbated by underlying hormonal sensitivities or the physical stress placed on hair already compromised by hormonal imbalances.

Consider the compelling case of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that significantly impacts textured hair. PCOS is characterized by elevated androgen levels, leading to symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth in male-pattern areas) and, paradoxically, thinning hair on the scalp, a form of androgenetic alopecia. This dual manifestation—unwanted hair growth in some areas alongside scalp thinning—presents a unique challenge for individuals with textured hair, whose cultural practices and aesthetic preferences are often centered on scalp hair density and health.

The complexity of PCOS, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, is seen as a confluence of internal imbalances affecting the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, leading to hormonal disruptions and compromised blood flow that impact hair health. This ancient understanding, while not using Western scientific nomenclature, speaks to a holistic recognition of systemic imbalance manifesting in hair.

Another critical area of academic inquiry involves the potential hormonal activity of hair care products. A study highlighted that certain hair lotions and root stimulators commonly used by Black women displayed estrogenic activity, while other products acted as androgen antagonists. This finding introduces a crucial, yet often overlooked, variable in the hair-hormone equation for textured hair communities.

It suggests that external applications, beyond their cosmetic benefits, might subtly influence the hormonal environment of the scalp, potentially contributing to or mitigating hair health disparities. This area warrants further rigorous investigation, as it connects everyday care practices directly to the intricate biological landscape of Hair Hormones.

Academic inquiry into Hair Hormones illuminates how intricate endocrine signals, influenced by genetics and environment, profoundly shape textured hair, with conditions like PCOS demonstrating complex, often dual, manifestations.

The implications of this academic understanding are far-reaching. It informs the development of targeted treatments for various forms of alopecia and hair thinning, moving beyond symptomatic relief to address underlying hormonal dysregulation. For instance, hormone therapy, including birth control pills with estrogen and progestin, can help regulate hormone levels and reduce androgen-related hair growth. Anti-androgen medications can also block androgen receptors and lower androgen production.

Furthermore, it validates the wisdom of traditional practices that, through centuries of observation, developed holistic approaches to hair health, often without the benefit of microscopes or hormone assays. These ancestral methods, from herbal remedies to dietary adjustments and scalp massages, often align with modern scientific understanding of supporting hormonal balance and mitigating stress-induced hair changes.

The academic lens also calls for a more culturally sensitive approach to hair science and medicine. Recognizing the unique physiological responses and historical contexts of textured hair, particularly within Black and mixed-race communities, is paramount. This involves moving beyond a universalized model of hair biology to one that acknowledges and integrates the rich tapestry of human hair diversity and its intricate relationship with internal chemistry and external care.

Reflection on the Heritage of Hair Hormones

As we close this exploration of Hair Hormones, the echoes of ancestral wisdom reverberate, reminding us that the scientific understanding we now possess is but a new language for truths long held in the hearts and hands of our forebears. The ‘Soul of a Strand’ ethos, which guides Roothea’s living library, finds its deepest resonance here, where the elemental biology of our hair intertwines with the enduring heritage of textured hair care. Our hair, a living archive, whispers tales of resilience, adaptation, and the profound connection between our inner world and outer expression.

From the ancient riverbanks where women first blended herbs and oils to nurture their coils, to the bustling markets of today where communities seek holistic remedies, the understanding of hair’s responsiveness to internal states has always been present. Though they may not have named them ‘androgens’ or ‘estrogens,’ the intuitive knowledge of how life’s rhythms—childbirth, elderhood, periods of plenty or scarcity—influenced hair’s vitality was woven into every braid, every cleanse, every anointing. This ancestral wisdom, often rooted in ethnobotanical practices, implicitly acknowledged the role of what we now term Hair Hormones, seeking balance through natural means.

The journey of textured hair through history, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals, is a powerful testament to this enduring connection. Our hair has been a canvas for identity, a banner of resistance, and a vessel for ancestral memory. When hormonal shifts, stress, or illness caused changes in hair, our communities responded with ingenuity, drawing upon generations of accumulated knowledge. These practices were not just about aesthetics; they were about holistic wellness, about maintaining harmony within the body and spirit, recognizing that hair health was a reflection of deeper equilibrium.

The reflection on Hair Hormones, therefore, is not merely a scientific summary. It is an invitation to honor the continuity of care, to see modern scientific insights as a validation of ancient truths, and to appreciate the profound wisdom embedded in the heritage of textured hair. May we continue to listen to the whispers of our strands, understanding that their story is inextricably linked to the grand, ongoing narrative of our collective human experience.

References

• Cloud Nine New Zealand. (n.d.). How Hormones Affect Your Hair. Retrieved from https://www.cloudninehair.com.au/blogs/news/how-hormones-affect-your-hair
• Davines. (n.d.). Why Your Hair Texture Changes and What To Do About It. Retrieved from https://us.davines.com/blogs/by-davines/why-your-hair-texture-changes-and-what-to-do-about-it
• Tresses Lagos. (2024, August 2). Understanding Hair Thinning ❉ Causes and Solutions for Black Hair. Retrieved from https://tresseslagos.com/blogs/hair-care/hair-thinning-black-hair-causes-solutions
• Reddit. (n.d.). Can medicine change hair texture? My hair was 4c and would shrink into a tight ball when washed and now it’s like this. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/blackladies/comments/14981m0/can_medicine_change_hair_texture_my_hair_was_4c/
• Dr. Vegan. (n.d.). How hormones affect your hair. Retrieved from https://drvegan.com/blogs/articles/how-hormones-affect-your-hair
• Click2Pro. (n.d.). Reduce Stress for Hair Loss Without Medication – Psychologist in Chennai. Retrieved from https://www.click2pro.com/blog/reduce-stress-for-hair-loss-without-medication/
• Healthline. (2022, May 12). Hirsutism (Excessive Hair Growth in Women) ❉ Causes, Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/hirsutism
• Karger Publishers. (2025, January 20). Herbal Remedies for Hair Loss ❉ A Review of Efficacy and Safety. Retrieved from https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/530509
• Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Hair Loss in Black Women ❉ Tips from an Expert. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/hair-loss-in-black-women-tips-from-an-expert
• The Endocrine Center. (n.d.). What’s Causing My Excessive Hair Growth? Retrieved from https://www.endocrinecenter.com/blog/whats-causing-my-excessive-hair-growth
• Health. (2024, March 30). Random Dark Hair ❉ Causes, Meaning, Removal. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/random-dark-hair-8608826
• Dr Cinik. (n.d.). Thyroid and Hair Loss ❉ Causes and Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.drcinik.com/thyroid-and-hair-loss/
• ResearchGate. (2025, February 16). Hyperthyroidism ❉ a review of the African American population. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380556858_Hyperthyroidism_a_review_of_the_African_American_population
• OJS Unud. (n.d.). ESTROGEN RECEPTORS OF HAIRS BLACKS AND WHITES. Retrieved from https://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/jim/article/view/10042
• (2024, August 11). Thyroid Disease In Black Women and How Sea Moss Can Help. Retrieved from https://seamosslife.com/blogs/news/thyroid-disease-in-black-women
• Wikipedia. (n.d.). African-American hair. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_hair
• FOLX. (2022, March 15). How Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy Impacts Hair, Explained by FOLX. Retrieved from https://www.folxhealth.com/library/estrogen-hrt-hair-growth/
• GoodRx. (2024, May 8). 9 Natural Hair-Growth Remedies. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/hair-loss/natural-hair-growth-remedies
• GinSen Clinics. (n.d.). What is Stress-Related Hair Loss, and is it Reversible? A TCM Perspective. Retrieved from https://ginsen.co.uk/blogs/health-wellness/what-is-stress-related-hair-loss-and-is-it-reversible-a-tcm-perspective
• YouTube. (2023, July 14). Hairstylist’s historical hair growth tips ❉ can historical hair care secrets REALLY grow long hair? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F01n0vJ_i-o
• Umthi. (2023, September 14). The Cultural Significance and Representation of Afro-Textured Hair: Retrieved from https://umthi.co.za/blogs/news/the-cultural-significance-and-representation-of-afro-textured-hair
• (2024, March 12). How to Stop Losing Hair Due to Stress ❉ Effective Remedies and Solutions. Retrieved from https://www.capillus.com/blogs/hair-loss/how-to-stop-losing-hair-due-to-stress
• Afriklens. (2024, November 1). African Hairstyles ❉ Cultural Significance and Legacy. Retrieved from https://afriklens.com/blogs/afriklens/african-hairstyles-cultural-significance-and-legacy
• MDPI. (n.d.). Cosmetopoeia of African Plants in Hair Treatment and Care ❉ Topical Nutrition and the Antidiabetic Connection? Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/16/2/96
• PMC. (2023, August 8). An Update on Alopecia and its Association With Thyroid Autoimmune Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10427389/
• ResearchGate. (n.d.). Original Article Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants used in the Treatment and Care of Hair in Karia ba Mohamed (Northern. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380126780_Original_Article_Ethnobotanical_Survey_of_Medicinal_Plants_used_in_the_Treatment_and_Care_of_Hair_in_Karia_ba_Mohamed_Northern_Morocco
• MDPI. (n.d.). The Genomic Variation in Textured Hair ❉ Implications in Developing a Holistic Hair Care Routine. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/13/7/1169
• (n.d.). It’s Not Just Hair ❉ Historical and Cultural Considerations for an Emerging Technology. Retrieved from https://scholarship.law.duke.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1652&context=dlj
• (2023, November 30). What Every Dermatologist Must Know About the History of Black Hair. Retrieved from https://www.jddonline.com/articles/what-every-dermatologist-must-know-about-the-history-of-black-hair-S154596162300627X/
• ResearchGate. (2024, February 1). Cosmetopoeia of African Plants in Hair Treatment and Care ❉ Topical Nutrition and the Antidiabetic Connection? Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378125434_Cosmetopoeia_of_African_Plants_in_Hair_Treatment_and_Care_Topical_Nutrition_and_the_Antidiabetic_Connection
• PMC. (n.d.). An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9374026/
• Ruwaa. (2024, June 14). Tresses Through Time ❉ A Journey Through the History of Hair Care. Retrieved from https://ruwaa.co/blogs/news/tresses-through-time-a-journey-through-the-history-of-hair-care
• ResearchGate. (2024, March 1). Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants used in the Treatment and Care of Hair in Karia ba Mohamed (Northern Morocco). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378873099_Ethnobotanical_Survey_of_Medicinal_Plants_used_in_the_Treatment_and_Care_of_Hair_in_Karia_ba_Mohamed_Northern_Morocco
• Plush. (n.d.). Understanding the Role of Hormones in Hair Growth and Hair Removal. Retrieved from https://plushhair.in/blogs/hair-growth/understanding-the-role-of-hormones-in-hair-growth-and-hair-removal
• Alopecia Treatment Center. (n.d.). Ayurvedic Hair Care for New Mothers – Alopecia Treatment Center. Retrieved from https://alopeciacure.com/ayurvedic-hair-care-for-new-mothers/
• Euphoric Herbals. (n.d.). Top 5 Postpartum Hair Loss Home Remedies. Retrieved from https://euphoricherbals.com/blogs/articles/postpartum-hair-loss-home-remedies
• (n.d.). The intersection of culture and science in South African traditional medicine. Retrieved from https://journals.ufs.ac.za/index.php/jcm/article/download/4561/4607/
• USZ. (2024, May 27). Hormonal hair loss – USZ. Retrieved from https://www.usz.ch/en/clinic/dermatology-and-venerology/hair-and-nail-diseases/hormonal-hair-loss/
• ResearchGate. (n.d.). Influence of hormones on the hair cycle in different stages of female life. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Influence-of-hormones-on-the-hair-cycle-in-different-stages-of-female-life_fig1_343279904
• PMC. (2020, July 28). Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7464057/
• Syra. (n.d.). BALANCE HAIR TEA – HORMONE BALANCING. Retrieved from https://syra.co/products/balance-hair-tea
• Rennora Beauty. (2025, January 15). Postpartum Hair Loss in African American Women | Rennora Beauty. Retrieved from https://rennorabeauty.com/blogs/hair-loss/postpartum-hair-loss-african-american-women
• PMC. (n.d.). Hormonal Effects on Hair Follicles. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7464057/
• (2021, May 6). Hormonal activity in commonly used Black hair care products ❉ evaluating hormone disruption as a plausible contribution to health disparities. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33951722/
• Pan-African. (2025, January 29). The Unique Challenges of Menopause for Black Women. Retrieved from https://pan-african.com/blogs/news/the-unique-challenges-of-menopause-for-black-women
• YorkSpace. (2021, October 20). Braided Archives ❉ Black hair as a site of diasporic transindividuation Océane Nyela A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Gradua. Retrieved from https://yorkspace.library.yorku.ca/items/e0892a01-20a2-4211-9a7c-f1262846985c