Bridging the gap in dermatologic care for afro-textured hair: Addressing disparities through collaboration and education

Summary: Hair and scalp health are vital components of dermatologic care, yet patients with Afro-textured hair face persistent disparities in diagnosis and treatment. These inequities stem from limited representation of dermatologists and insufficient training on Afro-textured hair in medical education. Patients often experience inadequate care and report discomfort addressing hair and scalp concerns with racially incongruent providers, further burdened by the need to explain cultural hair practices. Meanwhile, dermatologists cite a lack of confidence and minimal training on Afro-textured hair as barriers to providing equitable care. Hairstylists, often serve as primary assessors of hair and scalp health but rarely collaborate with dermatologists. Initiatives like The Black Hair Curriculum and The S.T.R.A.N.D. Network highlight the potential of integrating culturally relevant education into medical training and fostering partnerships between hairstylists and healthcare professionals. These efforts aim to improve diagnostic accuracy, patient-provider relationships, and health outcomes for patients. This paper explores the root causes of disparities in dermatologic care for Afro-textured hair, evaluates current solutions, and proposes systemic changes to center Afro-textured hair in medical education. By addressing knowledge gaps and leveraging community partnerships, we can dismantle hair care inequities and create a healthcare system that prioritizes inclusivity and cultural competence. Alejandra Sataray-Rodriguez³, Damilola Oladinni¹, Hafsa F. Hassan² 1. A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, Mesa, AZ, United States. 2. Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH, United States. 3. University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research