'Balding in my early twenties' | The Conversation | Focus on Africa

Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, affects an estimated 160 million people worldwide. Some forms of the condition disproportionately affect black women, due to a combination of factors including hairstyles that place tension on the hair, as well as genetic and hormonal influences. Now, some dermatologists are also saying they're seeing more cases, particularly among younger people. Meanwhile, researchers in Japan have hinted at potential new treatments for hair loss. Focus on Africa podcast host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to 23-year-old Sharon Chepkoech, known online as Kechi, from Kenya, and 47-old-year Mpume Dlamini from South Africa about their experience of living with alopecia and how they are using social media to raise awareness of the condition. 00:00-00:45 Coming Up 00:45-02:10 Meeting Kechi and Mpume 02:10-05:05 When did they first notice their hair loss? 05:05-06:25 How they managed their hair loss 06:25-08.40 A dermatologist on alopecia and its causes 08:40-10:05 The type of alopecia Kechi and Mpume have 10:05-15:10 They journey since the alopecia diagnosis 15:10-15:50 Accepting alopecia 15:40-16:20 Going to the salon 16:20-18:30 Finding community on social media 18:30-20:00 Dating with alopecia 20:00-23:00 A new breakthrough for hair growth? 23:00-24:30 A message for young women with hair loss Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Wanjiru Jotham Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla