Kirk Williams

Patients often ask dermatologists how to best care for their specific hair type; however, there are no formal recommendations that apply to the many different hair care practices utilized by Black patients, as hair types in this community can range from wavy to tightly coiled.1 Understanding the the history of hair care in those of African ancestry and various styling practices in this population is necessary to adequately counsel patients and gain trust in the doctor-patient relationship.

References 1, , , , , , et al. Basal cell carcinoma: epidemiology; pathophysiology; clinical and histological subtypes; and disease associations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019; 80(2): 303–317. 2, , , , , , et al. Sclerodermiform basal cell carcinomas vs. other histotypes: analysis of specific demographic, clinical and dermatoscopic features. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021; 35(1): 79–87. 3, . Dermatoscopy of amelanotic and hypomelanotic melanoma. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2014; 12(6): 467–472. 4, .

Picture this — you’ve somehow convinced your favorite band of all time to play a concert in your living room. They’ve brought a booming PA system, lights and all the fixings for an incredible show. Someone offers you a drink while the band sets up, and you happily accept. As the music begins, you think, “How is this even possible? I have my favorite band playing right in front of me!” Then you turn around and see nearly 10,000 other people watching the same show.