Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access

The emerging proactive call for anti-aging ethnic products: To an otherwise reactive consumer category

4^th International Conference and Expo on Cosmetology & Trichology

June 22-24, 2015 Philadelphia, USA

Nina Turnage

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Clin Exp Dermatol Res

Abstract :

Introduction: Historically, African American women have been revered for their youthful appearance and apparent aversion to generational aging. Conversely, their response to marketers to preserve youth and diminish the naturally occurring effects of aging is a definite postponed reaction to a need�??if ever, rather than a preventative. Traditionally and categorically, African American women have not bought into the anti-aging personal care market at the rate of their female counterparts, partly because marketers continue to miss this segment. Alternatively, the hair care market remedies anti-aging by addressing issues such as dryness, roughness, dull or gray hair�??a segment of possible interest due to rapid hair loss, thinning and damage. Conversely, with the popularity of hair extensions and other glue attached prostheses, the damaging effects cause the sensitive vellus hairs along the hair line to thin and recede. Another damaging effect is the method in which these styles are achieved. Friction from threading and tight pulling from braiding compromises the integrity of the hair greatly and can cause significant hair loss. Overuse of extensions and improper installations, specifically by non-professionals are the main culprits. Manufacturers have not yet met the need, nor have they marketed products that address these issues directly. Summary: Consequently, thinning hair is a natural occurrence for most women over time due to aging, medications or other metabolic changes in the body. But the damage being seen today in girls as young as 14 is self induced and sometimes irreversible due to the apparent, disregard of hair loss when the desire to achieve certain styles is greater. Seen daily in my practice, they seek solutions to reverse the sign of damage and hair loss, an issue the market has yet to address or market specifically or categorically as anti-aging. Enter now, an imminent need for efficacious consumer products that address and alleviate these issues.