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Danita Peoples, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, Wayne State University

What is alopecia? It's no laughing matter for millions of Black American women

Jada Pinkett Smith has spoken about her struggles with hair loss. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

The Oscar slap that overshadowed the Academy Awards ceremony was sparked by a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s lack of hair – with husband Will Smith objecting violently to comedian Chris Rock mocking the actress’s shaved head.

Away from the recriminations over what could be perceived as a mean-spirited jibe and a disproportionate response, many people will sympathize with Pinkett Smith. As millions of women in the U.S. will attest, hair loss is no laughing matter.

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