We invite you to participate in a research study being conducted by investigators from The University of Iowa. The purpose of this study is to administer a survey to improve understanding of hair loss and hair practices in individuals of the Sikh faith. Sikh men and women do not cut their hair for religious reasons. The hair is most often tied tightly into a bun and kept wrapped with a turban. Traditional styling methods pull on the hair, leading to hair loss called traction alopecia. Hair loss in Sikhs often goes unnoticed as it is covered by a turban. Currently, there is limited data on the prevalence of this condition and what hair practices may be contributing to this. As a result, there is a need for further studies to explore Sikh hair care practices to increase understanding of what may put them at risk for traction alopecia. With this knowledge, physicians can improve recommendations and management of this condition to help patients seek treatment before it becomes irreversible.
If you agree to participate, we would like you to fill out our one-time anonymous survey. Taking part in this research study is completely voluntary. If you do not wish to participate in this study, you may decline to do so. If you have any questions about the research study itself, please contact: Harpinder Dhinsa at [email protected].
Thank you so much for your consideration of this research study.
Survey Link: https://uiowa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_daOHqXudkNe9r2C