"I'm 23 and losing my hair"

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.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Fana Negash, Carolyne Kiambo and Keikantse Shumba

Senior Producer: Priya Sippy and Bella Twine

Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi

Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla