Find a Doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or Licensed Medical Aesthetician

Every shade and texture of our skin tells a unique story of heritage, environment, and experiences. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that when it comes to healthcare, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it. The challenges and intricacies of Black women’s skin and hair require specialized understanding. That’s why it’s paramount to find a dermatologist or licensed practitioner familiar with the specific concerns and nuances we face.

— Dr. Amy McMichael, Professor and Former Chair of Dermatology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine

It is okay to say, “I know you are a dermatologist and I appreciate your knowledge. Have you had experience with people like me?”

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Our telehealth portal provides access to board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, licensed dermatology nurse practitioners, and licensed medical aestheticians who are Black people with your lived experience.

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How to Choose Your Dermatologist?

Finding a dermatologist who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating Black skin and hair is a challenge. About 13% of the U.S. population identifies as Black or African American, but only 3% of U.S. dermatologists consider themselves a part of our group. 1 Relatively few dermatology training programs provide specific experience in treating patients with Black skin and hair, and many dermatologists don’t feel their medical training adequately prepared them to treat Black patients. 2-4 Therefore, we’d like to offer you tips on how to find the best dermatologist for your individual needs.

How to Find a Qualified Dermatologist Who Treats Black Patients

  • Ask your esthetician, Black friends, or trusted primary care physician for a referral or recommendation for a dermatologist who understands Black skin and hair. Also, search to see if a medical center near you has a clinic that specializes in treating skin and hair of color or ethnic skin and hair. The goal is to find 2 or 3 possibilities.
  • Once you identify dermatologists, check their credentials and website for:
    • Where did they train in dermatology, i.e., where did they complete their dermatology residency? Does it seem like they trained in an area where they would see many Black patients? For example, the dermatology residency training program at Howard University College of Medicine is a historically Black institution in Washington, DC, where there are many Black patients.
    • Are they board certified, i.e., are they certified by the American Academy of Dermatology (as a fellow with FAAD after the MD beside their name)?
  • Before making an appointment, call the office and ask, “I appreciate you have a lot of training and expertise, but what is your experience with treating Black skin, Black hair, and my specific condition?
    • Ask, “Will I be seeing the doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant (PA), and what is their experience treating people of color?”
    • If you’re not comfortable with your options, let them know you prefer to see the doctor.
    • If you are still unable to find a qualified dermatologist whom you are comfortable with, contact WeSeeColor, and we can help you find access to the right dermatologist for you.

If you are limited to seeing a non-Black dermatologist because so few are available, you are going to need to be prepared.

  • Ensure you review the articles specific to your condition along with the accompanying “Ask You Doctor” questions posted on WeSeeColor.net.
  • Be sure to prepare and bring the following (access hyperlink to download checklist):
    • Detailed medication list
      • Including contraceptives and over-the-counter (OTC) supplements
    • Detailed list of cosmetics, skincare, and hair care products
    • Pictures of labels of medications and products as above
    • Make a list to provide a detailed medical history, including all non-skin-related conditions
    • Be prepared to discuss your ethnic background and origin of your ancestors
    • Questions from the appropriate article from the WeSeeColor.net website
  1. Pandya AG, Alexis AF, Berger TG, Wintroub BU. Increasing racial and ethnic diversity in dermatology: A call to action. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016;74(3):584-7. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.10.044.
  2. Nijhawan RI, Jacob SE, Woolery-Lloyd H. Skin of color education in dermatology residency programs: does residency training reflect the changing demographics of the United States? J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;59(4):615-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.06.024.
  3. Ibraheim MK, Gupta R, Dao H, Patel A, Koshelev M. Evaluating skin of color education in dermatology residency programs: data from a national survey. Clin Dermatol 2022;40(2):228-233. DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.11.015.
  4. Gupta R, Ibraheim MK, Dao H, Jr., Patel AB, Koshelev M. Assessing dermatology resident confidence in caring for patients with skin of color. Clin Dermatol 2021;39(5):873-878. DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.08.019.

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Six Essential Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Professional about Black Skin and Hair

When it comes to the care of our skin and hair, the right healthcare professional can make all the difference. Not all practitioners are well-versed in the particular needs of Black skin and hair. So, to ensure you’re placing your trust in the right hands, arm yourself with these six essential questions:

  • What’s Your Experience with Black Skin and Hair?
    Kick off with a straightforward question. How many patients with similar concerns as yours have they treated? An experienced practitioner will have a track record of treating diverse skin and hair types, especially those of Black individuals.
  • How Do You Address Specific Concerns like Hyperpigmentation or Alopecia?
    These conditions, among others, can manifest differently in Black skin and hair. Ensure your practitioner is knowledgeable about these nuances and can offer tailored recommendations.
  • Are You Familiar with the Different Textures of Black Hair?
    From coily to wavy, our hair textures are diverse. A practitioner who understands this diversity will be better equipped to offer care tailored to your specific hair type.
  • How Do You Approach Scar Treatment and Prevention?
    Black skin can be more prone to keloids or raised scarring. It’s essential to know if your practitioner is experienced in both preventing and treating such scars.
  • Which Products or Treatments Do You Recommend for Black Skin and Hair?
    Products and treatments that work for one skin type might not be suitable for another. Ensure your practitioner’s recommendations are well-suited for melanin-rich skin and diverse hair textures.
  • How Do You Stay Updated on the Latest Research and Techniques?
    Healthcare is ever-evolving. You’ll want to entrust your skin and hair to someone who stays informed about the latest research and techniques, especially as they relate to Black skin and hair.

Your skin and hair deserve the best care, and that starts with finding a practitioner who genuinely understands their unique needs. Don’t hesitate to ask these questions and any others you might have. Informed patients make empowered decisions.