It happens to women too! It's not always genetic and I don't believe a majority of the hair loss around the temples or entire hairline is not caused by some unavoidable programming in your DNA. Many of the hair loss challenges that women with curly or coily hair face can be attributed to two conditions namely: traction alopecia and chemically induced alopecia. I’ll address traction alopecia in this piece.
Traction alopecia is caused by the constant tugging and
pulling of hair caused by very tight: Braids/extensions, cornrows, twists,
weaves, pulled back styles, pony tails etc. Although these hairstyles can be
low maintenance, the frequency with which they are done and the degrees of
tightness applied to the hair will determine what extent of hair loss will be
experienced over time.
Try this analogy: most of us women tweeze our eyebrows
right? If we tweeze them enough times, the areas from which we continuously
pull out hair stop growing hair. This same response will be experienced if your
hair strands are held too tight repeatedly such that they get plucked out. This
type of hair loss is mainly experienced around the temples or more generally
around the hairline. Over time, growth of hair in these areas can be slowed
down. In serious cases, the hair roots are permanently damaged and the hair stops
growing altogether.
The good news is that you can prevent traction induced
alopecia by changing your practices. Below are six ways to prevent hair
breakage and/or permanent hair loss from constant pulling and tugging of hair:
- Avoid
tight and/or heavy braids, cornrows with or without extensions, weaves or
other similar hairstyles.
- Go to
a good stylist who understands the impact of tight braids on hair and will
spare your entire hair line when styling your hair.
- Reduce
the number of times that you get your hair braided by using products,
tools and techniques that can simplify the daily management of your hair.
- If
your hair is braided too tight or you notice your braids lifting with
strands of your hair, do not take a pain killer to manage the discomfort.
The discomfort is a sign that your scalp is in danger. Take the braids
out, moisturize your hair and scalp very well and seek a new stylist who
will take better care of your hair.
- Do not
wear your braids, twists, cornrows, weaves and other similar hairstyles
for too long. This can cause serious hair breakage.
- Constantly
and intensely moisturize your braids, cornrows, twists, weaves and other
similar hairstyles to ensure minimal breakage when combing out. Use
the Naturaz Rehydrating Mist & Detangler to
keep your hair soft and moisturized. It will make it really easy to
take down your braids and detangler your hair with minimal shedding.
- Although
protective hairstyles are very useful. Remember not to hold your pull back
styles too tight or not to wear your hair pulled back too often. If you
do, over time you will notice thinning around your hairline.
- Weaves
are a great way to drastically change up your style. Avoid tight weaves
and also avoid using weaves to cover up hair loss. You will notice
additional thinning in areas that are being pulled and tugged.
- If you
notice thinning as a result of weaves, give your hair a break and if you
can’t step out with your God-given tresses, throw on a wig on top of well
moisturized hair.
- Using
an effective moisturizer, gently massage areas with thinning hair to
increase circulation and help moisture and key essential oils to nourish
your hair.
If you find that your hair is not growing regardless of what product you try, you may already have permanent damage to your hair roots and you may need a hair transplant. Consult with your dermatologist or research and find a qualified hair transplant surgeon if you find yourself in this situation.