Thinning edges can be a nightmare in a world full of silk presses, harsh colorants, badly done relaxers and a need to have perfectly sleeked down hair. Did you know that 40% of women suffer from hair loss at some point in their lives? Whether it’s postmenopausal shedding, postpartum or even stress-related shedding, hair loss is normal at some point unless triggered. Sadly, women of color make up more than half of the percentile because of constant manipulation. This 5-minute read will help you better understand what you can do to restore your edges with more suitable options.
- Avoid very tight braids.
We all want to look good especially in braids. However, sometimes we want to look good at the expense of our edges. There are several types of alopecia but the most common plague in the colored people community has to be Traction Alopecia. This is when hair experiences too much tension when braided and shedding is inevitable.
Honestly, we are all guilty of this at some point in our lives making it a menace and a relatable one at that. By all means, make sure your braids are not too tight and do not be afraid to let your voice be heard in a beauty salon. If it is too tight, chances are it will thin out your edges and before long, bald them entirely.
- Sleep in a satin bonnet/scarf with no cotton borders.
Satin bonnets are supposed to protect our hair while we sleep against friction from cotton pillowcases that deplete valuable moisture, making it dry and brittle. Although these bonnets are an inexpensive way to keep hair protected, it defeats the purpose if they have a cotton border. The whole bonnet should be satin to avoid suffocating the edges leaving them dry and neglected.
It is also important to make sure that if adjustable, they are not too tight. This ensures that your edges can breathe giving them room to flourish.
- Moisturize and include a scalp massage in your regimen.
Hair growth oils and hot oil treatments work wonders on dry hair. Our rebirth hair growth oil with Monistat is amazing at reviving hair to its former glory. As much as scalp massages sound cliché, they really do work. Massage your scalp with our growth oil for at least five minutes on a regular to stimulate blood flow to the affected area and be patient.
Another great oil that will change your hair game completely is Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This oil is packed with valuable nutrients that moisturize, thicken and strengthen hair. It also prevents breakage, dandruff, dry itchy scalp and eczema and can be used on any hair type.
- Be intentional with protective styling.
Protective styles for thinning edges are aimed at tucking hair, protecting it from the elements and constant manipulation that leads to breakage and damage. Our edges are quite sensitive. They are the most fragile and break easily if not always protected.
Make sure that your protective style of choice is actually protecting your hair and not aggravating the situation. Clean, deep condition and braid up your hair beneath your wig, weave or crochet and avoid very tight braids. Do not leave a protective style too long and always make sure it is moisturized. 4-8 weeks is great so as to avoid matting depending on the style.
Speaking of protective styles, most hair is lost during the take down process. Take your time with it, finger detangle for the most part as much as you can. Use wide teeth combs (no brushes) and do not detangle dry hair. Incorporate an oil/hot oil treatment before washing to avoid Hygral fatigue. This is when hair experiences excessive swelling from water causing weaker strands, eventually leading to breakage.
- Gels and edge control are hurting your edges.
Gels are notorious for having a lot of alcohol that helps them dry fast. However, the same alcohol is responsible for drying out hair just as much. Although we all love that slicked-down look, follow the steps below and everything will be alright with your edges:
- Do not opt for gels with maximum hold because they have more alcohol and aggressive compounds in them.
- Rinse off the edge control/gel from your baby hairs before you go to bed. This reduces tension, relaxes your edges and avoids breakage.
- We all like a slicked-down look but steer clear of making it your everyday style as it causes constant tension to hair.
- Look for an edge brush suited for baby hairs because some brushes are very hard being more of the problem than a solution.