Morning Realities and Hair Worries
It’s a typical morning. You’ve sent the kids off to school, and now it’s your time to prep for the day. As you style your hair and tidy up the bathroom, there it is — hair everywhere. On your shoulders, in the sink, scattered on the floor, and tangled in your brush.
You glance in the mirror, noticing that your hair isn’t as thick as it once was. In some spots, you can even see your scalp. The frustration feels overwhelming. But here’s the good news: there are steps you can take to address this problem head-on.
Hair Loss in African American Women: A Growing Concern
Having been in the hair care industry for over 25 years, one alarming trend stands out: African American women are experiencing hair loss at an unprecedented rate.
Many of these issues stem from aggressive hairstyling practices that, over time, severely damage hair follicles. Braids that are too tight, weaves installed with excessive tension, and tightly pulled ponytails are often to blame. These practices can lead to a condition called traction alopecia.
What Is Traction Alopecia?
Have you ever noticed tiny white dots near your hairline or around your scalp? These dots often indicate the hair strand’s bulb lifting from your scalp, a telltale sign of tension or traction alopecia. The good news is that if the follicle isn’t dead, the damage can be reversed. Stimulating dormant hair follicles can encourage new growth.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
While styling practices are a major culprit, they’re not the only reason for hair loss. Let’s explore other contributing factors:
1. Temporary Hair Loss
- Causes: High fever, childbirth, or periods of extreme stress.
- Solution: Once the underlying condition resolves, hair often grows back naturally within a few months.
2. Dietary and Hormonal Imbalances
- Causes: Thyroid issues, nutritional deficiencies, or medications.
- Solution: Correcting the imbalance can restore healthy hair growth. Supplements, hydration, leafy greens, and regular exercise can also work wonders.
3. Chronic Hair Loss
- The most common type is androgenic alopecia, where new hair grows thinner over time. This is often linked to hormonal changes, particularly during and after menopause.
The main culprit? Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, which wreaks havoc on hair follicles. Blocking DHT can significantly reduce hair loss.
A Natural Approach to Hair Recovery
If you’re dealing with any of these hair loss issues, don’t lose hope. Natural remedies and practices can help restore your hair to its former glory. Essential oils, for instance, are powerful tools for treating scalp and hair issues. Derived from plants, they’re potent but should always be diluted with carrier oils or gels for safety.
Why Aloe Vera? Aloe vera gel is an excellent carrier for scalp treatments. It hydrates the scalp, a crucial factor for healthy hair growth. Other effective carrier oils include sweet almond, avocado, and jojoba oil.
Here are three DIY scalp treatments you can try:
Hair Loss Scalp Treatment
Ingredients:
- 2 oz aloe vera gel
- 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3-5 drops rosemary essential oil (Note: Consult your doctor if you have high blood pressure.)
- 3-5 drops thyme essential oil
- 3-5 drops clary sage essential oil
Directions:
- Gently brush your dry hair and scalp for 2-3 minutes to stimulate follicles.
- Mix all ingredients in a tint bottle.
- Apply the mixture to your scalp and massage for 3 minutes.
- Cover with a plastic cap and use a hooded dryer for 20 minutes (or wrap a warm, damp towel around your head).
- Shampoo, condition, and style as usual.
Alopecia Scalp Treatment
Ingredients:
- 2 oz aloe vera gel
- 3-5 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3-5 drops thyme essential oil
Directions:
- Brush and massage your scalp for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the ingredients in a tint bottle and apply to your scalp.
- Massage thoroughly for 3 minutes.
- Use a plastic cap and heat treatment as described above.
- Shampoo, condition, and style as usual.
Hair Growth Treatment
Ingredients:
- 2 oz aloe vera gel
- 3-5 drops of geranium essential oil
- 3-5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
- 3-5 drops of pink grapefruit essential oil
Directions:
- Stimulate your scalp by brushing and massaging for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix the ingredients and apply to your scalp.
- Massage gently and apply heat treatment.
- Shampoo, condition, and style as usual.
Stay Consistent and Stay Hopeful
Hair loss can feel devastating, but with a little patience and consistent care, you can see results. If you visit a salon regularly, prepare your treatments at home and bring them to your stylist. Most hairstylists are eager to help maintain healthy hair, and you can share this guide with them for added reassurance.
Remember, reversing hair loss takes time, but with diligence and faith, you can achieve healthier hair. Stay consistent, stay positive, and keep caring for your scalp and hair.
Product Recommendations: Click here to find a curated list of products and tools to support your hair restoration journey. Happy hair healing!
Hello,
I’m debating on shaving my head bald, like amber Rose or just cutting it down even which would be very short not even finger nail length due to the hair in the middle of my head falling out.. is it best to just start over. I was told to go bald dead hair only keeps hair in the broken off places from growing, please help thank you
Hi Tearra, you don’t have to necessarily shave your hair close, it depends on the size of the damaged spot. If it’s more than 3 inches wide, it will probably be easier to start over. If not, you can cover the spot with the surrounding hair until the broken spot has some length and then cut all the hair off to the shortest length. It’s all up to you, but both solutions will get you back to a full head of healthy hair. I hope this was helpful, and thanks for visiting.
Im 53 soon to be 54 and 8 have noticed in the last 3-4 years that my hair seems to NOT be growing(in earlier years I could grow my hair out to shoulder lenght within 6 months,I wear a short pixie cut)now it takes forever to grow out I suppose it’s menopausal,but I’m mighty thin in the crown and I don’t know what to do.going to try some of these remedy and see how they work.
Hi Stephanie,
I’m trying to avoid breakage. I’ve stopped using oils on my scalp because I have inflammation. My dermatologist told me that applying oil directly to my scalp feeds the yeast which leads to itching which leads to breakage. But because I’m not moisturizing it in the way I am used to, I’m not sure how to move forward. Right now, I’m using a combination of prescription Clobetasol and over the counter Rogaine to treat “female pattern hair loss” but the Rogaine has led to headaches. I am going to try Viviscal again, which I used in my mid-20s and helped with thickening of my hair.
Do you have any other natural remedies that might be helpful?
Thank you,
Teresa
Hi Christy, I’m sorry to hear that your hair loss is causing you much sorrow. I have had clients that have suffered from hair loss after child birth and many have had success with my Follicle Rejuvenating System. It has been 12 years with your condition and that is not the best sign, but if you still have fuzz in the thinning spots, chances are the follicles are lying dormant and just need to be stimulated. You can take a look at the system here http://thehaircarecompany.org/follicle-system-instructional-video/, or by hovering over the products and clicking on The Follicle Rejuvenating System in the drop down. It’s all natural, and maybe just what you’ve been looking for. I hope this was helpful, and please keep me posted.
Hi. Okay so I am suffering from breakage really badly. Before my hair was really healthy. I would wash my hair once a week (I have a really dry scalp so I HAVE to wash my hair every week) and I would straighten it. I have done this for a whole year now, Recently I saw MAJOR breakage in my hair and it so I decided so stop with the heat and just wear my hair curly (im tex-laxed). But its still breaking. When I say major breakage I mean like when I just touch my hair it falls out. So I’ve been wearing my hair like this for about 2 weeks but its only getting worse. I’ve tried hot-oil treatments, deep conditions. I don’t know what to do. Also as I am washing my hair I see clumps falling into the sink. I don’t know what is going on with it.
Also, I had shoulder blade length hair. I got it cut and now it will not grow back. And I am always having to cut it because the breakage thins the ends and it just looks plain horrible. I do not wear weaves, or braids soooooo. I REALLY need your help!
Sorry I was really rambling I hope this makes sense.
Hi Kim, sorry that you are having trouble with excessive shedding. I’m going to suggest a protein treatment followed up by a moisturizer to immediately stop the shedding. Give yourself this treatment every 2 weeks for 2 months or until the shedding is under control, whichever comes first. If it continues, you may want to seek out a dermatologist or trichologist for further analysis. Here are a decent protein and moisturizing kit that will probably do the trick. Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer and Two-Step Protein Treatment
I hope this was helpful.
Hi, I am a 56 year old black female and I am ready to give up on my hair. My hair has been breaking and I am not sure what I need to do?
I would love to try to help you, but I need more information about your hair. Do you wear a relaxer, color, braids, weaves, etc… Are you experiencing hair loss or breakage? Are you developing bald spots? I need more details and maybe together we can figure something out.
Hello..I’m 46 and perimenopausal. I’ve always had very thick hair but in recent months..it has been shedding and is thinner. I am now taking Biotin and using a mixture of peppermint and olive oil…any other tips
Hello Cynthia,
It sounds like you are on the right track. Just make sure that you are taking other vitamins along with the Biotin and be sure to get plenty of water and exercise for 30 minutes or more at least 3 times a week. Just remember it’s a process and your situation will not change overnight. Have patience and stay the course.
I’m 46 years old and for the past 5 years, I’ve noticed a change in texture and density of my hair. The hair strands are much thinner than before. I’ve been having hair shedding off and on during this time also. Mostly brought on by stressful events but then it would get somewhat under control. For a while, I was wearing clip ins to keep my hair protected and avoid styling/heat, but then I noticed the shedding and thinning areas were more aggressive in those areas where the clips were placed. I have stopped wearing clip ins but I am still experiencing more shedding again. I’ve had hormone tests done, been to a dermatologist, used essential oil treatments on the scalp (lavender, peppermint, rosemary and vitamin e with jojoba, argan, and castor oils), I’ve minimized use of heat (air dry roller sets), and my stylist does protein / moisturizing treatments about 1x/month. I’ve tried conditioning treatment hair products that are supposed to stop the shedding, but it’s STILL happening! The doctors say my hormone levels are normal, dermatologists just said “hey, it’s part of aging”. No one can tell me what is going on. I just don’t think at 46 my hair should be falling out like this! My stylist did say that she doesn’t notice any shiny bald spots or anything that would indicate the hair follicles are dead or damaged. In fact, I can see small, tiny, thin pieces of hair in certain spots….but again, the hair that may be growing in there is much more fine and thin than before. Please help! What can I do?
Hi Dee,
I totally understand what you’re going through. Unfortunately, most women around our age start to go through this. It sounds like you have made many changes to slow down the thinning process, and that’s good. The only thing that I would do is to start exfoliating your scalp 4 times a year (the change of the seasons is a good time to do this), to rid your scalp of products build up, dead skin cells, and strengthen your hair roots. You can read all about by clicking here. We exfoliate our bodies and faces and never exfoliate our scalps which is skin too. Most of my clients get this service done quarterly and all are quite pleased with it. I have many hairstylists that purchase this treatment from me and offer the service in the salon. I encourage you to mention it to your stylist and direct her to the webpage to get more information. I hope this is helpful, and wish you healthy hair success.
Hello Stephanie,
I am 56 and have been going through menopause for a couple of years now. I have not had any braids or weaves for a long time. My hair is growing, (I can put 3 plats in it), But it breaks off so bad! I wash and condition my hair, and also put a leave-in condition on it, but it still breaks off. I wear a wig and my hair is platted and protected underneath, but when I take the plats down there is balls of hair. I don’t know what to do. I would love to wear my hair naturally. Also, I am taking medicine for high blood pressure.. Thanks for your time and any suggestions.
Hello,
Aloe vera is a good moisturizer and can help to moisturize the hair so that it’s not so brittle. After shampooing just add a little aloe liquid gel to a moisturizing conditioner, cover with a plastic cap, and sit under a hot dryer for at least 15 minutes. Rinse and style as usual. This may help to stop some of the brittleness and breakage. You can check out the aloe liquid gel and moisturizing conditioner I recommend here: https://amzn.to/2y3giCD https://amzn.to/2LK63Fl
I hope this is helpful!
I’m 44 years old and in 2014 I was diagnosed with CHF. I also have Fibromyalgia. I take Lisinopril mixed with HCTZ, I also take Nifedipine for high blood pressure. The crown area of my hair goes through a cycle of intense itching along with the hair breaking and thinning. It comes and goes. I’ve seen a dermatologist to get the flare ups under control. Also when I was younger I wore ponytail styles all the time. When I got older I began wearing wigs on a daily basis. These wigs had combs in them which pulled out my edges. The hair is slowly growing back in the crown area but I never know when my scalp will flare up again. As for my edges they grew just a tiny bit. Is there any hope for my hair? What are my options? Does this mean my follicles are dead? What do I do from this point? Please help….
Hi Corinthia, the good news is that if there is some hair in the areas you mentioned the follicle are not dead but are probably lying dormant. Unfortunately, the medication that you are taking is probably having a significant impact on your hair growth. When you are in a situation like this, trial and error is the only way to find out if something will help your situation. I have had many clients with much success from the treatments I have to offer, and I have also treated some with no results at all. My suggestion to you would be to exfoliate your scalp first to see if that will start to control the flare-ups and calm the scalp. If that starts to help, you should then move on to Follicle Rejuvenating Treatments to stimulate hair growth.
I hope this is helpful.